British Somaliland Protectorate, 1937
Imagine you’re born in a country pushing for independence, where healthcare is practically non-existent, and everyone expects you to be someone’s wife, cook some food, and call it a day.
That’s it. No big dreams allowed.
Now, meet Edna Adan Ismail. A woman who looked around at that setup and thought, “Yeah, no thanks!”
Growing up in Somaliland, Edna lived in a time when doctors were rare, medical supplies were scarce, and society had no interest in seeing women become leaders, especially not in healthcare.
She endured FGM. She faced barriers at every turn. But Edna refused to let that define her story.
She fought for her education, pursued her dream of becoming a midwife, and eventually trained countless women to safely deliver babies in a place that desperately needed it.
Her driving force, “If I don’t do it, then who will?”
The Struggle, 1969-2002
But life wasn’t all sunshine and perfect hospital wards.
Edna lost everything she loved during political tensions, got divorced 4 times (yeah, 4), lost her family and friends, and even ended up imprisoned.
At this point, most people would throw in the towel.
She bounced back with an insane determination, building the first non-profit charity hospital after the Somali Civil War, and literally reestablishing healthcare in Somaliland, all in her retirement years.
And now, she’s encouraging you and me to get up, stand out, and fix some of the world’s mess, too.
If you’re thinking, what does this have to do with you, hold on, I’m getting to that.
Who Should Be Grabbing This Book
This book is your rally call if you’re standing on the edge of a big, scary decision.
It’s here to whisper, “You’ve got this—just give it time and consistent effort.”
And so, my friend, if you are:
✅ Switching careers to something totally new and wondering if you’ll rise or crash within a month.
✅ Starting undergrad, a master’s, or PhD and freaking out about drowning in textbooks.
✅ Leaving a toxic relationship but scared of what’s on the other side.
✅ Dreaming beyond your comfort zone—even when friends, parents, or your partner say, “Are you sure?”
✅ Launching an organization to change the world or a ministry, but feeling underqualified and under-resourced.
✅ Feeling friendless in this weirdly connected-yet-lonely world and longing for someone who truly gets you.
✅ Trying everything to find a partner—church, school, dating apps, even moving countries—and about to give up.
✅ Moving to a new city or country and wondering, “Will I even fit in?”
✅ Stepping up to change a community no one else is brave enough to lead.
This book is for you. A Woman Of Firsts.
What You’ll Learn from A Woman of Firsts
Edna’s life is full of lessons, but here’s the real stuff she’ll teach you:
- Courage to Step Into the Uncomfortable.
- Success is About Lifting Others.
- Today’s trials are shaping tomorrow’s strength.
And so, the question is: Are You Brave Enough To Step Into The Unknown, Even When It Feels Impossible?
This book has been an extra shot of courage for me in a new chapter of my life, and it’s done the same for my friends and millions of others who’ve picked it up.
Seriously, sneak this into your bag while hopping on a taxi or waiting for your food delivery. You’ll be glad you did.
Don’t ever underestimate the capacity of a human being who is determined to do something — Edna Adan Ismail
