Charisma is a God given. You either have it or you don’t. It is a mysterious ineffable quality that has the ability to attract, charm, and influence other people. Muna Axmed possesses this rare gift. She hails from Hargeisa which is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Somali land, a self-declared state that is internationally recognized as an autonomous region of Somalia.
When I met Muna at President Obama’s Young African Leadership Initiative, I was quickly drawn to her charm, beauty and smartness.
Tell us a little bit about your background in a snap shot- education, career history and where you are now.
I grew up in Hargeisa, the home of poets, entrepreneurs and scholars. I studied what I love, Applied Science and Somali literature and Creative Writing from the University Of Hargeisa and graduated in 2014. I also have a diploma in Human Development.
Growing up, I was a very curious girl. I was surrounded by lots of creativity. We had numerous cave paintings from the Neolithic period which are found in the Laas Geel complex, on the outskirts of Hargeisa.
There are herds upon herds of camels in my community. If you did not find me trying to suck milk straight from the camel, you would find me trying to squeeze myself in the middle of adults eating camel meat and especially the hump or drinking camel milk which is very healthy by the way.
I mean, I liked being respected and listening to old tales and current affairs and if it took forcing my way into old people’s gatherings, I had to.
I am now a full time writer and a youth activist. I started a few years ago with the writing and when I would tell people that I am in to it, most of them did not believe me, I mean, they did not understand how a quiet sweet little cute girl could write (She bursts out laughing).
Have you encountered many challenges being a woman in the industry?
When I first shared my fictional stories, they were always unexpectedly captivating to the audience. This caught my community by surprise and they really appreciated my work. My work mainly focuses on community issues and raising awareness on tribalism, youth immigration and so on.
I have won three creative writing competitions which gave me momentum to continue sharing serious matters and in a creative way with my community. I published my first book in July 2014, Baadidoon, Which means “looking for.” It was well received. I am an active member of a writing club called Hargeisa International Book Fair, one of the biggest book festivals in East Africa.
My community respects women and men equally and this has not been a challenge. I am encouraged because there are many women across Africa who are rising in to positions of influence and I feel there is room for many more.
My passion is to inspire young people to be patriotic, to love and embrace their roots and be a part of contributing to the growth of their respective countries.
I like that you mentioned your passion in mentoring young people. Please tell us more about that.
My fictional stories have engaged a lot of young people, I love meeting with them. Most of them read my work and have joined the writing community.
Isn’t that amazing? We have many untold stories in this continent. We are the most richest when it comes to traditional culture, we must share and appreciate it.
My work has helped trigger a sense of curiosity for the audiences. When I first started publishing my stories on my personal blog, hundreds of people used to visit it each day. I observed that I had unknowingly manufactured an opportunity to influence others. This led to my work being published.
I also do not limit myself to my culture. I once wrote an article about the famous english drama ‘Hamlet’ by Shakespeare after a performance that was held in Hargeisa early last year.
Where do you draw your main influences from?
Africa is my muse. The people, traditions, different cultures, history, flora etc., Anything that exudes creativity does it for me.
You have become quite the celebrity in this YALI cohort. There is even a Muna song. Why is that?
Oh my goodness, Isn’t obvious? Everyone loves my name. It means beautiful or a unique flower. I also think there is a ring to it, don’t you? (She laughs and gives me a high five). One day someone started singing “Muna..Muna..Muna..Muna” and the song stuck and has now become my name. (She bursts in to the Muna song). Pardon my manners, I just love that Arabic tune with my name on it. I also love people, comedy, fun and dancing.
Your advice for young African leaders out there?
Dear young African Leaders the most precious gift that Africa has is us. Let’s put our hands together. Let’s make our continent the best continent in the world. Constantly equip yourself. Apply for opportunities.
I am this far because of great determination and action. I know that right now being in YALI has changed my perspectives and I have made connections that will last forever with other African leaders. I beg you not to watch TV the whole day and say you are waiting for the government to create jobs, my friend, you are the government!
What’s next for you, and how can we see more of Muna Axmed?
Within the next 10 years, I want to see the changes that I have made in my community come to fruition. I intend to help build a library in every village and city in Somaliland. I want to equip young people and positively impact my community.
Please do tell of a funny/crazy/weird thing you have ever done?
I once wrote an article about the cockroaches!
Africa in three words?
Home of adventure, love and happiness.
Favourite food and why?
Chocolates! they make me irrationally happy.
