Women in Development and Peace – Ahmed Bajoaim
Women’s economic empowerment is considered one of the most important factors contributing to achieving sustainable development in society, especially in Yemen, as the presence of businesswomen represents a crucial pillar for improving the local economy, providing new job opportunities, and creating a balance in opportunities between genders.
Given the challenges facing women in Yemen in developing their economic projects and achieving success in their business field, as a result of the conflict that has been going on in the country for more than nine years, it is imperative to provide them with the necessary support and assistance, through providing training, financing, guidance, and counseling, to build their capacities and enhance their entrepreneurial skills in various fields.
Technical support helps businesswomen develop their business and administrative skills successfully and efficiently. It provides new opportunities for implementing various projects that align with their societal needs and economic empowerment. Additionally, it helps overcome challenges such as resource shortages, weak infrastructure, and economic conditions resulting from conflicts that have significantly impacted investment projects across various sectors, including small and medium-sized projects for businesswomen.
Businesswomen’s Status
The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Wadi Hadhramaut, Engineer Hasan Batahir, explains that the Chamber of Commerce aims to empower businesswomen in the governorate by implementing several programs that fall within the framework of their economic empowerment. There is a dedicated department that provides necessary support and advice across various fields to empower them in the job market.
He added that the chamber seeks to transform the work of businesswomen from improvised or random to formal work by helping them obtain a commercial register, a practice license, and membership in the Chamber of Commerce. The Women’s Section also implements many programs, activities, and training courses to develop their entrepreneurial, technical, and administrative skills, and to obtain financing by linking them with donor organizations.
He also pointed out that the situation that Yemen is going through and the exacerbation of the economic crisis have led to the loss of jobs for many businesswomen, and have negatively affected their standard of living and their families. Perhaps the most prominent of these effects is the continuous collapse of the local currency against foreign currencies, which was reflected in the prices of goods and services, and the increase in production costs, so the status of women who are professional in commercial work, including beginners, is between the hammer of the collapse of the currency and the anvil of commercial goods that threaten their position in pursuing their commercial activity.
For his part, Director of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Shabwa Governorate, Mahdi Basuhaib, stated that the chamber is working to encourage the women’s sector to work in the commercial, craft, and entrepreneurship fields in various fields and that there has been remarkable progress in this aspect during this period, unlike the past, as Shabwa Governorate suffered from Almost complete closure in terms of the emergence of businesswomen in it, due to the customs and traditions in the Shabwani tribal society.
He said: “There is a remarkable emergence of women’s projects in the governorate at present, as they have begun to grow clearly. There is also acceptance by society of the status of women in the commercial market; That is why many women have recently become active in it.”
Basuhaib pointed out that the Chamber of Commerce in the governorate provides facilities for businesswomen intending to empower them and encourage them to practice commercial work with ease, such as obtaining the necessary licenses from commercial records and membership in the chamber and others, especially since some women carry out their work with licenses registered in the name of one of their relatives; As a result of the customs and traditions imposed on society. Many women hold commercial records in their names and own shops, real estate, and other investment matters.
On behalf of the “Mihnati Bain Yadai” program at “Sila Foundation for Development”, Director Muhammad bin Qirwan clarified that the foundation aims to enhance development and economically empower women in society. They achieve this through innovative programs and activities that respond to labor market needs. Additionally, they provide professional training for women, enhancing their employment opportunities in various fields such as technology, services, production, fisheries, agriculture, entrepreneurship training, and related activities.
Training Women
Batahir explains that the Chamber of Commerce in Wadi Hadhramaut has reduced membership fees for businesswomen by 50% of the subscription value. This reduction aims to encourage their membership in the chamber and enable them to benefit from services such as legal and marketing support, as well as formalize their business activities instead of relying on informal work.
The chamber also conducts various training and educational workshops for businesswomen, emphasizing the importance of official commercial records and documentation through awareness campaigns in different directorates of Al- Wadi region (Sayun, Tarim, and Al-Qatan).
Batahir continued that there have been professional training courses conducted by the Chamber of Commerce for businesswomen in various fields. These courses aim to enhance the capabilities of women engaged in commercial and economic work in general. The collaboration with local and international organizations and institutions interested in the economic development of Yemeni women has been instrumental in achieving this goal. It’s worth noting that the Chamber’s role extends beyond training and qualification; it also involves other initiatives to economically empower women. These initiatives include networking opportunities for women with relevant stakeholders and donors, aimed at enhancing their professional and financial capacities through accessible grants.
Ben Qirwan emphasized that Sila Foundation consistently works to enhance women’s abilities in developing their projects and providing suitable opportunities. The foundation offers programs and services focused on skill development, employment opportunities, and financing. These services cover areas such as marketing, project management, innovation, design thinking, and capacity building. Additionally, the foundation operates a professional business incubator to support women entrepreneurs. This incubator provides comprehensive consultations and connects women’s projects to the local market, thereby increasing their chances of success and expansion.
The director of “Mihnati Bain Yadai” program, Bin Qirwan, noted that the incubator provides services to businesswomen for a period of six months to a year, under the supervision of specialized consultants. Meetings are held with consultants, successful project owners, and distinguished individuals regularly, in addition to implementing related activities where knowledge and experiences are exchanged in the field of encouraging businesswomen to overcome challenges and achieve their ambitions for the success of their projects.
Establishing Projects
In this regard, the Businesswomen Department in the Chamber of Commerce in Wadi and Sahra Hadhramaut implemented more than 11 training courses and rehabilitation programs for women from various districts of Al-Wadi during the past year 2023, targeting more than 220 women, according to the head of the chamber in Wadi Hadhramaut, Hasan Batahir.
For his part, Bin Qirwan explained that “Sila Foundation for Development ” works through “Mihnati Bain Yadai ” program to implement projects that improve the livelihoods of women, through specialized vocational training based on an accurate field survey that identifies the needs of the labor market and employment opportunities for women. It provides specialized training courses through a distinguished training team and relies on the best methodological practices in presenting the training materials.
It was mentioned that more than 76 training courses were conducted in various fields, benefiting 941 women. Additionally, entrepreneurial training programs were provided to conduct economic feasibility studies for women-led startup projects.
Furthermore, he added: “The foundation offers support services during vocational training by distributing professional toolkits after training (work tools). It has also established effective partnerships with government sectors, civil society organizations, and international entities, aiming to provide sustainable development programs that positively impact businesswomen. Notably, it has successfully implemented projects that enhance development and empower women.”
Bin Qirwan clarified that “Sila” provides financial programs and support for women interested in establishing and developing their businesses. The organization established “My Profession Fund for Financing and Entrepreneurship,” which directly provides financial grants for innovative projects. Additionally, it offers interest-free loans ranging from 500,000 to 2 million Yemeni rials, with repayment periods spanning from 12 to 36 months. Beneficiaries receive accessible guarantees, and the organization delivers exceptional services during disasters and other natural conditions. “Sila” has funded over 45 small entrepreneurial projects for women, including both individual and collective initiatives, benefiting approximately 80 recipients.
Challenges and Solutions
Regarding the challenges facing the economic empowerment of businesswomen in the labor market, Hasan Batahir touched on the fact that the most important challenge is the continuous collapse of the value of the local currency against foreign currencies, which is a nightmare for all commercial projects; as it results in the suspension of many commercial activities for businesswomen and businessmen alike. In addition, the lack of financing for projects and investments for businesswomen, which requires civil society organizations and international donors to provide grants to project owners and support them through financing loans that contribute to the development and success of their projects, and create competitive opportunities in the labor market to achieve sustainable development for all segments of society.
For his part, Mahdi Basuhaib stated that the most prominent challenges facing businesswomen in Yemen, and in particular in Shabwa Governorate, include the lack of rehabilitation and training for women working in the commercial field, and that some false social concepts and the short-sighted view of women’s work still hinder their full participation in economic activity in the governorate.
It was mentioned that despite this, we observe positive shifts in women’s participation in society. Shabwah Governorate has made significant progress in higher education, specialization, and technical fields over the past ten years. This progress has led to an increase in the number of women graduating from universities, schools, and institutes.
Furthermore, it is essential to raise societal awareness about women’s rights and reduce the constraints imposed on them. Encouraging women to engage in the economic sphere, just like men, is crucial. Additionally, promoting girls’ continuation of education and pursuing higher education is the cornerstone of progress for Shabwah’s women in any field, including the business and economic sectors.
Empowering businesswomen has a significant positive impact on the local economy and community development in Yemen. Supporting and encouraging their participation in the labor market and providing opportunities for both genders contribute to building a better future. Strengthening women’s role in business enhances economic growth and contributes to social stability.