Hebah Mohammed – Women in Development and Peace
Yemeni women are a true driving force in developing the economy and achieving progress in Yemen through their diverse contributions across various fields. This is especially true in the field of research, which is a fundamental pillar for developing the national economy.
Distinguished female academics and researchers are a driving force in economic development. They utilize their expertise and knowledge to conduct scientific and practical studies and research that contribute to analyzing economic issues and providing creative and innovative solutions. By applying the scientific method and using advanced tools and techniques, Yemeni women are working to bring about positive changes in various economic sectors.
Women’s Research Strengthen the Yemeni Economy
Yemen faces enormous economic challenges due to the conflicts and political unrest that plague the country. In these difficult circumstances, scientific research and practical studies carried out by female researchers play a vital role in strengthening the economic process in Yemen.
Speaking about the role of practical research in promoting economic development in Yemen, Dr. Amira Ali Al-Harithi, a researcher, says: “Practical and scientific research plays an important role in promoting economic progress in Yemen. It helps strengthen various sectors by examining and evaluating data and past experiences. This process facilitates the identification and stimulation of existing human cognitive patterns, driving progress in the modern era.”
She added, “It also helps in correcting errors in formulating development policies and envisioning the future. It is also advisable to take advantage of Yemen’s strategic geographical location and its economic potential to achieve sustainable development.
Regarding the studies and scientific research conducted by Yemeni women that positively impacted economic development in Yemen, Dr. Amira Ali Al-Harithi says: “There are many studies and research endeavors undertaken by Yemeni women that have had a positive impact on economic progress in Yemen. For example, the study “The Reality of Economic Empowerment for Yemeni Women Amidst Conflict During the Period (2015-2020)” sheds light on the obstacles of poverty and economic empowerment for women during conflict and suggests activating the mechanisms and laws of economic empowerment, in addition to formulating cooperative strategies.”
She continues, “Another study focuses on the economic empowerment of Yemeni women in small projects and analyzes the projects implemented by the Yemeni Women’s Union from 2019 to 2020. These projects cover various sectors, such as manufacturing and handicrafts.”
She points out that her research interests have focused on developing the economic sphere in Yemen, specifically the agricultural aspect. Her first research participation centered on a study about fungi that cause fruit rot after harvest and their relationship to the production of enzymes and fungal toxins.
She continues, “This research aimed to raise community awareness, especially among farmers, regarding how to handle fruits after harvest and methods to extend their shelf life to avoid rapid spoilage. The research also aims to raise consumer awareness about choosing edible fruits and avoiding the disregard for small spots of rot on them, as the study revealed that fungal toxins can spread to all parts of the fruit and pose a long-term risk with their accumulation in the liver, potentially causing cancer.”
In another study, the doctor focused on a problem facing Yemen’s agricultural economy: late blight disease. This disease has been affecting potato crops in recent years, causing losses exceeding 60% and threatening Yemen’s food security. The pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, is highly aggressive and has developed resistance to many commonly used fungicides. This has led to excessive pesticide use and mixing of different types, causing significant harm to the environment, humans, and plants, and threatening sustainable agricultural development.
She continues, “This study aimed to find alternative and safe solutions using effective and environmentally friendly nanotechnology. We were able to conduct many laboratory and applied experiments that proved the effectiveness of these compounds after a long series of research, including the phenotypic and molecular identification of the pathogen, registration of the first Yemeni genetic isolate in the American Gene Bank, and then the preparation and characterization of nanomaterials in the largest research laboratories outside Yemen.”
Dr. Fathia Bahashwan, director of the Center for Research and Human and Social Studies, Hadhramaut University, also shared her insights, saying: “There are distinguished women who have written important research on economic development, and some of this research has recently been published online. Among these researchers is Dr. Fawzia Al-Amar, who wrote a research paper entitled ‘Yemen: Repercussions of the War on the Female Workforce.’ This research dealt with the impact of the conflict on the economic situation of women in Yemen and their challenges in the labor market.”
She adds, “Hannah Bacheet also authored a research paper on the topic of ‘Economic and Political Empowerment of Women.’ This research explores the importance of empowering women economically and politically and how it can contribute to achieving sustainable development and social justice.”
As for Valentina Abdul-Karim Muhammad Mahdi, she prepared a research paper entitled ‘Economic Empowerment of Yemeni Women: A Model in Aden Governorate.’ This research focuses on analyzing the experiences of Yemeni women in Aden Governorate and how to achieve economic empowerment for them through local projects and initiatives,” according to Bahashwan.
Regarding Dr. Bahashwan’s most important research in the field of economic development, she says, “I have a study entitled ‘The Economic Conditions of the Family from a Gender Perspective in Hadhramaut Governorate.’ The focus of this study is to analyze the difficulties and challenges faced by these families from an economic standpoint, from a gender perspective.”
She continues, “I also studied the impact of civil society organizations on empowering Yemeni women, and this study was applied to those working in women’s community associations in Hadhramaut Governorate in 2014. The results of this study were presented at the Social Service Conference in Cairo.”
She also explains that she conducted a research on the economic, health, and educational needs of women and their role in social development in Hadhramaut Governorate through a field study on a sample of women in the Republic of Yemen in 2017.
In 2017, a field study was conducted under the title “Family Conditions in Hadhramaut: Problems, Needs, Interventions.” This study focused on analyzing the economic and social situation of families in Hadhramaut and recommendations for necessary interventions.
Bahashwan also conducted a study in 2018 addressing women’s unemployment in Hadhramaut. This study was conducted in the city of Mukalla and published in the Journal of Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies at Kuwait University.
Continuing her discussion, she says, “In 2019, I studied the level of unemployment anxiety among final year students at Hadhramaut University and participated with it in the Fourth Scientific Conference on Humanities at Hadhramaut University in 2019. Currently, I am working on research that addresses the role of small projects in economically empowering women, and I have conducted a field study on the women’s small projects sector in the city of Mukalla.”
Conducting Economic Studies and Research
The participation of female researchers is crucial in promoting economic and social progress in Yemen. In this context, Al-Harithi stated that women’s participation in applied research plays a vital role in advancing various sectors such as agriculture, industry, and technology. Their findings have the potential to enhance productivity and innovation.
She pointed out that through applied research, there is an opportunity to challenge the traditional economic system that marginalizes women’s contributions. This can help enhance their participation in the workforce and promote equality.
She believes that applied research provides valuable insights for formulating effective economic strategies that help identify requirements and direct investments effectively. Women researchers also can contribute to research related to health and environmental concerns, including combating plant diseases and the sustainable management of water resources.
For her part, Bahashwan emphasized that women have made great contributions in various scientific fields. Through academic research, women in Yemen can shed light on challenges and work towards achieving positive social change. They can also provide solutions to women’s issues and problems or offer recommendations to decision-makers. Research findings can serve as a powerful tool in raising awareness about developmental issues that impact and benefit society.
For his part, the Vice President of Sana’a University for Scientific Research and Postgraduate Studies, Dr. Ibrahim Luqman, states: “Based on a survey conducted on research in the last ten years, which numbered approximately 2,000 research papers, it was discovered that the percentage of research dealing with economic development and directly related fields (such as production, legal, and health aspects) is approximately 11%.”
Scientific and Community Activity
Dr. Huda Ali says, “Women’s economic empowerment is one of the most important fundamentals of life. It plays a vital role in strengthening the basic elements of life for the entire family, including health and education. I have been personally committed to enhancing women’s economic empowerment and have implemented related scientific and community activities.”
She continues, “In the context of scientific activity, I contributed to authoring a detailed book entitled ‘Women’s Contribution to Economic Development.’ This book reviews the vital role that women play in promoting economic development and achieving economic balance.”
She explains that in the community field, she chaired the organization Ra’idat Al-Adala for Development and Rights and helped implement more than ten field projects, all aimed at enhancing women’s livelihoods. These projects include a permanent exhibition for productive families and the “Productive Families Mall” project, in addition to factory and exhibition projects that enhance women’s self-sufficiency. She also coordinated many marketing bazaars, distributed economic development projects to homes, and coordinated the sale of these projects on annual occasions such as Eid and Ramadan.
Women’s Scientific Research and Economic Leadership
Women’s scientific research can contribute to promoting the spirit of initiative and economic leadership in Yemen. It is important to first correct the common misconception that female academics remain confined to offices and surrounded by books. Despite working in academia, women are capable of engaging in scientific life and are committed to being present within civil society and community work,” according to Dr. Bahashwan.
She emphasizes that thanks to the experience gained in the academic field, women can provide innovative and effective community services. They can thus be agents of change in promoting economic development and the spirit of initiative. Research can be directed towards stimulating economic growth and entrepreneurship in Yemen.
By studying and analyzing the challenges and opportunities in the field of entrepreneurship and industrial development, women researchers can develop evidence-based recommendations. These recommendations can assist decision-makers in making strategic decisions that enhance economic development and achieve sustainable societal change.
Future Plans
Scientific research is of paramount importance in driving economic progress and requires plans to strengthen the research process in the economic aspect. Researcher Dr. Al-Harithi presented several strategies, including enhancing financial support by allocating sufficient financial resources for scientific research, including expanding research facilities and communication networks.
“Synergy between academic institutions, business entities, and government agencies must be enhanced to exchange experiences and effectively implement research results, promoting innovative ideas and practical applications. Supporting research endeavors that focus on feasible solutions and new technological advancements is crucial,” according to Al-Harithi.
She pointed out that it is necessary for the formulation of economic strategies to be based on empirical evidence derived from scientific exploration to ensure sustainable progress.
For her part, and in the same context, Dr. Bahashwan emphasizes that the most important plans that can strengthen the research process in the economic aspect include highlighting the role of women in research, their achievements, the challenges they face, and how to find solutions to them. There should be a focus on showcasing the real contributions of women in the field of economic research and raising awareness about the crucial role they play in the advancement of society and achieving sustainable development.”
She adds, “It is essential to demonstrate the true role of social sciences and humanities and their applications in community life, and their importance in guiding human behavior and building society, as is well known. The main goal that social sciences and humanities strive to achieve is to mitigate the impacts of problems on family and community stability and to promote the adoption of research and study findings in supporting the strategies of community institutions in all fields, increasing their effectiveness in production and work.”
Despite the challenges, the role of Yemeni women in promoting economic progress remains significant. Their efforts must be encouraged, and their participation in the economic field should be further enhanced.