Yasmine Abdulhafeez – Women in Development and Peace
Emigration has become an inevitable option for many Yemeni families, especially Yemeni women who face significant challenges in their homeland. The ongoing armed conflicts, poverty, and constant struggle for resources have driven them to leave their homes in search of a better future. Through migration, they seek quality education and job opportunities for themselves and their families.
Difficult circumstances in Yemen have forced hundreds of women into displacement in pursuit of better educational opportunities and more stable livelihoods. The ongoing conflict has devastated educational infrastructure and led to the exodus of academic staff, significantly diminishing the quality of education. The deteriorating economic situation has resulted in high unemployment rates, forcing many women to seek work abroad to support their families.
Furthermore, other women have reluctantly left Yemen, fearing persecution for their social and political views, leading them to seek asylum in various countries. Some have received support and encouragement from international organizations, embassies, or Yemeni authorities responsible for serving Yemenis abroad. Others have faced their fate alone without any assistance, according to testimonies from many Yemeni women in different countries to the author of this report.
Many have achieved remarkable success in their host countries, forging a history filled with triumphs in various fields. These significant achievements illustrate the victories of Yemeni women in the diaspora despite their challenges and difficulties. Their stories reflect the passion and determination of Yemeni women to excel and innovate.
Numerous fields in which Yemeni women have excelled in the diaspora include visual arts, cooking, engraving, modern and traditional fashion shows, poetry, literature, singing, and various sciences such as law, media, journalism, innovation, and rights.
Pioneering Yemeni Women in the Diaspora
We highlight an exceptional woman who has defied the challenges of living abroad and carved out a unique identity for herself. She is Mayyada Al-Warafi, a fine artist and graphic designer, a graduate of the Fine Arts Department at the Faculty of Arts, Taiz University, and top of her class.
The difficult circumstances in Yemen due to the ongoing conflict forced her to leave the country in search of new opportunities for herself and her family, especially since the country no longer encourages artists and creatives.
Al-Warafi completed her secondary and university education in the Department of Fine Arts in Taiz. Despite the challenges she faced, she was able to convince her family to allow her to pursue this specialization, which was rejected by both family and society on the grounds that it was not suitable for women in a society dominated by a culture of shame.
She completed her studies and graduated with honors in Fine Arts (Graphics) in 2019, ranking first in her class. However, over time, she realized that there were no job opportunities due to the difficult conditions in the city and Yemen in general as a result of the conflict and its economic and security repercussions. This led her to consider emigration and seeking an opportunity to achieve her ambition.
Mayyada traveled to Egypt through cultural exchange scholarship opportunities between Taiz University and Egyptian universities. Over time, she settled there and sought an opportunity to showcase her abilities. She did not remain idle but worked to further develop her skills by taking multiple training courses in design and digital drawing, and she had to look for work that would help her achieve her goal.
Mayyada began her career at a Yemeni school in Egypt and was later encouraged to pursue her specialization in design at a Yemeni company. At the same time, she continued her academic journey by enrolling in a Master’s program specializing in Folk Arts at Cairo University, and she was able to study and work at the same time. Subsequently, she progressed to participate in fine art exhibitions inside and outside Egypt.
On a journey fraught with challenges, Mayyada was able to overcome the difficulties of adapting to a new life away from her homeland and family. With the support of her family, she was able to achieve remarkable success in her field. She participated in many local and international events, received honorary awards, and contributed to enriching the cultural scene in her country through her art, using graphics to express issues of peace, love, and solidarity.
Mayyada’s story is an inspiring example for young Yemeni women who seek to achieve their dreams abroad. Despite the difficult circumstances her country is going through, Mayyada was able to prove that will and determination are the keys to success.
Poet Jihad Al-Jifri
Jihad Al-Jifri, a Yemeni poet hailing from Aden, is a multifaceted literary voice enriching the cultural scene both within Yemen and internationally. She has achieved notable success as a novelist, poet, short story writer, and social activist in the diaspora. Her works, including the novel “Ayna Aby?”, the short story collection “Imra’a Khawiyat Al-Firash,” and the poetry collection “Mu’jizat Al-Dhil,” have garnered critical acclaim and resonated with audiences.
Despite living abroad, Al-Jifri remains deeply connected to her homeland and continues to produce prolifically, showcasing her exceptional talent and unwavering determination. Her works often address social issues pertinent to women, making her a powerful voice for Yemeni and Arab women alike.
A member of the Arab Writers Union in Europe, Al-Jifri’s compelling narratives delve into the complexities of Yemeni society. Her profound and sensitive exploration of social issues has earned her recognition in literary circles, solidifying her position as a prominent voice in the Arab cultural scene. She received international recognition at the Global Forum for the Culture of Peace in Brussels, a testament to her impactful literary journey.
Al-Jifri’s authentic portrayal of societal realities resonates deeply with readers, making her a celebrated figure in contemporary Arabic literature. Her works serve as a mirror reflecting the nuances of her society, contributing to her widespread popularity and enduring impact.
Lawyer Asma Ali
Yemeni-American lawyer Asma Ali has achieved remarkable success in the field of law, particularly in immigration matters. Her professional career is replete with achievements and accolades, making her a role model for Arab youth in general and Yemeni youth in particular.
Lawyer Asma Ali was honored with the 2023 Best Immigration Lawyer Award for the State of Mississippi. She has traveled throughout the United States representing foreign nationals. She has also represented numerous high-ranking government officials from various countries in Immigration Court, USCIS, and ICE.
Asma is also a role model for Arab youth; she has proven her ability to achieve success and excel in her field of work, and her success story is proof that perseverance and diligence are the keys to achieving dreams.
Asma’s sharp intelligence and ability to analyze complex issues accurately allow her to find the best legal solutions for her clients. Her excellent communication skills ensure she can explain complex legal matters simply and clearly.
In 2022, Asma Ali was selected as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Immigration Lawyers in the United States. She has garnered numerous awards and honors, including the Distinguished Lawyer Award, the Elite Lawyer Award, the Law Eagles Award, the Lawyer of the Year Award, and many more. In addition, she was awarded the “Rising Star Lawyer in the American Mid-South” title in 2024, in recognition of her competence and outstanding performance.