The recent US mid-term elections highlighted the growing influence of Somali-American women in politics, a phenomenon often referred to as the “Somali wave.” Out of around 40 Somali-Americans elected to various offices, eight were women, many wearing the hijab. Ilhan Omar, re-elected to Congress for a third term, remains the most prominent figure, alongside leaders like Deqa Dhalac, mayor of South Portland, Maine, and newly elected state legislator Mana Abdi. These women serve as powerful role models, inspiring younger Somali and Muslim women to enter public service. Their rise reflects not only personal determination but also the strong, organised nature of Somali diaspora communities, which have leveraged their voting power, fundraising ability, and solidarity to gain political representation. This growing political presence challenges patriarchal traditions and the dominance of conservative clerics within the diaspora, while also showing that Islam and liberal democratic values can coexist. For many Somali-American women, wearing the hijab is not a barrier but a symbol of empowerment, blending faith with modern leadership. The Somali wave signals a cultural and political shift, encouraging a new generation of Somali women to aim for leadership roles in the US, Somalia, and beyond.
Somalia’s deep-rooted nomadic culture, known as reer guuraanimo, shaped generations of pastoralists who moved in search of pasture and water. While many Somalis have since settled in cities, the spirit of mobility continues to define the nation’s identity especially through migration and the expansive Somali diaspora. Driven by authoritarian repression in the 1980s and civil war from 1991, Somalis sought asylum across Africa, Europe, North America, and Australia. Refugee camps like Dadaab became starting points for resettlement abroad. Even in exile, the diaspora remained closely tied to Somalia. Through remittances now estimated at $1.6 to $2 billion annually the diaspora supported relatives, funded education, and even helped stabilize the economy. Since 2009, waves of educated, entrepreneurial returnees have launched businesses, introduced new services, and taken on key government roles.