Gobonimo-Doon: A Cultural Call to Action

— Dr. Mahamed Sirad

“Gobonimo-Doon Ma Aha Wax Lagu Dhasho — Ee Waa Culture La Abuuro”

— Dr. Mahamed Sirad, TV Interview (Years Ago)

Some years ago, in a televised interview that continues to resonate, Dr. Mahamed Sirad offered a profound reframing of freedom. His words — “Gobonimo-doon ma aha wax lagu dhasho ee waa culture la abuuro” — remind us that the desire for freedom, or Gobonimo-doon (the pursuit of dignity and self-determination), is not something we’re born with, but something we must intentionally cultivate.

Gobonimo-Doon as a Cultural Practice

This vital pursuit demands an active, collective effort. The desire for freedom is nurtured through shared values, inclusive participation, and the deliberate shaping of systems that reflect dignity and collective aspiration. Gobonimo-doon becomes a living ethic — one that must be taught, practiced, and protected across generations.

From Reaction to Creation

Moving from theory to daily practice, Dr. Sirad’s framework requires a profound shift in mindset. Too often, societies respond to injustice with reactive resistance. Dr. Sirad’s framing invites a deeper shift: from reaction to creation. Building a culture of gobonimo-doon means investing in education, storytelling, participatory governance, and community rituals that reinforce autonomy and mutual respect. For instance, a curriculum that teaches children critical thinking and local history, rather than rote memorization, actively cultivates the intellectual autonomy necessary for freedom.

The Role of Leadership and Design

This cultural mandate places a high responsibility on those in positions of influence and power. Leaders, educators, and communicators play a vital role in shaping this culture. From the language used in public discourse to the way institutions are organized, every detail can either reinforce or erode the desire for freedom. Strategic clarity, cultural resonance, and accessible design are not luxuries — they are tools of liberation.

A Timeless Call to Action

Dr. Sirad’s quote is more than a reflection — it’s a call to action. What kind of culture are we building today? Are our systems inclusive, transparent, and empowering? Are we cultivating gobonimo-doon in our schools, communities, and leadership circles — not just in theory, but in practice?