Celebrating TBEN Women - Hamdi A. Mohamed
TBEN would like to wish a Happy International Women's Day to women and girls everywhere.
We're kicking off our Women's Month campaign by celebrating some of our female members. Throughout the month we'll be spotlighting and celebrating TBEN women, and Black women in economics more broadly.
Up first, meet Hamdi A. Mohamed!
Hamdi A. Mohamed - Higher Executive Officer at Statistics Norway
Why did you pursue a career in economics and your particular field?
I first pursued a degree in Development Economics because I cared about development and the implementation of 'good' policies for countries in the global South. During my undergrad, I became aware of the impact that economic theories from the global North have on government policies for countries in the global South and the negative impact that followed such as the structural adjustment policies in the late 1980s. Later on, I got interested in applied econometrics and machine learning in my master's and chose to specialise in that field. I also did an exchange semester at Fudan School of Economics and Business in Shanghai 2019 and specialised in Global Economy and China.
What real-life economic impact have you had with your work?
I currently work as a Higher Executive Officer for Statistics Norway. In my department, we measure the consumer price index, which is an index that describes the price development for consumed goods and services demanded by private households in Norway. The economic impact of this measurement is such that it measures the changes in the purchasing power of a country's currency and price-level for consumed goods and services. In the future, I hope to build enough knowledge and expertise so that I help rebuild the statistical institutions of my home country, Somalia 😊
What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge with Economics was mainly how the subject was taught. The lack of diversity and critical thinking in the subject was very difficult for me, so much so that I considered dropping out of my studies several times. I later on decided that nothing will change with respect to the curriculum unless I, together with others, push for the needed change from within.
What is your current assessment of diversity in economics? Has this changed from when you first started?
There is very little diversity in economics but I sense that a movement is growing with critical thinkers and people of different backgrounds partaking in the discussions. This makes me very happy.
What advice would you give to black female economists looking to progress in the field?
My advice would be to persevere and not give up. Also, specialise in fields where there is a high demand for your competency so that you break 'glass barriers' without trying too hard. Network and find people who can give you advice and understand what you are going through. There are many ways to progress in the field. Find the way that you are happy with.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself!
I speak 4 languages (Somali, Norwegian, English, and Arabic) and started learning my fifth, Mandarin.
