On International Women’s Day, Mayyun expresses concern over the failure of Yemeni powers to include women in the government.

On International Women’s Day, and every day, we salute the Yemeni woman, recognizing the exceptional roles she plays amidst the ongoing conflict and the dire conditions she has endured over the past decade.

It is regrettable that this occasion comes at a time when most women in Yemen continue to suffer from deprivation of many of their needs, and more importantly, their rights. According to the latest United Nations statistics, 19.5 million people in Yemen are in need of humanitarian assistance, half of whom are women and girls. Moreover, of the 4.8 million displaced persons, 80% are women and children.

In a country where women make up nearly half of the population, there is no representation of women in the current Yemeni government. This reflects the failure of the ruling powers to provide women with a seat at the decision-making table and denies them political empowerment. It also signifies a lack of belief in the ability of women to hold leadership positions.
Violations against women in Yemen continue to escalate, including killings, injuries, denial of access to education and basic healthcare, and restrictions on their freedom of movement. Many are forcibly disappeared or held in prisons and detention centers, particularly within Houthi-controlled areas, where some have been detained for months or even years, subjected to severe human rights violations during their captivity.

At the Mayyun Organization, we will continue to fight for women’s rights in Yemen, advocating for their empowerment and rightful place in society. We believe that Yemeni women are capable of leading efforts to bring peace to Yemen and to actively participate in its establishment.

Issued by the Mayyun Organization for Human Rights
March 8, 2025