Hebah Mohammed – Women in Development and Peace
In the realm of displacement and migration, the stories of Yemeni women in the diaspora intertwine like harmonious notes in the symphony of seeking identity and stability. Opinions and analysis from those directly affected and academics shed light on how displacement has impacted women across various aspects of life, opening new horizons for understanding this phenomenon from diverse perspectives.
The history of Yemeni displacement reflects intricate paths of migration and challenges, with women facing profound impacts stemming from their daily lives.
Among the numerous reasons for migration, Yemeni women encounter various challenges in foreign lands, including difficulties with integration, language barriers, employment obstacles, and social and psychological challenges that accompany them over time. However, new opportunities emerge with each challenge, empowering Yemeni women to realize their aspirations and overcome adversity.
Reflections on the History of Yemeni Migration
With growing interest, those concerned with Yemeni affairs have addressed the challenges associated with migration. They have sought to examine the intricate relationships between the flow of Yemeni migration and the changing economic and social environment that has shaped Yemeni society throughout the ages. The primary objective of this effort has not been to rewrite the history of migration in its entirety, but rather to trace its impact and influence, enabling a concise understanding of the aforementioned events, which undoubtedly represent a part of this complex history.
Academic and writer Dr. Ilham Mani’ states, “Before the Islamic era, the ancient civilizations and kingdoms that inhabited and enriched the southern Arabian Peninsula experienced economic decline and deterioration due to the replacement of land trade routes and their caravans, which were the economic lifeline at the time, with maritime routes. This coincided with a period of major conflicts lasting three hundred years, all of which led to significant waves of migration out of Yemen.”
She continues, “After the Islamic State began its military campaigns, a new wave of migration from Yemen began. Yemenis did what many do today when faced with political turmoil and a lack of economic opportunities: they migrated. Because they were known for their high combat skills, they became a valuable source of manpower for the Islamic State’s conflicts of conquest. This also reflected further economic deterioration within Yemen due to the absence of a workforce in agricultural areas.”
Regarding the history of migration from Aden, Mani’ stated that during British colonial rule, the city witnessed a reverse wave of migration. In 1839, Aden was a fertile fishing ground with a total population of less than 1,000 people. Over the years, as it expanded and transformed into a vibrant commercial and maritime center, its population grew, attracting migrants from surrounding areas. By 1950, the population had reached approximately 100,000, with migration from the protectorate, North Yemen (particularly Lower Yemen), Somaliland, India, and Hadhramaut. Its renowned trade relations and migrations to Malaysia and Indonesia further contributed to its cultural and human diversity.
She also pointed out that in recent history, Yemen has experienced waves of outward migration, particularly after the independence of the south and the establishment of the republic in the north. The conflicts in Iraq in 1990 and the repercussions of Yemen’s stance led to a reverse migration, with the sudden return of Yemeni expatriates from Gulf countries.
Dr. Amina Muhsin Al-Abid, Goodwill Ambassador for World Peace, also states, “Throughout different eras, migration has been a fundamental characteristic of the Yemeni people. Yemenis are renowned for their historical journeys to the far corners of the world, reaching various parts of the globe, whether in countries of the old continents like Asia, Africa, and Europe or new ones like North and South America. Yemeni geography has played a vital role in their migration history, influenced by the interplay of human, economic, and natural geographical transformations, from political upheavals and droughts to shrinking agricultural lands.”
She agrees with Mani’ and believes that in the modern era, Yemeni migration rates increased significantly during the 20th century, particularly towards America and Britain. This migration was influenced by the interaction of capitalist production patterns, leading to the decline of Yemeni crafts and increased unemployment rates. This reality pushed Yemeni citizens to explore new futures beyond their borders, and despite the emergence of modern sectors in major cities, migration continued due to the complex economic and political circumstances witnessed in Yemen.
Regarding the groups most affected by the history of Yemeni displacement, Al-Abid explained that migration significantly impacts women and their children. Children suffer from a lack of access to education, especially in higher levels, due to frequent relocations and unstable living conditions. Additionally, women experience psychological and social distress due to a loss of security and stability, face difficulties accessing essential medical and psychological services, and lack shelter, legal support, and offices that assist with the issues faced by Yemeni migrants and support them.
The Impact of Migration on Yemeni Women
Dr. Valentina Abdul-Kareem, Acting President of the Yemeni Women’s Union, Aden, says, “Migration has a significant impact on Yemeni women, both psychologically and socially. Being away from their homeland and homes can make them feel deprived of security and stability, and it fuels the pain of alienation in their hearts in all aspects. They may also have to endure the hardship of living away from their families and their usual activities.”
She points out that some women take advantage of this opportunity to bring the voice of their country to the world. They shed light on the ongoing conflicts in Yemen and the thousands of victims, including men, women, and children. Everyone hopes that these women will use their presence abroad to advocate strongly for their country and their afflicted people and to call on the international community to help save Yemen from these devastating conflicts.
Mani’, in the context of her talk, points out that Yemeni women bear the burdens of migration, whether internal or external. However, they are the ones who maintain the integrity of their local communities and take care of their families due to conflicts. She adds, “In Yemeni areas where men have migrated due to conflict or in search of work opportunities abroad, women have become the primary breadwinners for their families and have entered the labor market.”
Mani’ emphasizes that the humanitarian response in Yemen has created new job opportunities for women, while some women have been recruited into the security forces of conflicting parties. Yemeni women have also been pushed into informal manual labor for meager wages, such as domestic work, while others have been forced to resort to negative coping mechanisms, such as begging and engaging in immoral acts for survival.
The Reality of Women in Diaspora Environments
“The situations of Yemeni women migrating outside Yemen vary depending on their education levels, economic conditions, and ability to adapt to the new reality. Many Yemeni female elites have been forced to leave Yemen due to persecution by some parties in the conflict. They have gone through difficult psychological conditions as a result of loss and separation from family and homeland. The initial difficulty this elite faced was the process of integrating into new societies and their sense of isolation. However, most of them were able to rise again and become an active Yemeni force, actively contributing to their host countries while advocating for Yemen and striving for sustainable peace within it,” according to Mani’.
Mani’ also believes that the most prominent circumstances that force Yemeni women to leave their country and seek a better life abroad are conflict situations, loss of the ability to secure a decent life in their country, lack of security, and persecution by the authorities in their areas due to their human rights or political activism, and the narrowing of work and movement opportunities, especially in conflict zones.
Statistics
According to data from the Global Migration Portal, official reports and statistics illustrate the reality of Yemeni migrant women in various countries around the world. According to reports, the number of international migrants worldwide – that is, people residing in a country other than their country of birth – reached 272 million, compared to 258 million in 2017. Women made up 48% of this number.
Challenges
Dr. Al-Abid mentions the most prominent challenges she faced outside Yemen, which many Yemeni women living far from home also face. She states: “In the countries of displacement, women face enormous challenges, including the high costs associated with paying for residency, which is exorbitant, in addition to the difficulty in accessing essential services, especially in cases of violence and persecution. When they are subjected to social or economic problems, they find it difficult to obtain the necessary support. This is especially true for divorced women, wives of patients, and women who need care and attention, especially in Arab countries. Women may not receive any financial support.”
She states that in the diaspora environment, Yemeni women face significant challenges, especially in Arab countries, as they lack promising opportunities. It is worth noting that there are approximately 8 million and 677 thousand migrants, including Yemenis, registered with the UNHCR in Egypt, which reflects the magnitude of the needs and challenges they face.
“Learning a new language in the country of immigration is a major challenge for women, which makes it difficult for them to adapt and integrate into the new society. Migrant women often face economic difficulties due to the weak job opportunities available to them or low wages compared to men,” according to Dr. Valentina.
She continues, “Yemeni women in diaspora have only limited opportunities, except for what they may obtain from citizenship or political or humanitarian asylum. The presence of Arab and Muslim women in some diaspora countries poses a danger to them due to the hatred of some towards Arabs and Muslims.”
Recommendations
To improve the situation of Yemeni migrant women, Al-Abid offers several recommendations, stating, “Yemeni migrant women must be treated as refugees by United Nations laws regarding refugees, including the provision of necessary rights and care. The role of the Arab League, Yemeni embassies, communities, and initiatives should be activated in following up on the conditions of migrants and providing the necessary assistance, whether material (food and health) or moral (psychological, health, and educational support).”
Al-Abid believes that it is important to establish a comprehensive database of the number of Yemeni displaced persons and migrants to ensure that aid reaches them in an organized and effective manner. It is also necessary to facilitate procedures for Yemeni migrant women to enroll in schools and universities in host countries to ensure the continuity of their education and the development of their skills.
Valentina also stresses the need to establish specialized training and professional programs for Yemeni migrant women to empower them economically and improve their job opportunities. It is crucial to ensure their comprehensive protection and support through coordination between government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and civil society.
She emphasizes the importance of developing mechanisms to monitor and document violations of the rights of Yemeni migrant women and to take the necessary measures to address them in general. This is essential to ensure respect for the dignity of Yemeni migrant women and to enable them to obtain their fundamental rights and opportunities for sustainable development.
In the same context, Mani’ says, “Improving the reality of Yemeni migrant women requires providing legal support to facilitate legal procedures for migrants and raising awareness about women’s rights. This requires strengthening international cooperation between Yemen and host countries to provide the necessary support. Establishing social and psychological centers for migrants and providing funding and support programs for small projects are necessary steps to achieve a supportive and prosperous environment for female migrants.”