Women in Development and Peace – Alia Mohammed
The Yemeni constitution emphasizes equality between men and women, and the state’s guarantee to equal opportunities for all citizens politically, socially, economically, and culturally. The law of political parties and organizations and the election law emphasize women’s right to political participation.
Despite the successes and positive changes that women have achieved in recent years at various levels, the available indicators and statistics still indicate the low level of political participation of Yemeni women and its limitations in various fields of public affairs management in the country, including their representation in the diplomatic corps; women’s participation in decision-making enriches the democratic process and contributes to finding effective solutions to the challenges facing society.
This report sheds light on the status of Yemeni women in diplomatic work, and the future outlook for their presence from a societal perspective, in addition to the mechanisms and programs that enhance their role and work in the diplomatic field.
Low Representation
In Yemen, women’s representation in the Yemeni diplomatic field is one of the most important topics that require serious treatment and a future vision to develop mechanisms for selecting competent female figures to work in this field. Statistics indicate that Yemeni women suffer from a lack of representation in diplomatic jobs, and some cultural factors hinder their participation in the diplomatic field.
According to reports by the United Nations Development and Women Organization, recent years have witnessed little progress in the participation of Yemeni women in the diplomatic corps, but this progress is still weak. The report, which was issued by the United Nations in 2020, stated that only 14% of Yemen’s permanent ambassadors to the United Nations are women.
Aida Ashoor, a member of the National Committee for Women, believes that the diplomatic corps is an effective field in the process of strengthening joint relations between countries. Yemeni women are still making their way as active partners in this field despite the exclusion and marginalization directed against them.
She says: “Women’s participation in the diplomatic corps is one of the important steps towards achieving equality between them and men, and Yemeni women are trying hard to overcome many difficulties that hinder their development path; to enhance their role in the diplomatic field, which has been a monopoly for men for years. However, women’s presence in this field is still largely limited in terms of fair and equal diplomatic representation.”
In her speech, she stressed the necessity of enhancing the role of Yemeni women in the diplomatic field. As women possess high efficiency that enables them to represent their country in all international forums.
On the other hand, Arwa Fadhl, a human rights activist, pointed out that the presence of women in diplomatic jobs is an important indicator that reflects the development and change of society in general. However Yemeni women still face many challenges in entering this field, which was dominated by men.
She added: “Despite the changes that have been made to some laws, and the implementation of policies to encourage women’s involvement in diplomatic events, the percentage of women’s representation in the Yemeni diplomatic corps is still weak. Yemeni women face challenges in obtaining equal and fair opportunities to participate in decision-making, and representing the country abroad; as a result of existing social values and beliefs. As well as the ideas of gender bias are still present in society, which hinder women’s participation in diplomatic work.”
“Women in Yemen suffer from cultural, legal, security, and political challenges that reduce their opportunities for diplomatic participation,” said Marwa Wahdan, a graduate of the Department of Political Science at Aden University. Referring to the small percentage that Yemeni women represent in the diplomatic corps: this is due to various factors hindering their engagement in diplomatic work. One such factor is the emphasis on experience in the diplomatic sector for employment. This focus poses an obstacle to the participation of new women in the field, who need opportunities to prove themselves in diplomatic work. Consequently, many women seek alternate job opportunities.
She explained that favoritism in employment is another challenge facing women’s presence in the diplomatic corps; as employment occurs according to favoritism and not efficiency. In addition to that, women in Yemen suffer from an oppressive cultural and social background; as a girl working in the diplomatic corps is viewed negatively, and many families refuse their daughters to join this field because of its bad reputation that harms the girl and the family together. Stressing that these social constraints are a major obstacle to the representation of Yemeni women in the diplomatic field.
Uncertain Future
The United Nations stated in its report issued in 2023 regarding “The Future of Women in Diplomatic Work” that the field of diplomatic work remains a stronghold for men on a global level.
The organization indicated in its report that the diplomatic authorities practiced by leaders at the highest levels of the state mostly remain in the hands of men, and the field of foreign affairs is still dominated by men disproportionately.
Regarding the future outlook for Yemeni women in the diplomatic corps, Ashoor says: “We are on the cusp of a new phase of peace in Yemen. There are indicators of ending the conflict and establishing comprehensive and sustainable peace. Consequently, Yemeni women will have broader participation, not only on the diplomatic level but in all fields, including the government and the three authorities. It is not unlikely that they will have a new presidential role at the level of Yemen. From this perspective, we are optimistic about the promising future of women in the diplomatic corps.”
She confirmed that the future of Yemeni women in the diplomatic corps is promising and imminent, stemming from the existence of a political will that believes in women’s participation and their ability to make decisions. This is facilitated by the interaction of political leadership in Yemen with women’s capabilities and competencies across various important fields. It involves a focus on changing mindsets and achieving equality, providing suitable opportunities, legal protection, and granting the right to diplomatic representation for Yemen. Efforts are being made to appoint female ambassadors and attachés according to the required standards.
For her part, Wahdan stated that ignoring the role of women in the diplomatic field and belittling them will lead to a great loss of female cadres who possess expertise and competencies that bring about changes in the current and future situations.
She also confirmed that the future of women in the diplomatic corps will witness a noticeable change if there is governmental and societal cooperation to enhance women’s rights and empower them politically and diplomatically, by providing support and assistance and directing efforts to address women’s status in various fields by establishing various training programs to attract female competencies and harness their capabilities for the benefit of Yemen.
Empowering Women Diplomatically
The presence of Yemeni women in the diplomatic corps and supporting them and increasing their participation rate is a positive step towards empowering Yemeni women in diplomatic relations. In 2019, the Yemeni government issued Decree No. 40 regarding women’s participation in all governmental institutions. This is to increase the percentage of women’s presence in the public sector by 30%, but the decision was not enough to ensure an increase in the number of women working in the diplomatic field. The situation requires intensive efforts from governments, civil society organizations, and international organizations to provide additional solutions and take measures to increase women’s representation in Yemeni diplomacy and enhance their participation.
Regarding the mechanisms to enhance women’s participation in diplomatic work, Marwa Wahdan confirmed the necessity of the state taking measures to achieve change and enhance gender equality, by raising awareness in society regarding the importance of women’s role and participation, through holding workshops or forums that discuss the challenges facing women in the diplomatic field.
She added that diplomatic institutions and organizations must establish clear policies that aim to achieve gender equality, appoint women to leadership and important positions, enhance transparency and monitoring regarding the distribution of job opportunities and promotions, and ensure that there is no gender bias. Additionally, training and professional development opportunities must be provided for women in international relations and diplomacy, and special training programs must be established that target developing diplomatic and leadership skills and enhancing self-confidence.
On the other hand, Arwa Fadhl indicated the importance of improving security and educational conditions to enable Yemeni women to participate effectively in the diplomatic corps, as well as ensuring legal and social protection for women working in this field.
She indicated that fair and equal representation for women in the diplomatic corps must be sought by fortifying against bias and discrimination, providing educational and training opportunities, and empowering women in fields related to diplomacy, such as politics, law, and public relations to develop their skills and expertise, and creating a more diverse and representative diplomatic community.