ST. CLOUD, Minn. – A St. Cloud woman is laying the groundwork to run for the presidency of Somalia.

Anab Dahir, a medical clinic interpreter who has lived in St. Cloud since 2008, says her native country needs people like her. She’s already spreading the word among friends, family and colleagues in anticipation of the elections next year.

The St. Cloud Times reports that a few other women, including Fadumo Dayib of Finland, also are hoping to become the first female president of Somalia.

Dahir says men haven’t been able to rebuild the country, so it’s time for a woman to try. She challenges other educated Somalian women around the world to help solve the country’s problems.

Whether she wins or loses, Dahir hopes she will inspire others to lead.