"Breaking Boundaries: Sagal Ali’s Bold Vision for Somali Arts, Women’s Empowerment, and Cultural Resilience"

In this empowering episode, we are joined by Sagal Ali, a visionary leader, cultural heritage expert, and fierce advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Somali Arts Foundation (SAF), Sagal has made it her life’s work to preserve, promote, and reimagine Somali culture through the arts. With more than 10 years of experience in the field, she has become a leading voice in the preservation of Somali identity, while also championing the intersection of art, fashion, and societal change.

Sagal’s impressive career includes serving as the Senior Technical Advisor for Arts & Cultural Heritage for the Federal Republic of Somalia, as well as Deputy Secretary-General for the Somalia National Commission for UNESCO. Throughout her work, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality, advocating for the inclusion of women in the arts and culture sectors. Her vision of a more inclusive and equal society is evident in the programs and initiatives she leads at SAF, where she emphasizes the importance of women’s voices in the cultural dialogue.

In this conversation, Sagal delves into the role of art as a powerful tool for social change, exploring how it addresses critical issues of conflict, identity, memory, and gender in the Somali region. She shares how the arts can serve as a platform for women to reclaim and redefine their narratives in a region shaped by historical challenges and conflict. Through her leadership, Sagal is not only preserving Somali heritage but also creating opportunities for women to be at the forefront of cultural and societal transformation.

Sagal’s work has been recognized globally, with features in prominent publications such as Vogue Italia, highlighting her as a trailblazer who is pushing boundaries in the fields of art, culture, and gender equality. Join us as we explore her journey of leadership, resilience, and dedication to shaping a future where Somali women and artists are empowered to express themselves and redefine their place in the world.

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