Mogadishu: Four sisters defy gender norms by washing tuk-tuks to support family

In the Warta Nabada district of Mogadishu, Somalia, four sisters have unexpectedly become a symbol of resilience and unity through the work they do to support their family.

Samira, Amran, Shukri, and Hindiya Abdi wash tuk-tuks, a job traditionally reserved for men.

Their story has garnered widespread attention, as many cannot fathom women undertaking such labour-intensive work, that involves tilting the vehicles so that their bottoms are also cleaned.

The sisters wake up early each day, driven by the need to provide for their loved ones, and go to their workstations with their father, who accompanies them despite his old age.

Abdi Ali and his daughters spoke to the media on Friday after a video of the girls at work went viral.

He acknowledged the unusual nature of the work his daughters do but said they have no choice.

"I was forced by circumstances," he said in a Universal TV interview, explaining that he needs his daughters' help as he has no sons. They passed away and the family did not give details of the circumstances,

The family has been in this business for four years, with the daughters joining one by one—Samira at first, then Amran, then Shukri, and finally Hindiya.

The toll the work takes is evident, with Abdi saying that his children often complain of back pain and fatigue.

"They all complain at night of back pain and fatigue," he said, adding, however, that they all persevere.

Some customers and passersby often ask Abdi to stop his daughters from doing the work and hire men instead, but that would add to their financial distress.

Samira, the eldest daughter, admitted that washing the vehicles is difficult but added that she does it to please her father and to help him.

"I am my father's son. I have to do what a son would do to help him," she said, adding that she resolved to assist after his abdominal surgery and the deaths of their brothers.

Samira also spoke of the societal judgement they face—pedestrians often mock them, suggesting they should be performing more traditionally female roles.

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She said they are often told, "You are a lady; go work at home and stop washing tuk-tuks like men," but they remain undeterred, driven by their dedication to the family.

The sisters sometimes work in shifts, of two each, to manage the workload and allow each of them time for rest.

Abdi said he is deeply saddened when he sees other young girls attending school, as he cannot afford to educate his daughters.

"How can I take them to school? We are hungry and need to work," he says.

Some drivers praise the family, saying their service is excellent.