Hanan Hussein – Women in Development and Peace
While some in the Yemeni society reject the idea of educating women altogether, believing that a woman’s role is limited to the home and raising children, and claim that higher education for women might lead them to distance themselves from family and change societal values, others are convinced of the importance of women and their vital role in higher education. They recognize that women can contribute to their community’s development by educating and nurturing future generations, and their presence in academic circles breaks the stereotype of women, making them partners in the success of their male counterparts.
Women in Academia
Muneera Al-Namir, a clinical psychologist, speaks about the importance of women’s presence in this sector, saying: “There is importance for women in academia in Yemen, as their attainment of higher education enhances their awareness and contributes to the development of their capabilities in various fields, which reflects positively on their dealings with their children in the future and how their reactions are positive towards different life situations based on their practical experiences.”
For her part, Alhan Al-Shaibani, a community activist, says: “Women in academia have qualitative and important contributions, and they are partners in building the educational process at all levels of education.”
Media professional Basma Nawas talks about the importance of women’s presence in academia, seeing that they enrich knowledge, diversify perspectives, and develop new ideas and methods. She believes their presence inspires future generations and creates a role model for young girls, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and ambitions in education and research. Additionally, they contribute to societal development through their participation in various fields such as education, healthcare, and scientific research.
Nawas adds: “There is importance for women to obtain a higher education degree, including improving job opportunities and income, while also enhancing self-confidence and self-reliance. It also allows women to contribute more to society through their skills and knowledge. In general, their participation in the academic field and obtaining a higher education degree is essential to achieving equality, justice, and sustainable development.”
The Impact of Women in Academia
Yemeni women have achieved many successes in the academic field. They have obtained high academic degrees and held leadership positions in universities. They have also contributed to the enrichment of knowledge through research and scientific studies. Despite this, women are still underrepresented in academia compared to men. This may be due to several factors, including poverty, customs and traditions, lack of educational opportunities, and discrimination against women, according to several specialists in the field.
Basma Nawas, however, speaks of women’s influence in this important field, saying: “Academic women are an important element in society and have a major role in its progress and development. They have a large and wide-ranging impact on society, educating and raising future generations, instilling values and principles in them, and providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their lives.”
In the same context, Muneera Al-Namir adds: “The presence of academic women in society achieves a kind of balance in the educational environment between the sexes and contributes to understanding the true and positive meaning of equality in society. The role of women is no less important than the role of men in academic education and upbringing.”
Aatiqa Al-Hababi, an assistant professor, believes that academic women demonstrate their importance in influencing the society around them, raising awareness, and sharing the scientific and practical experiences they have gained throughout their lives. Therefore, they occupy a prestigious position in society, especially if they address topics that touch on the needs of society.
Differing Perspectives
Regarding women’s education and work, Salih Ali, the head of his household, believes that education has a role and impact on women’s presence in higher education, but it is limited to the teaching profession only and does not go beyond that. This contrasts with the view of Salwa Al-Adran, a university student from one of the governorates, who believes that women can hold large administrative and leadership positions in universities.
From another angle, Aatiqa Al-Hababi mentions that some believe that a woman’s place is in the home, raising children, and engaging in agricultural and pastoral work, especially in rural areas. However, some extend a helping hand and contribute to encouraging women to reach prestigious positions. She adds: “It is rare to see a woman confront society and continue working, studying, and striving until she reaches the position she dreams of and seeks to achieve.”
Najla Husain, a nurse in a clinic, speaks about higher education for Yemeni women, saying: “Education and the professional field are still considered unnecessary by the majority of society. We find parents encouraging boys at the expense of girls after completing high school, let alone a bachelor’s degree.”
She adds: “We find all this support for males because they will support their families in the future. But women, according to their claims, will get married and end up at home, in the kitchen, and with their children.”
Nasira Muhammad, her fellow nurse, disagrees, saying: “I see that boys and girls in this day and age have become equal in terms of earning and working, so we must invest in both and help them complete their education, even if it is abroad.”
Academic Experiences
Aatiqa Al-Hababi believes that some women have reached prestigious academic degrees. She cites the example of a doctor she knew who got married right after high school but persevered, worked hard, and pursued her ambition until she reached her doctorate. Today, she has four children, all of whom are top performers in their studies and successful.
Another example Al-Hababi mentions is of another doctor who married in the ninth grade and continued her education, traveling with her husband to Iraq and Indonesia and moving between several countries. However, she persevered and continued her education even after having five children.
Community Support
Basma Nawas believes that society supports women in all fields, including academia. She says, “There is a growing trend toward encouraging women’s education for various reasons, including increased awareness of the importance of women’s role in society and a change in societal perceptions of them. Women are now seen as partners with men in building the family and society, and most women can now access better educational opportunities.”
She adds, “I have read about many female academics in newspapers, online articles, and on social media, such as Dr. Amal Basha, who holds a PhD in Microbiology from Oxford University. She is a prominent researcher in the field of antibiotic resistance and is currently working on her research at the University of Toronto in Canada.”
Alhan Al-Shaibani believes that in recent times, societies have begun to encourage women to attain their right to education and to strive for the highest levels of education.
Amal Fuad, who holds a Master’s degree in Financial Sciences, stresses the need for community support for women to continue their higher education and to be given ample opportunities when needed. She says, “It is true that women were created to bear children, build a family, and raise them properly. However, we must not forget that they have many aspirations and desires to achieve self-fulfillment, a sense of accomplishment, and achievement of their potential. This allows them to achieve a good financial income in the future when they need to work.”
She adds, “Women’s need to work has become greater than their need to start a family, and some people still do not prefer to educate their daughters past high school, let alone support them in obtaining higher degrees.”
Challenges
Regarding difficulties and challenges, Basma Nawas believes that there are some challenges facing women in their pursuit of higher education and achieving distinguished academic degrees. These include poverty, as some families cannot afford the costs of education. Another challenge is the customs and traditions in our society that deprive women of their right to education, and some families still adhere to these customs.
She adds, “Despite these challenges, there are many successes that women have achieved in the field of education. Therefore, it is important to continue efforts aimed at promoting the education of girls and women to enable them to achieve their full potential and contribute to building better societies.”
Amal Fuad confirms that one of the obstacles that women may face during their education is the lack of appreciation for their presence and their attainment of this scientific standing, whether from their community or their workplaces. They are not granted any privileges, and this is a major challenge to their ambition and desire for development.
Muneera Al-Namir says, “One of the biggest obstacles is the family’s lack of awareness of the importance of women completing their postgraduate studies, in addition to the financial aspect and the requirements of scientific research that a researcher may face. As we know, the economic and financial situation is currently deteriorating dramatically compared to the past.”
She continues, “Another challenge is the narrow view of society towards women and their classification as mothers, wives, and caregivers for their children, and that their boundaries are limited to this aspect only. Therefore, a woman must prove herself to succeed.”
Alhan Al-Shaibani believes that one of the most prominent obstacles is the weak financial situation of some female academics, especially in the context of armed conflict and disputes. The cost of higher education has risen in most universities, and many women are no longer able to afford these costs.
She adds, “One of the most prominent challenges women face after marriage is the belief that they cannot continue their education and must stay at home and only meet the needs of their families. This is due to a lack of awareness in society about the role of women.”
Al-Hababi adds, “Some men may see women’s education and attainment of high academic levels as a threat to their rights and status at work, in the family, or society.”
Solutions
Basma Nawas believes that there are many plans and solutions to support women and correct their situation in the field of higher education. These include what she mentioned about encouraging girls’ education, increasing community awareness, and providing them with positive role models of educated women. Additionally, it is important to address the obstacles that women face in education, such as combating poverty and early marriage, encouraging women’s participation in research, and funding research projects led by women, especially those that focus on women’s issues. Providing support and guidance to women through mentoring programs for female students and researchers is also crucial.
Muneera Al-Namir states that she has opinions and viewpoints that may address some of the problems that women face in higher education. These include the need to support women to be effective academic contributors. They should be encouraged and supported both financially and morally.
She continues, “Relevant authorities must work to raise awareness of the importance of the role of women academics in various institutions. There must be support, even if it is a small part, especially in the field of postgraduate studies, which have become very expensive. Many women – including me – suffer from the costs of postgraduate studies and their requirements.”
Amal Fuad offers a set of tips, saying, “A woman must be content with her life, but she should not give up on her dreams of obtaining a higher education and attaining the best positions. She should ignore the discouragers in society.”
“A woman must look to the future with a bright outlook. She must have confidence in herself and adhere to the rules, bonds, customs, and traditions of society. She must also provide academic assistance to those below her or to anyone who asks for her help, as this is considered a charity of knowledge,” says Aatiqa Al-Hababi, highlighting the most prominent solutions to empower women in academia.