A Woman of Firsts Audiobook By Edna Adan Ismail, Wendy Holden cover art

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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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 Africa

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  
Touched on so many important issues and shared the impressive and accomplished life of Edna.

Inspirational

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Not only is Edna’s autobiography one of the most inspiring I have read but I thoroughly enjoyed getting to hear it in her own voice. She truly was a woman of firsts as she pioneered so many things in her country.

Author Read and So Moving

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A vividly written read. Edna is a phenomenal woman and I’m honored that she’s shared her story with the world. This is a must read for every midwife.

A Phenomenal Life

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Ms Adan has been at the heart of many significant events and her courage, thoughtfulness, and openness about these experiences remind us of the power that can lie in one lifetime. I am so grateful to her for sharing and passing the legacy of her father far beyond her family and country.

Brilliant Woman

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Probably one of the the best autobiographical books I have ever read or listened to. Somililand is so far away from the US, that we don't know much about it generally. And as the author says, many people think it is the same as Somalia.

Edna is an amazingly driven woman, and our world has been blessed to have her as a part of it.

Amazing Autobiography

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I loved the authors style of writing, and her way of conveying/narrating it. a story of dedication, hard, work, trials and tribulations, experience overcome… A worthy read, great information, told in a riveting way…

Such an inspiring life lived…

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An amazing book about an amazing woman! It is especially moving to hear it read by the author herself.

Highly Recommend

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