If you are a Somali girl, you know that our people are obsessed with the concept of “ceeb” (shame) and “xishood” (bashfulness). These are two characteristics that many Somalis think makes a good Somali girl. As outdated as this notion might be, these two concepts still inhibit girls and women from speaking out about issues considered taboo (but of relevance to women) in Somali societies.

Through platforms such as YouTube, Somali girls have been starting important conversations through which various issues are highlighted and discussed. Somali female YouTubers cover topics such as divorce and losing one’s virginity based on their personal life experiences. These videos provide Somali girls with easy access to information on how to deal with certain issues that might not be brought up in their homes or even around friends.

Here are some of our favourite advice/girl talk videos by Somali female YouTubers:

• Life of Hanna – LETS TALK ANXIETY | MY EXPERIENCE

• LIFEOFAMILLION – GIRL TALK | SEX, PERIODS, VIRGINITY, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

• Fartun Duvet Girl – WILKA MA RABO INUU I GURSADO

• Kay Passionn – NAAG NOOL STORY | NIKKAH PART 1

• zakia AO – GIRL TALK EP 2 | SELF LOVE, SOMALIS PUTTING EACH OTHER DOWN & RUSHING A RELATIONSHIP

• Indie Glow – being a somali girl in the digital world

• ThatsSoFaisa – ROOMTALK EP 1 : HOW MUCH IS MY MEHR? FETISHES? SECOND WIFE?

• Savannah September – Abortion ka ama ilmaha layska soo xaaqo

• Sue Omar – WHY I am still SINGLE? SOMALI Culture, Marriage & Expectations…

The importance of having these types of videos made by Somali girls and women is that the negative connotation that the concepts of “ceeb” and “xishood” carry when it comes to discussing certain topics lose their power. These YouTubers are educating their viewers and equipping them with tips and tools and how to deal with problems that are very common but not openly discussed in Somali households.

Who are some of your favourite Somali female YouTubers? Let us know in the comments!