A Woman of Firsts

The midwife who built a hospital and changed the world

By: Edna Adan Ismail, Wendy Holden

‘The Muslim Mother Teresa’ Huffington Post 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.

Critic reviews

‘The remarkable story of an extraordinary woman. Her struggles, lessons and triumphs are an inspiration’ Kirsty Young, Desert Island Discs

‘The Muslim Mother Teresa’ The Huffington Post

‘An extraordinary story from an incredible woman. Edna has devoted her life to helping others throughout the world, and her moving story is an inspiration.’ Dr Amanda Brown, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Prison Doctor

Author Read and So Moving

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.

Inspirational

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

A Phenomenal Life

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.

Such an inspiring life lived…

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…

Highly Recommend

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