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A Woman of Firsts

The midwife who built a hospital and changed the world

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A Woman of Firsts

By: Edna Adan Ismail, Wendy Holden
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About this listen

 ‘The Muslim Mother Teresa’ Huffington Post Winner of the 2023 Templeton Prize

Imprisonment. Mutilation. Persecution.

Edna Adan Ismail endured it all – for the women of Africa.

Imprisonment. Mutilation. Persecution.

‘The Muslim Mother Teresa’ Huffington Post

Edna Adan Ismail endured it all – for the women of Africa.

Edna saw first-hand how poor healthcare, lack of education and ancient superstitions had devastating effects on Somaliland’s people, especially its women. When she suffered the trauma of FGM herself as a young girl at the bidding of her mother, Edna’s determination was set.

The first midwife to practise in Somaliland, Edna became a formidable teacher and campaigner for women’s health. As her country was swept up in its bloody fight for independence, Edna rose to become its First Lady and first female cabinet minister.

She built her own hospital, brick by brick, training future generations in what has been hailed as one of the Horn of Africa’s finest university hospitals

This is Edna’s truly remarkable story.

 Activists Gender Studies Politics & Activism Politics & Government Social Sciences Women Women in Politics Heartfelt Inspiring Africa

Critic reviews

‘The remarkable story of an extraordinary woman. Her struggles, lessons and triumphs are an inspiration’ Kirsty Young, Desert Island Discs

‘The Muslim Mother Teresa’ The Huffington Post

‘An extraordinary story from an incredible woman. Edna has devoted her life to helping others throughout the world, and her moving story is an inspiration.’ Dr Amanda Brown, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Prison Doctor

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An amazing story told in the first hand that really opens your eyes to the experiences and struggles of women in the developing world. Some hard to listen to parts but we'll worth listening to.

Opens your eyes to the experiences of woman

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Loved every single moment of it. I needed this, to carry on fighting for my dream and be the change i want to see in the world.

Oh my 😭

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What an incredible woman. This is a real eye opener, I found it hard to take a break from it. Love that it's read by the author; her passion and struggle really come across. What she has achieved against all the odds is immense. Heartily recommend.

Wow, what a woman

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I loved this book what an amazing story of warmth, love, happiness and tears - a book I couldn’t put down

Brilliant

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I must have had tears in my eyes the entire way through. New favourite book.

Wonderful

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