“Yemeni women are excluded from political activity and decision-making processes”

Activists criticizing the exclusion of Yemeni women in politics say that women political inclusion will develop the country and emphasize that women should be empowered to participate in politics.

RANIYA EBDULLAH

Yemen – While women political inclusion is an important factor for the development of societies, Yemeni women are still excluded from political activities and decision-making processes. We spoke to journalist and activist Widad al-Badawi, Amani Al-Jobani, the head of the Siaq Organization for Youth and Development, and human rights and social activist Sabah Farhan about women’s participation in politics and decision-making processes.

“Women are looked down in Yemen”

Journalist and activist Widad al-Badawi told us that men in Yemen believe that men only can participate in politics, adding, “Men think that women do not know anything about politics! Yemeni men look with admiration to women participating in politics in other countries but they look down on Yemeni women. When women are interested in politics in Yemen, they criticize them. Many women don’t participate in politics due to their criticism and this causes the exclusion of Yemeni women in politics.”

“Women should be empowered to participate in politics”

Stating that the presence of women in politics means that half of the society is represented, Widad al-Badawi said that women’s participation in decision-making positions defines the economic reality in the country and the presence of women in the economic processes. “If women don’t participate in politics, our society will never develop. For this reason, women should be empowered to participate in politics and decision-making processes,” she told NuJINHA.

Speaking about the number of women in the Yemeni parliament, Widad al-Badawi said, “Before the conflict in Yemen, there was only one woman in the parliament while there were 300 men. This was unfair and illegal. I believe that women have played an important role in the parliament.”

“Women are an integral part of society”

Amani Al-Jobani, the head of the Siaq Organization for Youth and Development, believes that politics is about all aspects of social, economic and cultural life. “Any country that respects human rights and women's rights and recognizes all social groups will allow women to participate in politics. Women are essential and important in all facets of society. Women are an integral part of society. Therefore, paving the way for women to participate in politics is essential. Women should have the opportunity to participate in politics in order to show their real capabilities.

“Yemeni women are marginalized in politics

Human rights and social activist Sabah Farhan believes that the current situation and the conflict in the country have caused many problems, including the political problems. “Yemeni women are marginalized in politics. They are excluded from political activity and decision-making processes. The formation of a new government without including any women is clear evidence of the marginalization and disregard of the roles of women,” she told us.