Rethinking Employment and Dignity in Somalia
In Somalia, the concept of “Shaqo Sharaf Leh” – which translates to “dignified work” – represents more than just having a job. It reflects a shift toward recognizing that true progress requires more than just increasing employment numbers. It’s about creating work that provides dignity, security, and opportunity. In Somalia’s evolving socio-economic landscape, decent work is not simply about job availability; it’s about improving the quality of employment so that work strengthens individuals and communities alike.
Decent work in the Somali context means empowering people to support their families, contribute to their communities, and secure a sustainable future. The success of Somalia’s labor market shouldn’t be measured solely by employment rates – it should also reflect how work enriches lives, builds skills, and fosters social cohesion.
The Challenge: Beyond Job Creation
Somalia’s youth face immense challenges when it comes to employment. With youth unemployment at 67%, the lack of jobs is a well-known crisis. But the issue runs deeper than that – over 60% of employed youth report working under conditions that fail to meet basic standards of decent work. This “decent work deficit” highlights a deeper problem: many young people may have jobs, but those jobs don’t provide the dignity, stability, and security needed to build a meaningful future.
Key Issues Facing Somali Youth in the Labor Market:
- Lack of Voice and Representation
- Youth have limited influence over workplace decisions.
- There are few safe channels to report mistreatment or unfair conditions.
- Many young workers receive no structured training or professional guidance, particularly in the informal sector.
- Job Instability and Lack of Protections
- Informal work dominates the job market, often with no contracts or guarantees of income stability.
- There are few legal protections against exploitation.
- Career advancement remains difficult, especially in the informal economy.
- Loss of Dignity
- Workplace harassment and discrimination remain widespread.
- Many young people struggle to support their families due to inadequate wages.
- Without dignified work, youth talent and potential remain untapped.
Why Dignified Work Matters for Somalia’s Future
Creating access to dignified work isn’t just an economic issue – it’s a pathway to a more stable, prosperous, and peaceful Somalia. Decent work provides young people with the tools and confidence to shape their futures and contribute positively to their communities.
- Empowering Youth and Building Leadership
- Jobs that provide dignity and agency empower youth to become active participants in society.
- Skills development creates the next generation of business and community leaders.
- Economic independence gives young people the power to influence decisions and drive change.
- Strengthening Peace and Stability
- Dignified work provides alternatives to conflict and extremism.
- When youth have an economic stake in society, they become invested in stability.
- Reducing unemployment helps to address the root causes of social unrest.
- Promoting Social Cohesion
- Fair and secure work opportunities bring people together across clan and regional divides.
- Shared workplaces create spaces for understanding and cooperation.
- Economic inclusion strengthens trust and social bonds within communities.
- Reducing Risky Migration and Encouraging Return
- When decent work is available locally, fewer youth are forced to seek dangerous migration routes.
- Dignified work attracts members of the diaspora to return and invest in Somalia.
- Skills and experience are retained within local communities, fostering long-term development.
Redefining Decent Work: Shaqo Sharaf Leh
At Shaqo Platform, we understand that defining “decent work” in Somalia requires a localized approach. Traditional definitions – based on fixed standards like minimum wages, formal contracts, and set working hours – don’t fully capture the realities of Somalia’s labor market. That’s why Shaqo Platform is pioneering a new framework rooted in the concept of Shaqo Sharaf Leh – work that provides dignity and social value alongside financial security.
Three Dimensions of Dignified Work in Somalia:
- Economic Security
- Access to reliable and consistent income.
- Work that provides a foundation for long-term financial growth.
- Fair Share and Value Creation
- Workers should benefit from the value they create.
- Opportunities to build wealth and economic independence.
- Skills and Capability Development
- Work should create opportunities for learning and career growth.
- Skills development should be an integral part of the job experience.
Building a New Future Through Dignified Work
Shaqo Platform is working to close the decent work gap in Somalia by connecting young people with meaningful job opportunities, advocating for labor rights, and building pathways to sustainable livelihoods. We believe that transforming Somalia’s labor market isn’t just about creating more jobs – it’s about ensuring those jobs uplift individuals and strengthen communities.
By focusing on the quality and dignity of work, we are helping to create a generation of empowered, skilled, and economically independent youth – a foundation for long-term peace and prosperity in Somalia