Dr. Hawa Abdi

Dr.Hawa Abdi: The Woman Who Changed Somalia Forever

In the article Where I Find My Heroes , Oliver Stone states, “To be a kind and loving parent is an act of heroism. So there you go- heroes are everyday, common people.” Heroes don’t have to be famous or popular, they just have to be courageous and dedicated. The American society has forgotten the meaning of the word hero. Most people think it is a word to describe a person who brings us entertainment, and is recognized for her success, when in fact, a hero possesses greater qualities.  A person who puts others before herself and utilizes all of her time into helping others and accomplishing their life-long dreams is a person who is courageous and devoted. A hero is someone who dedicates her life to work that will save thousands, has the courage to stand up for others’ rights, and is humble about their success. In addition to those qualities, a worthy hero surrenders herself to helping others and is determined to change the world. A hero views the world through a different lense than most people and constantly strives to have the courage to stand up to their enemies and possess the devotion to take risks for the sake of others.  

A hero is an everyday person who decides to do something extraordinary. Hawa Abdi expresses these qualities when she chooses to become a doctor and save lives. Hawa Abdi was born in Somalia in 1947. Her mother died during childbirth when she was only 12 years old. This event forced her to mature quicker and assume responsibility of caring for her younger siblings. The death of Hawa Abdi’s mother motivated her to become a doctor and save people from experiencing the pain of losing a loved one. Her choice to become the first female obstetrics and gynecologist in Somalia saved many women and children. Because of her mother’s death, Hawa Abdi became invested in her education and in achieving her goal of becoming a doctor. She went to high school in Somalia and then continued her education in Ukraine to attain a doctorate’s degree. Additionally, Abdi dedicated her time to helping others and opening her own clinic in Somalia. She chased her dreams and achieved her goals. Hawa Abdi became a doctor, managed a clinic, opened up a school, stood up to her enemies and changed 90,000 lives for the better. A hero is an everyday person, like Hawa Abdi, who devotes her time to saving lives and has the courage to fight for her dreams and stand up to her enemies.

Dr. Hawa Abdi treating an infantwww.throughthefire.co.ukDr.Hawa Abdi displays actions of devotion through the risks she takes for her patients and the acts of kindness she shows to her Somalis. When commanded by her superior to let a child die peacefully, Dr. Hawa Abdi disobeys her orders and tries to save the child by doing a simple, yet difficult procedure: “I made a small incision into the skin, found a vein, found another vein, and inserted into the vein a small tube. I came back later, she[the mother] thanked me for saving her son” (Hawa Abdi). The incision that Hawa Abdi made into the dehydrated child’s skin was enough to save the child’s life. Once the boy was stable the mother thanked Hawa Abdi for being the only doctor who had hope in saving her son. In this situation Hawa Abdi demonstrates her devotion to saving a life. She took the risk of losing her residency at the hospital to follow her gut and save that child’s life. Hawa Abdi did not only save the child’s life, but she also saved the mother from feeling the pain of losing a child. Dr. Hawa Abdi demonstrates a devotion to her people when she changes her lifestyle to better the lives of those affected by the collapse of the Somali Government. When the vagabonds came knocking on Hawa Abdi’s door she welcomed them in with open arms: “Dr.Hawa Abdi saved 90,000 people by turning her 1,300 acres of land into a housing facility” (Hawa Abdi). This gesture is what made Dr.Hawa Abdi known by the people of Somalia as Mama Hawa. Her willingness to let 90,000 strangers live on her own private land, pay for their food and necessities shows her remarkable personality. Unlike many people who slammed the door in their faces, Hawa Abdi pulled her door wide open and welcomed the 90,000 strangers in like they were her own family. Despite being in a difficult financial place and having to sell the family gold, Hawa Abdi took on the challenge of giving the vagabonds a home and a family. Hawa Abdi’s ability to fully devote herself to helping others no matter the risks make her a mother of all.

Somali Girls and Boys Receive an Education at Hawa Abdi SchoolYale Law School - Yale UniversityHawa Abdi displays courage when she faces threats with peace and limitations with dreams. Dr. Hawa Abdi has a big heart for her patients and will do anything to protect their future. When 750 Somali terrorists surrounded and invaded Hawa Abdi’s clinic, school, and campsite Mama Hawa had the courage to confront the men : “If I die I will die with my people and my dignity. You are young and you are a man, but what have you done to help your society?” (beth3change). Even though Hawa Abdi could be shot at any moment she refuses to surrender her patients and her success into the hands of terrorists. The phrase ‘my people and my dignity’ reveal her courage to die a martyr for her cause and for her people. Furthermore, the phrase ‘you are young and you are a man, but what have you done to help society’ displays Hawa Abdi’s courageous and outspoken personality. The phrase is said to reveal to the militia men what they are seen as from the perspective of a Somali woman- a coward. This act of courage showed Somalia and the world that a woman of minority can be someone who has the courage to stand up to her enemies. Even after the threat of the Somali terrorists Hawa Abdi continued to have the courage to take risks. When Hawa Abdi decided to educate the children (mainly girls) at the camp she put another target on her back: “In 2012 Hawa Abdi opened a school that would educate 850 Somali children” (Aquila Style). Dr. Hawa Abdi opened the school even after the terrorists had threatened to hurt her and her patients. Mama Hawa knew the importance of a good education, and opened the school, without hesitation so that the children could chase their dreams. The school mainly educated teen girls because they were not entitled to continue their education beyond sixth or seventh grade. So, the fact that Hawa Abdi gave ‘850 Somali Children’ an education demonstrates the strength and courage that she possesses to go against tradition. Hawa Abdi’s defiance of the traditional terrorist rules and customs of Somali society display her courage. Hawa Abdi showcases her courage and devotion through her life-saving work, heroic actions and wise words.

Hawa Abdi devoted herself to a better life for Somalis by being courageous even in the face of her enemies. In a video about her life Hawa Abdi stated, “Death is not the end of our story. You have to get up and help someone who needs you” (Vital Voices Organization 0:32-0:38). This quote inspires people to rise up from their depression and live a life that is worth living. Abdi lived a life devoted to ensuring that no human would have to face the pain of losing a loved one. Hawa Abdi was depressed when her mother died and could not imagine her life without her. Instead of living a life of pain Hawa Abdi chose to live her life saving people from death and its repercussions. I can refer to Abdi’s achievements as a motivation to live a life where I do what makes me happy. I look to Hawa Abdi’s story not only for the courage to dream big, but also for the determination to follow my dreams. Through her life work, she inspires others to never give up on their dreams. Dr. Hawa Abdi was just an ordinary person who inspired others to "be the change you wish to see in the world".