Somali girls: caught between two worlds

http://www.startribune.com/local/109349164.html?page=1&c=y

In the wake of prostitution charges involving underage Somali girls, adults are worried about the pressures many girls face in Minneapolis' Somali community. 

Minnesota is home to an estimated 70,000 Somalis -- the largest Somali concentration in the country.

Generally speaking, Somali girls growing up in America are thriving. In the culture, parents often take a more protective attitude toward girls, believing that their reputation upholds the dignity of the family.

"Mothers and fathers keep more of an eye on them than the boys. It means most of them turn out well," said Saeed Fahia, executive director of the Confederation of Somali Community in Minnesota, who noted the large number of girls graduating from high school and attending college. "This parent obsession of preserving the purity of their daughters and the well-being of their daughters helps a lot."

But some girls aren't handling the pressures as well.

Mpls Star Tribune writer Allie Shah explores how faith and family are helping immigrant youth grow up safe and strong.

Topics: Building Community, Education, Faith, Family, Immigrants, Refugees, Youth