Asli Hassan Abade Aviator
Asli Hassan Abade (Somali: Asli Xasan Cabaade, Arabic: عسلي حسن آباد) was the first and so far only female pilot in the Somali Air Force (SAF). A prominent member of the SAF, she paved the way for gender equality within the military ranks. In the mid-2000s, Asli waged a peace campaign, encouraging lawmakers to come together and put an end to the long-standing civil conflict in her native Somalia. Attending every major political function dressed in the colors of the Somali flag, she reportedly commanded the respect of all the attendees. For her efforts in the reconciliation process that took place in neighboring Arta, Djibouti, which saw the establishment of the Transitional Federal Government, she was accorded the codename Calansida ("The Flag-bearer"). A patriot, Asli describes herself as "a strong lady" on account of her military background. She currently lives in Texas.