Not just for men: Meet the young woman breaking barriers in electrical training

When she enrolled in an Electricity and Solar training, she knew she was stepping into a field where few women are represented. 

Shukri is gaining practical, market-relevant skills that are in growing demand. The training begins with the basics, helping trainees understand what electricity is and how it works in everyday life. She has learned key concepts such as current, voltage and how these come together in real systems.

What makes the experience transformative is the hands-on approach. Shukri builds simple electrical circuits using bulbs and batteries, works with conductors and insulators and practices using switches. These are not just classroom exercises. They are skills she can apply in real-life settings.

Safety is also central to her learning. She now understands how to handle electrical components responsibly, identify potential hazards and use protective equipment such as gloves and safety goggles. “Before, I had no idea about these risks. Now I know how to work safely and correctly,” she explains.

For Shukri, the impact goes beyond learning a trade. It is about confidence and possibility. Being a young woman in this field comes with challenges, but it also gives her a sense of purpose. She is not only building skills, she is challenging expectations. “I feel proud of myself. I want to show that girls can do this work too.”

Shukri’s journey is part of a growing change. More girls are starting to take up work that was once seen as only for men. With the right opportunity, they are building skills, earning an income and showing others what is possible.

The training is delivered under the Inclusive Livelihoods for Vulnerable Pastoral Groups project, funded by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) through the Somali Resilience Program (SomReP). The project focuses on equipping vulnerable groups with practical skills that strengthen livelihoods and reduce long-term dependency.

The message is clear. This is not only about training. It is about expanding access and investing in individuals who can drive change within their communities.

Shukri is already thinking ahead. “I want to continue improving my skills and use them to support myself. I hope more girls will join,” she says.

Shukri is part of a wider effort to create opportunities for young people across Somaliland. Through the Inclusive Livelihoods for Vulnerable Pastoral Groups project, DRC, with support from Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency through the Somali Resilience Program, is working with its local partner Candlelight to deliver vocational training in Arabsiyo, Salahley, and Jaleelo in Somaliland.

The program offers a mix of practical courses based on local demand, including electricity and solar, plumbing, tailoring and henna and make-up. In total, 110 young people are enrolled across six training classes.

The approach is simple but intentional. Each course is selected based on what skills are needed in the community and where there is real potential for income. At the same time, the program is working to open doors for women in fields where they are often underrepresented.