Launch of a 16-Day Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence in Marib.

On November 25, Marib Governorate marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by launching a campaign titled “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.” This initiative is part of a project aimed at providing livelihood services for the most vulnerable women and girls in Yemen, implemented by the Human Access Organization and funded by the United Nations Population Fund.

Criticism of International Silence on Women’s Rights Violations

During the event, Ali Al-Fatimi, the Deputy Governor of Marib, criticized the international community for its silence regarding the violations faced by Yemeni women at the hands of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia. He highlighted the severe abuses occurring in areas under Houthi control, including killings, forced displacement, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, sexual harassment, and discrimination. Al-Fatimi emphasized that these actions violate women’s civil, political, economic, and life rights, which are protected by divine, national, and international laws, as well as the Yemeni constitution.

Historical Context of Women’s Rights in Yemen

Al-Fatimi noted that Yemeni women have historically enjoyed numerous rights since the 26th of September Revolution in 1962. Over the past five decades, they have achieved significant milestones and participated alongside men in various fields, holding numerous leadership positions. However, he pointed out that the situation dramatically worsened in 2014 when the Houthi militia overthrew the constitutional government. This marked a severe setback for women’s rights, leading to widespread violations and the erosion of their fundamental rights, all while the international community remained largely unresponsive.

Raising Awareness and Community Responsibility

The Deputy Governor praised the awareness campaign aimed at combating gender-based violence, stating it serves to shed light on the ongoing violations against women and their rights. He called on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities and urged local society to recognize its obligations to protect women’s rights.

Local Government’s Commitment to Women’s Empowerment

Al-Fatimi reaffirmed the local authority’s commitment to women’s rights, emphasizing the importance of enhancing their roles across various sectors. He stated that the government would support programs and policies designed to empower women, ensure their access to education and services, and provide legal protection for their rights.

Launch of the 16-Day Campaign

In their speeches, Fanda Al-Amari, the Director General of Women’s Development in the Governorate, and Salem Said, the Executive Director of the Human Access Organization in Marib, explained that the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign aligns with the United Nations’ international initiative advocating for women’s and girls’ issues, running until December 10.

They highlighted that the campaign aims to raise awareness about the rights of women and girls, as guaranteed by religious teachings and national and international laws. Al-Amari and Said emphasized that empowering women and creating an enabling environment for their contributions is essential for achieving gender equality and ensuring that women can claim their rights.

This initiative not only seeks to address immediate concerns but also aims to foster a balanced and modern society where women can thrive alongside men.

 

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