Men and women operate separately when eating for example. Men are the heads of their families, but women have ways of having their say in family matters. Somalis feel that it is important to help family members. They provide their extended family with things such as food in times of scarcity. Also, wealthier family members may take in children in order to give them the opportunity to attend school.
Most holidays are Islamic holy days.
Somali Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan. In addition, many Somalis celebrate Persian New Year.