Hebah Mohammed – Women in Development and Peace
Amidst the ongoing conflicts and immense challenges facing Yemen, a vibrant and driving force emerges in the voice of Yemeni women in the diaspora, far from the turmoil of their homeland. Yemeni women in exile are taking a central role in peacebuilding and national reconciliation efforts.
These strong women are not content with merely raising their voices to call for peace. They are actively working to break down the barriers that hinder progress and transformation. Through innovative community initiatives and cross-border solidarity networks, they have the power to redraw the roadmap toward reconciliation and stability.
The Importance of Peacebuilding in Yemen
Building peace is crucial for restoring stability and achieving sustainable development in Yemen. This ancient country, suffering from the consequences of multiple conflicts and divisions, needs unified and sustained efforts to achieve peace and harmony now more than ever.
Madina Adlan, a peace activist, says, “Peacebuilding in Yemen is not just a humanitarian goal but an inevitable human and national imperative. It aims to achieve justice and reconciliation and establish a culture of dialogue and tolerance among the people of one nation. Achieving peace is not solely the responsibility of governments; it is a challenge that encompasses all members of society, across all strata and components.”
She points out that peace-building in Yemen is an arduous journey fraught with challenges. It is a journey towards a state of justice, prosperity, and peaceful coexistence among all members of society.
Adlan continues, “In this context, citizens desperately need to achieve sustainable peace and political stability in the country. Through this, the economic stability required for the stability of society as a whole can be achieved. Unfortunately, under the current conflict, we are witnessing numerous restrictions on freedoms and an absence of the rule of law, which has led to the disintegration of social peace in Yemen.”
Adlan emphasizes that both domestically and abroad, women play a pivotal role in the peace process. Women abroad can amplify the voices of the Yemeni people and shed light on the suffering of women inside the country to their respective communities. They can also exert pressure and show solidarity with women within Yemen. Conversely, women inside Yemen have the most direct experience and understanding of the situation, making their role in fostering peace even more significant.
She stresses the need for Yemeni women in the diaspora to act as intermediaries between international organizations abroad and local organizations within Yemen. Adlan advocates for establishing a platform for communication and information exchange between influential women both inside and outside the country to bolster peace efforts.
Women in the Diaspora and the Journey of Peace
Dr. Amina Muhsin Al-Abd, Goodwill Ambassador for Global Peace, has left a clear mark on empowering Yemeni women and highlighting their role in the peace process. Through her active participation in international meetings and seminars, she has successfully conveyed the suffering of women in Yemen to relevant authorities.
Her efforts extend beyond raising awareness. Dr. Amina has put forward constructive opinions and proposals for achieving lasting peace in Yemen. She participated in developing the Women’s Roadmap for Peace, which was discussed during United Nations meetings with women on peace issues.
Dr. Amina has also been present at peace negotiations and meetings, actively participating in these forums. In close collaboration with women both inside and outside Yemen, she launched “Together for Peace” initiative to contribute to peacebuilding in the country.
As a result of these outstanding efforts, Dr. Amina was honored with the title of “Global Peace Ambassador.” She has succeeded in highlighting the role of Yemeni women and promoting their effective participation in the peace process at both local and international levels. She has also contributed to advocating for women’s issues and proposing appropriate solutions.
Furthermore, another powerful voice has emerged in the journey for peace outside Yemen: Laila Lutf Al-Thawr. As the Assistant Secretary-General for the Head of the Political Bureau and Relations in the General People’s Congress party and President of SAM Organization for Rights and Development, she is a certified trainer, local mediator, and expert in negotiation and conflict resolution. Laila has become a symbol of distinction and inspiration in the field of peace and human rights, carrying a history marked by sacrifices and challenges that she has faced with steadfastness and determination.
Laila embarked on her journey by dedicating her efforts to community service and sacrificing for peace in Yemen. She has consistently amplified the voices of marginalized citizens and tirelessly sought solutions to their conflicts. Despite facing challenges and obstacles, she has remained steadfast in her pursuit of peace, believing that community participation is the foundation for building stability.
Laila has excelled in her role as a consultant and local mediator. She has successfully activated the role of civil society and integrated women’s voices in decision-making processes both inside and outside Yemen. She has strived to effect change through her active participation in international conferences and by presenting strategic plans to promote peace and stability.
Reflecting on her role, Al-Thawr says, “We organized sessions to involve as many community members as possible, and this is a significant achievement for me. Regarding the prisoner file, I played a prominent role as a consultant. The formula I proposed was adopted in the first prisoner exchange operation, and this formula represented a turning point in the efforts of Yemeni women abroad towards achieving peace.”
She continues, “Currently, we are trying to introduce mediation at the international level in the Yemeni prisoner file. We are fighting tirelessly, despite not receiving the necessary attention and priority by those overseeing this issue. Nevertheless, I was the only woman who participated strongly in the prisoner file, and the first to work extensively on this issue from the beginning.”
Laila adds, “We are witnessing a significant expansion in community participation and the activation of women’s roles in peace efforts. As women, we have succeeded in raising our voices with strength and influence. At the Tribal Conference, we were able to activate the issue effectively, but unfortunately, the project was later halted.”
Al-Thawr is one of the founders of the National Stream abroad, one of the most prominent components with influential figures and a strong emphasis on ensuring women’s active role in the peace process.
Thanks to her dedicated efforts in the prisoner file and her prominent role in negotiation and peacebuilding, Laila has become a role model for achieving success and positive change. She carries within her a clear vision of the role of women and civil society in building a better and more stable world.
Female Figures
The journeys and milestones of Yemeni women in the diaspora are many and varied, embodied by several figures, including Muna Shawqi Muhammad Luqman, Founder, and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Food4humanity, a leading organization in the field of food security and humanitarian aid. She is also a co-founder of the Women’s Solidarity Network, the largest women’s network in Yemen.
Over the past years, Muna has emerged as an inspiring leader and recipient of numerous awards and honors. In 2019, she was awarded the Eighth Peace and Human Rights Award, and in 2020, she received the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice Fellowship from the University of San Diego in the United States.
In 2022, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) selected her as one of six influential women worldwide. In 2023, she was awarded the Clinton Global Citizen Award for Courage.
Muna Luqman has extensive experience in international forums, having delivered important briefings to the United Nations, the Security Council, the Human Rights Council, the Feminist Majority Foundation, the US Congress, the International Organization for Migration, and the United Nations Economic and Social Council. She has also actively contributed to investigative committees, sanctions committees, local justice and peace efforts, national reconciliation efforts, civilian protection and monitoring of violations, and advocating for victims’ rights.
Currently, Muna Luqman serves as the National Coordinator for Inclusivity and Inclusion at the Office of the UN Envoy to Yemen and continues her efforts to achieve peace, justice, and sustainable development in the region.
Throughout the years of conflict, Muna Luqman has led several humanitarian and development programs that have alleviated human suffering and contributed to sustainable development. She has excelled in several fields, most notably: local justice and peace, supporting, engaging, and developing youth leadership, community security, social cohesion and rejecting hatred and violence, civilian protection and monitoring of violations, restructuring humanitarian action, educating girls and reducing child marriage, managing environmental disasters and climate change, and ensuring interconnected water, food, and energy security, protecting, supporting, empowering, and integrating locally displaced communities.
She has also led a series of community dialogues in several areas, between women and youth and among local leaders, which has eased community tensions, created space for discussion and interaction, and contributed to training dozens of young men and women to become peace ambassadors to promote the values of human rights, social justice, diversity, gender equality, and global citizenship.
Organizations and Concerned Entities
“Regarding the role played by organizations and concerned entities in supporting women outside the country, we observe that organizations in the diaspora are interested in the role of women in promoting peace and consistently involve women in workshops related to peace issues. This is due to the ease of communication and coordination with them,” says Adlan.
She adds, “However, there are challenges in implementing activities that enhance the role of women in the peace process abroad. These challenges include the weak role of the country and its lack of interest in these issues, which has led to a weak role for embassies in supporting Yemeni women in the diaspora. We must emphasize that the country should commit to supporting the role of women in the diaspora by supporting embassies in this regard.”
In the same context, Valentina Abdul-Karim, Acting President of the Yemeni Women’s Union in Aden, says, “There are no official bodies in Yemen, north or south, that are interested in promoting the role of women. On the contrary, they try to exclude women from any activity, negotiation, or dialogue for peace. However, several local and international organizations are keen on involving women both inside and outside the country through implementing several activities and training programs, whether they are women from parties, organizations, or political components. This is done by building their capacities for participation and pursuing peacebuilding for Yemen.”
Regarding the role of concerned entities and organizations in strengthening the role of Yemeni women in peacebuilding through their presence in the diaspora, Raida Al-Dhabhani, Peace Ambassador to the International Peace Organization (UN), asserts that the role of women in Yemeni society remains symbolic without a real impact on the ground. The results remain superficial. For example, we haven’t witnessed a leading role for women in political decision-making or participation in negotiations, and there are no real efforts by organizations that fully influence all parties to ensure women’s participation in peacebuilding processes.
Muna Luqman agrees, stating, “Unfortunately, there are currently no support or protection programs provided by the Yemeni government to Yemeni women, either inside or outside Yemen. Despite international advocacy efforts, very few women have received any support in this regard.”
Luqman hopes that international and local efforts will unite to create supportive and effective protection programs for Yemeni women, both within and outside the country. This is crucial to ensure they have access to their fundamental rights and available opportunities.
Women’s Solidarity Network and Its Efforts
According to Liza Al-Badwi, Coordinator of the Women’s Solidarity Network, due to the political circumstances, conflicts, and lack of security, many Yemeni women have been forced to migrate to other countries. Many of them possess high qualifications in various fields, such as politics, human rights, and economics, including some with rare expertise in scientific fields.
She adds, “Yemen desperately needs these skills and expertise; therefore, many of these women seek to contribute to building peace in Yemen at all stages. They exert great efforts in the countries where they live and through their excellent relationships with international organizations and agencies to pressure decision-makers to respond quickly to urgent needs in Yemen, including women’s participation.”
Al-Badwi stated that “Peace Track Initiative” has developed a feminist roadmap for peace to pressure conflicting parties and international and regional powers to adopt it. Women are working to develop it regularly to ensure it accommodates new developments.
She also points out that, within the framework of the Women’s Solidarity Network’s efforts, they highlight success stories and distinctive experiences that reflect the strength and influence of women. She adds, “We work diligently through this network to empower women, enhance their capabilities, and adopt a supportive and integrated approach. We strive to support human rights and feminist issues with utmost attention and specialization.”
Comprehensive Challenges
“One of the most significant challenges we face is the international community’s continued exclusion of anyone who claims that Yemeni society is the main player in the peace process. Ideas are adopted and implemented without the presence of the originator during the implementation phase, whether in projects or in general. This forces us to prove our existence by achieving a stronger impact and directing efforts to convince the community of the importance of women’s roles. I have noticed that Yemeni society is more responsive to women in peacebuilding,” says Laila Al-Thawr.
She continues, “Regarding female figures, there is still a challenge in involving women, except in ways that align with the calculations of others. The international community does not fully believe in activating the role of Yemeni society as a guarantor and key observer in the peace process, which forces us – as women – to impose our presence as politicians and party members. Despite the international community’s supportive statements towards women, the reality shows a lack of actual support, and these remain mere slogans.”
Al-Thawr concludes by saying, “Despite the challenges, we continue to convey the suffering of citizens and demand the inclusion of women in international and local arenas. Therefore, women must have an active role at the dialogue table, and the international community must actively support this and penalize any party that refuses. This will encourage the strengthening and achievement of peace.”