Somali women meet in Nairobi to showcase cultural dressing

NAIROBI—At least thirty Somali women met at a Nairobi joint on Sunday afternoon to showcase a Somali type of dressing that seems to be fading with the passing time.

Dubbed Guntina Session, the event brought together older and younger women to relive the traditional dressing.

Participants of the Guntina Session demonstrate how to wear the traditional dressing at a joint in Nairobi. Photo/COURTESY

Guntina is a Somali type of dress worn by women, mainly on special occasions. In Some parts of Somalia, it is daily form dressing.

“We want to engage young women to appreciate their rich, beautiful tradition,” Bash Alas, the lead organiser of the event, said.

The event was organised through social media platforms under the hashtag #GuntinaSession.

Bash said the event was aimed at teaching young girls and women how to be steadfast in their traditions. A similar event—a men-only—is scheduled within this year.

“We aimed at getting older women; married women to teach their younger counterparts how to take care of their families,” Bash said.

“Guntina was traditionally worn by women as night-dress,” Mama Ambiya Abdullahi, a traditional enthusiast at Garissa explained.

“And it was mostly preferred by lactating mothers,” Ms Ambiya added.

However, the Guntiina clashes with the Islamic mode of dressing since a grown woman is required to cover her body while in public places except her palms and face.

Lately, the Guntiina is worn on wedding days to celebrate the culture of the Somali community.

“We expect to have a bigger event next year,” Bash said.