My US military encounters with women of Djibouti

 

Djibouti is not a country commonly known to the average person—unless they, or someone close to them, is a United States military service member. Nestled in the Horn of Africa, this small nation left a lasting imprint on my heart when I deployed there in September 2023.

A Glimpse into Djibouti

A former French colony, Djibouti has a population of approximately 994,974 people. The nation is 94% Sunni Muslim, with minorities practicing Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism. Its ethnic composition includes 60% Somali, 35% Afar, and 5% other groups, such as Yemeni Arabs, French, Ethiopians, and Italians. While the Afar people speak Saho-Afar, a Cushitic language, Djibouti’s official languages are French and Arabic. As of 2024, women comprised 50.39% of the population and the men comprise 45.30%.

During my deployment, I was eager to understand Djibouti’s society and culture. As a Muslim woman, deeply invested in supporting and educating women worldwide, I longed to learn about the Djiboutian people, particularly the women.

A Chance Encounter with Women Peace and Security (WPS)

One day, as I was leaving the base cafeteria, I noticed a flyer promoting WPS meetings. Though I hesitated at first, I finally attended a session—and it reignited something in my soul. WPS's mission of “promoting peace by supporting women of all backgrounds and ages to participate in processes to prevent conflict and build and sustain peace” resonated deeply.

One WPS initiative that caught my attention was the English Discussion Group (EDG), a weekly gathering of Djiboutian women eager to improve their English, led by an English Language Fellow in Djibouti City.

Meeting the Women of the English Discussion Group

On a bustling Ramadan evening, as Djiboutians shopped for their iftar meal, we traveled to the EDG meeting. We entered the location of the EDG and waited for the women. One by one, Djiboutian women entered the room, their faces lit with bright smiles, wrapped in elegant and colorful "diracs"—traditional flowing dresses. They were eager to practice English.

The group was diverse—students, professionals, and entrepreneurs, both married and single. But they shared a powerful common goal: mastering English to build a better future. English, they explained, was crucial for career opportunities, business, and international engagement, despite Djibouti’s official languages being French and Arabic.

The discussion that day centered around Ramadan. The women shared how their families celebrate, when they started fasting, and what the holy month means to them. For these women, Ramadan brought spiritual closeness, cleansing, and a deepened sense of empathy and gratitude, as they reflected on the hardships of the less fortunate.

Inside, I felt privileged—to meet these remarkable women, hear their stories, and feel the warmth of their smiles and souls. Djiboutian women are strong and intelligent, driven by dreams of a prosperous country with increased employment and reduced poverty.

A Journey of Empowerment Through Language

While many EDG participants spoke English fluently, others were quieter, joining in when a topic interested them or when they felt comfortable. Regardless of their proficiency, each woman was dedicated to improving her skills. Given Djibouti’s poverty rate—79% living in poverty, 42% in extreme poverty—and a projected 27.3% unemployment rate in 2025, English fluency represented a vital stepping stone toward economic opportunity.

Every week, we explored new themes, ranging from education and employment to family, relationships, and aspirations. When attendance exceeded 15 to 20 women, we broke into smaller groups, allowing deeper conversations. Over time, I watched their confidence grow and their English improve. These women were on a mission—to shape their futures.

For me, this experience became the missing piece of my deployment. Teaching, listening, and sharing with these women was my “happy place.” It was a simple act, requiring nothing more than time—something I was eager to give.

The Untold Stories of Djiboutian Women

Rarely discussed in American media, Djiboutian women are entrepreneurs, fashion designers, teachers, nurses, doctors, and travel bloggers. They are devoted to their faith, yet they radiate elegance, confidence, intelligence, and determination. Their aspirations mirror those of women worldwide—the desire to carve a meaningful, empowered path forward.

Without WPS, I might never have found this incredible community—a space fostering cross-cultural connection and understanding between U.S. military personnel and Djiboutians. Meeting these women was an honor. Their resilience, ambition, and perseverance changed me forever.

Women Studying English generated by Copilot 23 May 25                                                                   

Contributor:  Susan Marshall

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are the authors alone and do not represent the United States Government or any of its current or former agencies.