Activists demanding the abolition of guardianship on women's passports during a protest in front of the Passports and Immigration Building in early February 2022, in the city of Taiz, Southern Yemen.
Activists demanding the abolition of guardianship on women's passports during a protest in front of the Passports and Immigration Building in early February 2022, in the city of Taiz, Southern Yemen.
Activists demanding the abolition of guardianship on women's passports during a protest in front of the Passports and Immigration Building in early February 2022, in the city of Taiz, Southern Yemen.
Activists demanding the abolition of guardianship on women's passports during a protest in front of the Passports and Immigration Building in early February 2022, in the city of Taiz, Southern Yemen.

Gulf

Yemeni women celebrate country's shift towards gender equality

First woman to serve on the Supreme Judicial Council tells The National of a 'major step in the right direction'

Abdallah Ali
Yemen

September 13, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Yemeni women have voiced their pride over the appointment of the first female judge to the country’s Supreme Judicial Council and demanded more action to narrow the gender gap.

Only a third of women in Yemen are literate, making up less than 2 per cent of the political process and a mere 6 per cent of the labour force, the lowest in the world, according to the 2020 Global Gender Gap Index.

The head of the Presidential Council in Yemen, Dr Rashad Al Alimi, issued a decision on August 4, appointing Sabah Al Alwani to the senior judicial post in a country where men have always monopolised decision-making positions.

Yemen is in its eighth year of war since the Houthis took over the capital Sanaa in 2014, and the fighting has left hundreds of thousands of dead and millions more displaced in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

“It’s one step on the path to empowering Yemeni women,” Ms Al Alwani tells The National.

“I was pleased with the decision. This is the first time that women are represented in such a high position in the country’s history.”

“Appointing me or any other woman to any leadership or decision-making position constitutes a major step in the right direction,” she added.

Yemen was ranked bottom of the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index for 13 consecutive years. But despite the continuing war that the United Nations estimates has killed more than 230,000 people since 2014, Yemeni women have achieved remarkable feats in narrowing this gap.

“The timing of my appointment, months after the formation of the Presidential Council, demonstrates the council's readiness to promote women's participation in senior positions,” says Ms Al Alwani.

Decades of discrimination

The appointment was the second in a set of reforms made in favour of Yemeni women this year.

In February, in the southern city of Taez, women successfully fought against authorities to overturn the need to submit their male guardian's approval to be issued with a passport. The victory saw an end to decades-long male guardianship over women that has prevented them from receiving medical care or pursuing education abroad.

Through a series of vigils and activists' meetings with officials, the unconstitutional restraint on women's rights to travel, driven by deep-rooted tribal norms, was overturned.

“This was thanks to the insistence of the women who were denied passports, as well as the cooperation of some politicians and the support of activists abroad,” says Alhan Al Shaibani, one of the campaign leaders.

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She was part of the campaign delegation that met Yemen's Prime Minister, Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed, in Aden in February, after which Mr Saeed ordered his government to review the procedures and requirements obstructing women obtaining a passport.

Aden has been the seat of the internationally recognised government since Houthi rebels seized Sanaa.

Ms Al Shaibani believes the success of that campaign is an important indicator that Yemen's society has begun to understand that women must be given equal rights.

“Some women were deprived of scholarships due to the lack of a passport,” she says. “The campaign was the beginning of a breakthrough for women to demand their legal rights and work towards gender equality.”

Rasha Jarhum, member of the National Consultation and Reconciliation Commission and head of the Peace Track Initiative,
Rasha Jarhum, member of the National Consultation and Reconciliation Commission and head of the Peace Track Initiative,

But Yasser Al Maliky, a Yemeni human rights lawyer who supports women’s rights, says the equality gap remains far too wide. “The war has delayed many political gains, which I believe are the first path to empowerment in other fields,” the lawyer says. “The culture of society is still hostile to women and this stems from a distorted cultural, religious and legal legacy towards them.”

“The day I see women with a third of the government seats and a third of high decision-making positions, and when I see male leaders who are proud of their wives and daughters, I will say that society's perspective towards women has begun to change and opportunities for empowerment are coming.”

'More is needed'

For Rasha Jarhum, a member of the National Consultation and Reconciliation Commission and head of the Peace Track Initiative, the limited achievements made by women in Yemen depend largely on political will.

“The appointment of Judge Al Alwani will enhance women's access to justice in general,” she says. “But women still face many challenges, including violence, discriminatory laws and institutions, and a society that perceives them as inferior.”

Yemeni women are among those hit hardest by a conflict that has led to what the UN has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Beyond suffering from malnutrition and a lack of access to health care, Yemeni women are disproportionately affected by rape and other forms of sexual violence that tend to increase during war.

“There are some leaders who seriously seek to support and empower women, and others who underestimate the importance of it,” says Ms Jarhum. “Usually, any man who publicly supports women's rights is attacked and intimidated.”

But Ahmed Ghaleb, 45, a government employee in the education sector of Houthi-controlled Ibb governorate in the south-west, has not allowed any backlash to put him off his support for women gaining access to decision-making positions.

“It's one of their legitimate rights and not a favour,” he says.

The father of malnourished boy Jiad Muhammad Jalal, 1, holds him at a camp for internally displaced people in Hajjah, Yemen. All photos: Reuters
The father of malnourished boy Jiad Muhammad Jalal, 1, holds him at a camp for internally displaced people in Hajjah, Yemen. All photos: Reuters
A volunteer gives a meal to a woman at a charity kitchen in Sanaa.
A volunteer gives a meal to a woman at a charity kitchen in Sanaa.
About 17.4 million people need food aid as funding dries up, the UN has said.
About 17.4 million people need food aid as funding dries up, the UN has said.
Boys stand in line as they wait to receive meals from a charity kitchen in Sanaa.
Boys stand in line as they wait to receive meals from a charity kitchen in Sanaa.
Children have been particularly affected by the conflict in Yemen, UN figures show, with 2.2 million youngsters acutely malnourished.
Children have been particularly affected by the conflict in Yemen, UN figures show, with 2.2 million youngsters acutely malnourished.
Boys leave after receiving meals from a charity kitchen in Sanaa.
Boys leave after receiving meals from a charity kitchen in Sanaa.
A woman cooks a meal at a camp for displaced people in Al Ghaidha.
A woman cooks a meal at a camp for displaced people in Al Ghaidha.
A girl picks food prepared by her mother at a camp for displaced people in Al Ghaidha.
A girl picks food prepared by her mother at a camp for displaced people in Al Ghaidha.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said Yemen and other vulnerable nations are being hit hard by the economic fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said Yemen and other vulnerable nations are being hit hard by the economic fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Internally displaced people collect food aid distributed by a charity in Taez.
Internally displaced people collect food aid distributed by a charity in Taez.

Yemeni women have proven their presence in various fields throughout the years of war and played a major role in defending human rights. But a more public role meant they were more likely to become an easy target for rebels.

UN investigators have recently uncovered a pattern of abuse, rape and arbitrary detention against women activists in Houthi-held areas of Yemen, as the rebels impose their extreme ideology on the population.

In a 2021 annual report, a panel of UN experts condemned a “Houthi policy of sexual violence and repression against politically active and professional women” in the capital Sanaa and other parts of Yemen’s rebel-held north.

Yet Mr Ghalib remains optimistic. “Yemeni society's view of women today is completely different from what it was before,” he says. “It used to be an unforgivable crime for women to work but now society is more aware.”

After her appointment to a senior government position that will surely add to the legitimacy of women in executive roles, Ms Al Awani says there is much hope at home and abroad to demand gender equality, “but we still need much more empowerment”.

This article was written in collaboration with Egab

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Date started: early 2020

Founders: Khawla Hammad and Inas Abu Shashieh

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: HealthTech and wellness

Number of staff: 4

Funding to date: Bootstrapped

A little about CVRL

Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.

One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases. 

The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery. 

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Uefa Champions League final:

Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal / Ubisoft Toronto
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: Playstation 4, Xbox One, Windows
​​​​​​​Release Date: April 10

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

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The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

 

 

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  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
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  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
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Goals 115

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The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Los Angeles, from Dh4,975 return, including taxes. The flight time is 16 hours. Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico and Southwest all fly direct from Los Angeles to San Jose del Cabo from Dh1,243 return, including taxes. The flight time is two-and-a-half hours.

The trip
Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic’s eight-day Whales Wilderness itinerary costs from US$6,190 (Dh22,736) per person, twin share, including meals, accommodation and excursions, with departures in March and April 2018.

 

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Dubai Kahayla Classic – Group 1 (PA) $750,000 (Dirt) 2,000m
Winner: Deryan, Ioritz Mendizabal (jockey), Didier Guillemin (trainer).
Godolphin Mile – Group 2 (TB) $750,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Secret Ambition, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
Dubai Gold Cup – Group 2 (TB) $750,000 (Turf) 3,200m
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Al Quoz Sprint – Group 1 (TB) $1million (T) 1,200m
Winner: Extravagant Kid, Ryan Moore, Brendan Walsh
UAE Derby – Group 2 (TB) $750,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Rebel’s Romance, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
Dubai Golden Shaheen – Group 1 (TB) $1.5million (D) 1,200m
Winner: Zenden, Antonio Fresu, Carlos David
Dubai Turf – Group 1 (TB) $4million (T) 1,800m
Winner: Lord North, Frankie Dettori, John Gosden
Dubai Sheema Classic – Group 1 (TB) $5million (T) 2,410m
Winner: Mishriff, John Egan, John Gosden

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Born: October 20, 1989, Sharjah

Education: Bachelor of Science and Football, Liverpool John Moores University

2010: Accrington Stanley FC, internship

2010-2012: Crystal Palace, performance analyst with U-18 academy

2012-2015: Barnet FC, first-team performance analyst/head of recruitment

2015-2017: Nottingham Forest, head of recruitment

2018-present: Crystal Palace, player recruitment manager

 

 

 

 

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Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
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Sand storm

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  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
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Know your Camel lingo

The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home

Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless

Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers

Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s

Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival

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Meydan racecard:

6.30pm: Handicap | US$135,000 (Dirt) | 1,400 metres

7.05pm: Handicap | $135,000 (Turf) | 1,200m

7.40pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes | Group 3 | $200,000 (T) | 2,000m

8.15pm: UAE Oaks | Group 3 | $250,000 (D) | 1,900m

8.50pm: Zabeel Mile | Group 2 | $250,000 (T) | 1,600m

9.20pm: Handicap | $135,000 (T) | 1,600m

The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8

Transmission: nine-speed automatic

Power: 630bhp

Torque: 900Nm

Price: Dh810,000

'Midnights'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EArtist%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Taylor%20Swift%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ELabel%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Republic%20Records%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: Nadhra, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)

5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: AF Dars, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: AF Musannef, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: AF Taghzel, Malin Holmberg, Ernst Oertel

7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: M’Y Yaromoon, Khalifa Al Neyadi, Jesus Rosales

7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (PA) 1,400m; Winner: Hakeem, Jim Crowley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

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Company name: Dharma

Date started: 2018

Founders: Charaf El Mansouri, Nisma Benani, Leah Howe

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: TravelTech

Funding stage: Pre-series A 

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Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour

Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people 

Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite food: Fish and vegetables

Favourite place to visit: London

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Updated: September 13, 2022, 3:00 AM`
YemenWomen's rights