Iman Ahmed Abdikarin was born in Italy on 12 May 1997 and returned to Mogadishu, Somalia in 1999. However, the situation in Mogadishu at the time was dire due to the chaos and violence that had plagued the country since the collapse of its central government in 1991. The civil war, which began with the ousting of President Siad Barre, created a power vacuum and intense clan-based warfare. The country was divided into various fiefdoms controlled by warlords, with no effective central authority to govern. Civilians, like Iman and her mother, faced constant threats to their safety, including bombings, gunfights, and looting.
The breakdown of infrastructure and social services at the time further compounded their suffering, with limited access to healthcare, education, and basic necessities, along with restrictions on movement. Iman was not permitted to leave the house, which severely limited her opportunities. Consequently, she received a home-schooling education.
Upon reflection of the situation in the country and the injustices faced by vulnerable people, Iman decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in law. A career in law was the best way to bring about change, influence, and empower people through the rule of law. Iman graduated from Simad University in 2021 and started working at a local law firm.
However, Iman found that her career did not meet her aspiration and ambitions. Growing up in an unstable environment marked by armed clashes, she witnessed firsthand the injustices faced by vulnerable people, particularly women and girls, who were subjected to harmful practices like female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage. She noticed a glaring gap in the legal field—there were no female lawyers serving the community, leaving female law students without role models to aspire to.
Determined to change this, Iman realised that the only way to truly empower the marginalised and vulnerable women and girls was to set up a law firm dedicated to advocating for their rights. In August 2023, Iman established, Hiil Law Firm, the first female-led law firm in Mogadishu.
“Since I was an employee, I couldn’t help as many people as I see facing human rights violations. I remembered the reason I enrolled in law school was to help and advocate for the people, not only to become an employee and get paid, so I decided to establish my own law firm.”
Since its inception a year ago, Hiil Law Firm has tackled the challenges faced by marginalised communities in Somalia through community engagement, capacity-building for female law students, and pro bono legal aid. To date, 25 women and girls have received court representation and consultation under Hiil Law Firm. By connecting with women and girls affected by gender-based violence and empowering future female lawyers, Iman believes Hiil can make a significant impact in addressing these critical issues.
As the Founder and CEO of the firm, Iman is responsible for overseeing the entire operation, providing strategic direction, and representing the firm in external matters. In addition to these duties, she also serves as a lawyer, particularly focusing on family cases involving child custody and support. Iman reflect on a case she handled involving a 14-year old girl pregnant.
“It was heartbreaking—she was a child carrying another child, without a home or support, and that deeply affected me. This case served as a poignant reminder of the importance of defending the rights of the most vulnerable, especially children”.
As a young female lawyer in Somalia’s male-dominated legal field, Iman frequently must demonstrate that she is indeed leading the firm, as many assume a male leader is behind her. This bias highlights the perseverance and resilience required for women in leadership roles in Somalia.
Iman deeply believes that in a country like Somalia, where women are often marginalised and their voices silenced, female lawyers are not just essential—they are a lifeline for those facing human rights violations. In a society where gender inequality is deeply rooted, female lawyers offer more than just legal representation; they bring understanding, empathy, and hope to those most vulnerable. For many women who have endured unimaginable abuses, from violence to discrimination, the presence of a female lawyer means the difference between silence and the courage to speak out. In a culture where women are often hesitant to share their stories with men, female lawyers provide the comfort, trust, and healing that is desperately needed.
Iman envisions a future where the contributions of female lawyers help to shape a more inclusive and equitable legal system—a future where every woman, no matter her background or story, can find justice, dignity, and empowerment through the hands of those who truly understand her struggle in a society that too often overlooks her.