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!”
Edna grew up in Somaliland at a time when there were barely any doctors, medical supplies were a joke, and society didn’t exactly cheer women on to be changemakers.
She even endured FGM, but Edna wasn’t about to let anything stop her.
Despite the naysayers, she fought for her education, chased her dream of becoming a midwife, and went on to teach women how to safely deliver babies in her country.
She always told herself, “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.
Most people would throw in the towel at this point, but not Edna.
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, “Okay, but what does this have to do with me?”
Hold on, I’m getting to that.
Who Should Be Grabbing This Book
This book is basically an anthem for anyone standing on the edge of a big, scary decision.
It’s an additional encouragement tool to whisper, “You got this, give it time and effort.”
So, here’s who needs to read it:
1. If you’re switching careers to something totally new, wondering if you’ll come out stronger or get fired in a month.
2. If you’re diving into undergrad, master’s, or getting your PhD and freaking out about whether you’ll handle it or collapse in a mountain of textbooks.
3. If you’re trying to leave a toxic relationship but scared of what’s on the other side of that breakup (spoiler: freedom).
4. If you have a dream that no one understands, and your friends, parents, or partner are all like, “Are you sure?” (Yes, you are).
5. If you’re dreaming of starting an organization to change the world or a ministry for God’s kingdom but feel wildly underqualified and short on resources.
6. If you’re stuck feeling friendless in this weirdly connected-yet-lonely world and want to find someone who gets you (they’re out there, promise).
7. If you’ve tried everything to find a partner—from church, to school, to a new country—and you’re about to give up (don’t).
8. If you’ve just moved to a new city or country and feel like an imposter, and you’ve drawn conclusions, you’ll never fit in.
9. If you want to be the change in your community that no one else is brave enough to step up for.
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.
- Be a Lifelong Learner.
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
