An exhibition by Hayaat Women Trust and Al Naaem
Dates: 22 July - 1 September 2025
Location: Senedd Oriel
This summer, the Senedd is proud to host 'Rooted in Our Dhaqan', a powerful new exhibition created by two local organisations.
The exhibition is a collaboration between Hayaat Women Trust’s Young Queens Project – an arts initiative for young Welsh Somali women – and Al Naaem magazine, a publication centring Black and Muslim fashion, photography, and art.
Working with Al Naaem’s founder and creative director, Asma Elmi, the group created artwork focusing on 'Dhaqan', a Somali word meaning culture.
"This project is a powerful tribute to the strength, resilience, and beauty of Somali heritage."
"It honours a culture deeply grounded in faith and pride, shaped by generations of storytellers, visionaries, and survivors."
"Drawing from the enduring spirit of those who came before us, it celebrates identity, belonging, and the threads that connect past to present."
"Set against the breathtaking landscapes of Wales, the project creates a striking contrast—where rolling hills and coastal horizons meet vibrant traditions, language, and the poetic rhythm of Somali life."
"Through this visual and cultural dialogue, it invites reflection on dual identity, migration, and the ways heritage continues to evolve."
"At its heart, this is a celebration—not only of where we come from, but of who we are becoming."
Get Involved
- “We stand in the richness of who we are” - Rooted In Our Dhaqan Sharing Activity
The 'Rooted in Our Dhaqan' film celebrates Somali heritage in Wales. If you could make a film celebrating your culture or community, what would you want to share with people of the future?
From 22 July to 1 September, explore the exhibition and share your reflections in the Senedd.
- Creative workshop with Al Naaem
When: Monday 25 August, 10:30-12:00
Where: The Senedd
Suitable for ages 11+
No pre-booking required, just drop in on the day
As part of the Rooted In Our Dhaqan exhibition, Al Naaem will hold a poetry and creative writing workshop designed to empower young people and develop their creativity.
Participants will explore their heritage and identities through guided writing and storytelling, developing their unique voices and building confidence. The workshop will inspire emerging poets and writers to express themselves authentically, celebrate cultural diversity, and nurture the next generation of artists and leaders.
*The workshop will be conducted through the medium of English.
Ku Qotoma Dhaqankeenna
Bandhig ay soo diyaariyeen Hayaat Women Trust iyo Al Naaem
Senedd-ka waxaa farxad weyn u ah inuu xagaagan martigelinayo bandhigga Ku Qotoma Dhaqankeenna kaas oo muuqaal culus bixinaya, waxaana curiyay laba urur oo deegaankan ka hawlgala.
Bandhigga waxaa iskaashaday barnaamijka Young Queens ee Hayaat Women Trust kaasoo ah mashruuc faneed hablaha Soomaaliyeed ee Wales iyo magaasiinka Al Naaem ee inta badan ka warrama faashanka, sawirrada iyo fanka dadyowga madow iyo kuwa muslimka labadaba.
Iyagoo la shaqaynaya aasaasaha iyo agaasimaha Al Naaem, Asma Elmi, kooxdu waxay curiyeen farshaxan diiradda saaray ereyga 'Dhaqan', kaas oo ah erey Soomaali macnahiisu yahay caado hiddeed.
"Barnaamijku wuxuu si weyn u qiimaynayaa, awoodda, adkaysiga iyo quruxda hiddaha Soomaaliyeed."
"Wuxuu qaddarinayaa dhaqan sal adag ku leh diin iyo qab kaas oo ay qaabeeyeen sheekooyin ab-ka-ab indheergarad iyo intii badbaadday ay soo tebinayeen."
"Iyagoo ka helaya dhiirrigelin adkaysiga ay lahaayeen dadyowgii innaga horreeyay, barnaamijku wuxuu u dabbaaldegayaa ahaanshaha qofka, ka tirsanaanta goob iyo waxyaabaha tagtada iyo joogtada isku xidha."
"Goobta barnaamijka lagu dhigayo waxaa ka muuqda quruxda muuqaal-dhuleedka Wales, barnaamijkuna wuxuu abuuray iskahor imaadyo cajiib ah oo ay ka mid yihiin buuraha isdabayaal iyo xeebaha gees-kagees teedsan iyo midabbada soojiidashada leh, luuqadda iyo habdhaca suugaaneed ee nolosha Soomaaliga."
"Muuqaalladan iyo erey dhaqameedyadan ayaa kugu abuuraya inaad dib-u-eegtid waxa uu yahay ka mid ahaanshaha laba goobood, hayaamidda iyo sida dhaqanku uu isu rogo."
"Barnaamijka waxaa dhex u ah dabbaaldeg – xaggaynu ka nimid oo keliya maahee, cidda aynu noqonaynana waa loo dabbaaldegayaa."
Sawirqaade: Sally Nguyen & Saif Elsafany
Agaasime: Asma Elmi
Barnaamijka Young Queens ee ururka Hayaat Women Trust waxaa taageeray mashruuca deeqbixin ee Dawladda Welsh-ka, taas oo ay maalgelisay Dawladda Welsh-ka iyo Diverse Cymru.
Hayaat Women Trust’s Young Queens Project is supported by the Welsh Government’s Culture Grant Scheme, funded by the Welsh Government and Diverse Cymru.
Photographers: Sally Nguyen & Saif Elsafany
Director: Asma Elmi
