Alia Mohammed – Women in Development and Peace
Government institutions are some of the most important and effective sectors in Yemen because they provide vital services to all members of society. Empowering women and strengthening their roles in government institutions and in the labor market in general, is crucial for achieving sustainable development.
In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in the support provided by international organizations and civil society organizations to women working in government institutions, with the aim of promoting sustainable development and achieving gender equality.
These organizations have played a key role in providing equal opportunities for women and achieving their economic, social, and political development. This is what we will be addressing in our news report about the role of organizations in supporting Yemeni women working in government institutions.
Changing Reality and Achieving Progress
International organizations and civil society organizations in Yemen actively contribute to changing the reality and achieving progress in the field of women’s work. They are also keen to highlight their essential role in promoting job opportunities for women in government institutions by developing training and development programs aimed at strengthening women’s skills and improving their chances of promotion and professional development. For example, organizations can organize workshops and training courses in various fields, such as leadership, management, and technology, which helps women develop their skills and increase their chances of obtaining higher and more challenging jobs.
In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) implemented an initiative to empower female health workers in Yemen. It was one of the initiatives that called for gender equality and addressing gender-based violence in the face of increasing restrictions on women in Yemen.
Through the Emergency Human Capital Project (EHCP), supported by the World Bank, the WHO was able to increase the participation of female health workers in capacity-building and field activities, giving them opportunities to learn and gain knowledge. It also contributed to better access to essential health services for women.
In the same year, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Yemen and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in the Republic of Korea signed an agreement to empower women specializing in justice. The project strengthened the capacity of women working in the field of the rule of law through intensive joint training with the government and civil society partners. It also provided suitable spaces for women in institutions of the rule of law such as police stations. In addition, it expanded the scope of development programs in Yemen to address weaknesses, such as women’s access to justice, and to move beyond immediate and short-term interventions. In 2024, the SOS Development Foundation formed a special network for women working in the government sector. It aims to strengthen the effective role of women in society, build a cooperative platform that elevates the work they do, highlight the social and economic value of their contributions to society, and raise awareness to achieve positive change within it. The network is keen to provide training and professional development opportunities for women, establish mechanisms for providing legal and social support when needed, build partnerships with the development trio to strengthen support and cooperation, and work on advocacy and influence policies to achieve more justice and equality. This is part of the effort to enhance women’s capacities in integrating human security principles into women, peace, and security activities
In an effort to boost women’s capabilities in incorporating human security principles into women, peace, and security activities in Aden Governorate, the National Women’s Committee implemented a project training 100 women in peacebuilding in partnership with UN Women Yemen. The courses covered various topics, including international humanitarian law, UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and subsequent resolutions, and encompassed four different training sessions. These sessions targeted women working in government ministries and agencies, civil society organizations, political parties, political components, and women with disabilities.
Enhancing Women’s Role and Participation
Other aspects that organizations support and promote for women working in the government sector include encouraging women’s political participation in government institutions, working to enhance their role in decision-making, and their representation in political and administrative fields. This is achieved by providing support and training in leadership skills, encouraging women to run for government positions, and participating in political work. In addition, international and civil society organizations contribute to gender equality and raise awareness about women’s issues and rights by implementing awareness campaigns that help to change social culture, attitudes, and stereotypes about women’s roles in society and in the workplace. This also includes promoting women’s acceptance and appreciation as a fundamental element in building prosperous communities.
In this regard, Lamia Izz, a community activist, says, “The essential role of organizations in supporting women working in government institutions is manifested in developing policies, programs, and strategies that aim to promote women’s rights in the workplace, ensure equality in employment opportunities, promotions, and bonuses, and organize training programs and workshops that enhance their skills. This, in turn, strengthens their professional opportunities and increases their participation in decision-making.”
In her interview, she emphasized the importance of providing personal and professional support for women working in government institutions through the establishment of support networks and platforms for communication and sharing experiences. This, in turn, will achieve a healthy balance between work and personal life.
She added that international and local organizations should undertake a comprehensive assessment of the situations and circumstances facing working women in the government sector. Based on this assessment, the necessary support will be provided. Organizations can also make recommendations and guidelines for governments and government institutions to promote best practices for working women and achieve sustainable change.
Regarding the most important development plans for supporting women working in the public sector, Ahlam Muhammad Qaid, an employee in a government department, says, “The political and leadership participation of women working in the government sector largely depends on programs and policies that promote equality in political and leadership opportunities. This requires changes to policies and laws and the elimination of any discrimination or obstacles facing women in the labor market.”
In her interview, she stressed the importance of focusing these programs on a culture of gender equality and combating discrimination in the workplace. This can be achieved by strengthening their role through raising awareness about equality and discrimination issues, and taking steps to reduce any form of gender discrimination in the work environment.
Challenges and Difficulties
The current complex situation in Yemen has presented numerous challenges and difficulties for organizations, hindering their ability to provide adequate support to women working in the public sector. The ongoing conflict in Yemen is a major obstacle, impacting organizations’ efforts to support women in government facilities due to the unstable security situation and the complexities of the political landscape. These factors have hampered the implementation of several programs and projects.
Furthermore, many aid programs, both international and local, have not been able to reach remote and underserved areas due to the security situation. This has made it difficult for organizations to connect with women working in these regions.
Organizations operating in Yemen have faced significant funding challenges, limiting their capacity to execute programs and projects designed to support women in the workforce. This requires a considerable joint effort from international organizations, the government, and the local community to overcome these obstacles and improve women’s employment opportunities, implement training programs, and promote professional development.