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That shift began after he completed 16 weeks of intensive training under the Engaging Men as Allies (EMAA) programme, delivered through the Supporting Displacement Affected Communities with Entrepreneurship Practices Development (SDACKED) project and funded by the Swedish government. Alongside 24 other men, Siyad learned about gender, power, accountability to women and girls, and the root causes of violence.
“Before the training, I thought GBV only meant rape,” he recalls. “Now I understand it includes physical, emotional, and economic violence.” This new awareness challenged him to rethink his role as a man, both at home and in the community.
Siyad began weaving these lessons into his football sessions. In between drills and water breaks, he talks to the boys about respect, non-violent conflict resolution, and treating women as equals. He often reminds them that real strength is not about physical force but about protecting and respecting others.
The impact of his transformation quickly spread beyond the pitch. In recent months, the Mandera County Gender Director invited him to perform community skits highlighting the dangers of FGM. With the support of the local chief, his plays have become powerful conversation starters in marketplaces and villages, allowing people to see themselves in the stories and reflect without feeling judged.
His commitment to change has also earned him trust from women experiencing abuse. A respected elder, Amina Omar, says women know they can approach him because he listens and ensures their concerns are not dismissed. With backing from community leaders, he now helps survivors find safe pathways to reach the chief or relevant authorities.
Change has taken root in his own household as well. His three children—two boys and one girl—now share chores equally, a deliberate decision to challenge traditional gender roles. Siyad wants his sons to grow up seeing that cooking and cleaning are responsibilities for everyone, and that fairness must begin at home.
Looking ahead, he envisions forming a community drama troupe and a football-based mentorship programme that could reach Somali communities beyond Mandera. “Football and drama are our languages,” he says. “If we use them well, we can end harmful practices and inspire real change.”
From coach to mentor, dramatist, actor, and advocate, Siyad Roble Mohamed has become a powerful voice for equality. His story shows that when men stand up as allies to women, entire communities can begin to unlearn violence and build futures rooted in respect.