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24-year-old launches book delving into pressing social issues faced by Somalis

24-year-old launches book delving deep into the pressing social issues faced by the Somali community, especially the youth in Eastleigh. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

By Abdirahman Khalif | 04 May 2024

"Divine Disorder" delves into matters of love, mental health, and social justice and offers ways on how to deal with issues of friendship, heartbreak, grief, and depression.

In a ceremony held on Saturday in Eastleigh, 24-year-old poet Aisha Mohamed, popularly known as Bint Aisha, unveiled her debut book titled "Divine Disorder."

The event which was attended by hundreds, marked a milestone in the literary landscape, as Aisha presented a collection of poems delving deep into the pressing social issues faced by the Somali community, especially the youth.

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"Divine Disorder" delves into matters of love, mental health, and social justice and offers ways on how to deal with issues of friendship, heartbreak, grief, and depression.

Aisha, while speaking to Eastleigh Voice, expressed her inspiration behind the book, emphasising her desire to provide a safe space for individuals experiencing or going through life's hardships.

"I wanted people to feel safe when going through hardship, life is harder than it seems. I wanted to offer a healing platform," said Aisha.

Aisha got support from her family members who gave her ample time to write the book. In the two years she spent writing the book, her family was beside her and always encouraged her.

Reflecting on the occasion, the second born in a family of five expressed joy in witnessing her book not only being unveiled but also eagerly purchased by attendees, hinting at future projects centred on healing.

"I feel great because we have more of the projects coming up on healing, I feel great," she noted.

Wajir East Member of Parliament Adan Daud who was among those who attended the book launch said this was the best function he has attended as a politician.

The MP said that he was happy to see his community not just concentrating on business and commerce but also the youth taking part and reviving the art of spoken word.

"I am happy to see my community not just focusing on commerce but also reviving the art of spoken word," said Adan.

According to him, the Somali community is an oral society that is now venturing into writing poetry and art which can easily be preserved for many years.

Acknowledging Aisha's talent and contribution to literature, Daud lauded her as one of the brightest young talents in the community.

Abdifatah Abdille, who was among the first purchasers of the book, expressed his excitement after perusing the initial pages, saying he could not wait to read all the other pages.

"I have just perused the first page, and I am already impressed. Can't wait to go home and read the entire book," said Abdifatah, echoing the sentiments of others who see Aisha's work as a solution to many societal problems.

The number of Somali authors in Kenya has been on the rise and it is becoming common to see Somali-written books on the shelves of some of the biggest libraries in Nairobi.

Female Somali authors, in particular, are emerging as a driving force in poetry writing, contributing to a rich tapestry of narratives and perspectives.