Ilhan Omar officially becomes first Somali American woman elected in the USA after taking oath of office. 34-year-old Ilhan Omar’s historic rise to become the first female Somali-American legislator in the United States is now a beacon of hope for Muslims, and particularly Muslim women, around the world.
Omar became the first Somali-American and second Muslim-American to be elected in Minnesota’s House of Representatives.
The story of the rise of a girl from the Somali refugee camp in Kenya to the Minnesota State House of Representatives has inspired young people as well.
“Hearing about young people who are running for elected office in Kenya and Somalia because they were inspired by my race,” Ilhan Omar explained to VOA. “And I think messages like that… truly put things into focus… and amplify the level and magnitude of what we’ve been able to do here.”
