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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
Narrated by: Edna Adan Ismail
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About this listen

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.

©2019 Edna Adan Ismail, Wendy Holden (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Gender Studies Politics & Government Social Sciences Women Women in Politics Heartfelt Inspiring Africa

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Critic reviews

"The Muslim Mother Teresa." (The Huffington Post)

"As tough as General Petraeus, as compassionate as the Pope, as tireless as Michael Phelps, as beautiful as Tina Turner, and with a work ethic to rival Bill Gates." (Kirsty Young, Desert Island Discs)
All stars
Most relevant
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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Just amazing / for one person to have changed so many lives - if I could do for the world a fraction of what she has.... I could indeed rest in peace.

What an inspiring read!

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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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Not always comfortable read but what an inspirational woman definitely worth reading, an amazing woman.

A Must Read Book

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

Wonderful

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I have admired Edna Aden Ismail for a long time and waited for the publication of this book for quite sometime.
I can honestly say it did not disappoint me at all!
This is great story told by a fascinating person of her personal and professional life. It give you hope and and inspiration to achieve your dreams whilst maintaining your dignity and principles.

May you be rewarded for all kindness you have shown your patients.

Wow

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I loved this book. Edna is such an incredible woman. To have not only survived but thrived is truly inspirational.

Inspired, harrowing and humbling.

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Couldn’t wait to hear the next chapter all the way through. Engaging, informative, heart wrenching, witty and inspirational.

I loved every word.

I adored this book

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