RANIA ABDULLAH

Taiz- Dina Amin is a young woman from Taiz, a city in southwestern Yemen. Two years ago, she decided to realize her dream and opened a gym for women to become socialized despite the civil war in the country.

“As women living in the shadow of war, such a space is very important for us,” Dina Amin said. “This city is under siege and such projects are needed.”

 ‘Women need special spaces’

Speaking about why she decided to open a gym in the city, she said, “I personally needed a space to go. I used to go to the park or a café; however, I did not feel comfortable there. That’s why I decided to open a gym for women because there was no gym for women in the city. Women need special spaces and the gym provides a special space to women. Women should do sports to build mental strength and self-esteem.”

 ‘There are many things that inspire us’

Yemeni women face many barriers due to customs and traditions, Dina Amin said, “I could not be unconcerned against these barriers. Yemeni women suffer from the civil war, cultural and traditional barriers. Our society is a conservative society. Our conservative society was one of the most important challenges that I faced. I believe that there are many things that inspire people while facing challenges. Opening a gym was very difficult for me; many people warned me not to open the gym. Despite everything, I opened the gym.”

 ‘Yemeni women should overcome obstacles’

Dina Amin saved money to open the gym; however, she could not save enough money so she sold her jewelry and borrowed money from her family. “Due to the decrease in the value of the Yemeni rial against foreign currency, the money I saved was not enough to open the gym. Therefore, I borrowed some money from my family and sold my jewelry to open it. Yemeni women should overcome their fears and obstacles.”