LocationsStrengthening women’s access to justice in Yemen through capacity building
December 25, 2024
Al Gwaizi Fort, Al Mukalla
In the coastal city of Mukalla, Hadramout, women are actively contributing to the delivery of justice in their communities through empowerment and mediation efforts. Over three months, 260 women rule-of-law professionals—ranging from paralegals to police officers—participated in an intensive training programme aimed at supporting the provision of justice in their communities. The programme ultimately aims to train 300 women, with this cohort marking a significant milestone in the journey toward achieving this target.
Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Yemen Women Union (YWU)-Hadhramaut coast, the training was made possible with generous support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Focused on building capacity and fostering collaboration, the training brought together 34 female paralegals, 13 lawyers, 174 police and prison officers, 13 judges and prosecutors, and 26 social workers so far. Together, they worked to discuss pressing legal challenges, particularly those related to legal empowerment and community mediation.
Participants during a training session.
Samia, a trainee judge, was among the many women participants. Inspired by the training, she established the Club of Women for Legal Awareness, a community initiative dedicated to educating women about the law and streamlining solutions to common disputes. “Awareness is the first step towards justice,” Samia explains.
Women participants during an interactive session of the training.
Faiza, a member of the women’s police force in Hadramout, found the programme useful. “This experience taught me how to better support vulnerable women,” she shares. With new skills in legal empowerment and victim advocacy, Faiza now feels better equipped to ensure justice is served.
The programme’s diverse participants benefited from practical skills training in community mediation. For Amina, one of the 26 social workers who participated, the most valuable aspect of the training was the opportunity to forge connections with others working in the field. “This programme didn’t just give us knowledge—it connected us as a network. We’re now more united in our mission to address injustice and empower women in our communities,” she reflects.
Women participants during an interactive session of the training.
UNDP’s partnership with YWU, with KOICA’s vital support, has ensured that the training extended beyond classrooms. The programme not only enhanced individual capacity but also fostered collaboration among women leaders across various sectors, amplifying their collective impact.
Group photo of participants.
The stories of Samia, Faiza, Amina, and their fellow participants remind us of the transformative power of empowerment. These women are breaking barriers and strengthening the justice system in Yemen.
Their work demonstrates that investing in women’s leadership and justice is a leap towards a better, fairer future for all.
The Community-Based Access to Justice and Early Recovery of Rule of Law Institutions to Protect the Rights of Vulnerable Women and Promote Gender Justice in Yemen Project is generously funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and focuses on capacity building and networking of women rule of law professionals, establishment of shelter for vulnerable women, along with women police station friendly spaces at rule of law institutions, and promotion of a gender-inclusive institutional environment for the rule of law
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