Iman Ahmed Abdikarin, Founder and CEO of Hiil Law Firm, reflects on her journey from her studies at SIMAD University to establishing her own legal practice. “I am a lawyer, founder, and CEO of Hiil Law Firm, a company that handles legal matters. We provide comprehensive legal services, such as litigation, legal advice, and drafting. If you ask about my journey in SIMAD, I would say it was wonderful and amazing. In simple terms, it involved hard work, growth, and enthusiasm.”
Iman enrolled in SIMAD University in 2017 and graduated in 2021 from the Faculty of Law. Following her graduation, she sought experience working with various legal offices, including a position as a legal assistant at the Ministry of Finance. In July 2023, she took a bold step in establishing Hiil Law Firm to address the significant underrepresentation of women in Somalia’s legal field. “Starting a business in a male-dominated industry is very difficult, especially for a woman. It’s not for everyone, but you have to work very hard and be determined. I had faith because I had confidence,” she says, adding that support from her family, friends, and the SIMAD community was invaluable in her journey.
Recalling her time at SIMAD, Iman highlights the equal footing and rigorous preparation students received, noting how it helped her build resilience and skill. “SIMAD shaped us to be tough competitors in the market. Everyone went through the same rigorous process, and I felt equal.” Through experiences like moot court sessions, she gained confidence and a solid foundation for her career in law.
Reflecting on the broader landscape for women in Somalia, she sees progress. “Women are doing their jobs, coming into the spotlight, and willing to fight for their rights,” she observes, emphasizing the importance of self-empowerment for women in leadership roles. Although she currently has no political ambitions, Iman remains committed to advancing her legal career. “I’m content being a lawyer and competing in the courtroom. But the future is uncertain, and I aim to become a prominent lawyer in Somalia.”
Iman’s story exemplifies resilience, ambition, and the growing presence of women in Somalia’s professional sectors, paving the way for future generations in the legal industry.
