One-on-one with Kenya’s first Somali female football referee, 22-year old Farhia Mahat

[VIDEO] It’s a Sunday morning at the Kenyatta University Ruiru campus football pitch. The players are minding their game, but our cameras are trained on one part of the match—the referee.

We came to meet Farhia Mahad Abdi, the hijabi lady officiating the game. Brought up and Schooled at Hagadhera refugee camp, Farhia moved to Nairobi to follow her passion and career in football. Being the first Somali female referee in Kenya, I asked Farhia what inspired her to become one. Football can sometimes get highly charged. Fights break out which could make way for violence. I asked Farhia if she feels safe when she control games.

We also talk to the players to ask about their feelings and what they think about her role.

Farhia called on Somali girls to follow their dreams and choose a career in whatever field they feel comfortable in We talk to the players to ask about their feelings and what they think about Farhia.