21-year-old captain Hafsa Omer from Hargeisa Girls Basketball in Somaliland dreams of playing for her unrecognized nation. Along with her sisters, they aim to put Somaliland on the map through social media and basketball. Somaliland’s sovereignty issues intensified in January when local authorities offered landlocked Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for recognition. Despite this, Somaliland operates as an independent nation with its own institutions and a female-run coast guard. Omer, whose family fought for independence, uses basketball to empower women and challenge societal norms. Since founding the team in 2018, more female teams have emerged, promoting women’s rights in the conservative region. Despite the lack of international recognition, Omer continues to advocate for Somaliland’s independence and women’s rights through her passion for basketball.
Somaliland’s inaugural all-girls basketball team aims for recognition.
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