From a young age, Asli Hassan Abade was captivated by astronomy, math and physics. Growing up in a military family in Somalia, her academic strengths and early exposure to the military sparked a dream: to fly planes.
The 1960s and ‘70s in Somalia, a period of independence and decolonization across Africa, offered new opportunities for those ready to pursue them. An example of the country’s forward-thinking could be seen in initiatives like “Bar ama Baro,” meaning teach or learn, which was a literacy campaign in Somalia launched during that time period. For Abade, the evolving government and her family’s proximity to military circles created the perfect environment to chase her ambition.
In 1974, she personally spoke with President Mohamed Siad Barre about joining the Somali Air Force. Her determination and talent allowed her to train in Somalia, Italy, and the United States. On September 9, 1976, Abade completed her first solo military flight in Somalia, marking a historic milestone.