Improving economic livelihoods for Somali women. Our center is voluntarily helping disadvantaged women and youth by providing vocational hair and beauty training.

Women who are benefiting from the vocational training provided by Retaaj Hair and Beauty Center.

“This training has given me confidence in myself and my skills to go out and make a living on my own,” says 21-year-old Yasmin Abdi. “The programme has given me access to skills and training that was previously unavailable to me,” she adds.

Yasmin and 27-year-old Amina Mohamed, participated in hair training courses offered by the Retaaj Beauty Center in Hargeisa, the regional capital of Somaliland. The training, which is supported by Laila Omar the owner of the center, provided them with the knowledge to prepare various kinds of hair and beauty treatments.

Through the programme they were also able to get practical experience by taking part in a work placement at the Retaaj Hair and Beauty Center.

Women supporting women

Laila Omar, owner of the Retaaj Hair and Beauty Center, said. “As a woman, I was excited to be part of a programme that wants to help women stand on their own two feet,” .

“It is good to have hard working women helping with our productivity. I want to hire Yasmin and Amina if I open a new centre and I want to continue to work with the community here in Somaliland to continue to support women,” Laila Omar added.

Retaaj Hair and Beauty Center is working with women and young people in conflict affected communities in Somalia to improve economic and employment prospects. With an increase in women-headed households and families dependent on a woman’s income, these business-orientated training services provide a much needed focus on women’s access to employment opportunities across the country.