LocationsYemeni women lead the way towards green livelihoods in Al-Qaten
September 1, 2025
Project participants manufacture solar ovens in Al Qaten.
In the heart of Yemen’s Hadramout Governorate, women from Al-Qaten District are working together to start small solar energy businesses and contribute to greening their local economy. Through the Empowering Yemeni Women Catalysing Renewable Energy Project, Yemeni women are harnessing the power of renewable energy to empower communities and create sustainable livelihoods. Funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with local organization For All Foundation, this project is fostering an environment for women to thrive as entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators in the renewable energy sector.
Designed specifically to address energy needs and the economic challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Yemen, the project is empowering 200 women in Al-Qaten District through vocational training in solar technology, business skills, and soft skills.
Participants attend a training session on solar energy product production.
For Aafah, the training has been a positive experience:
"I learned about safety in the workplace, the basics of buying and selling, and understanding marketing and commercial affairs. I’ve also gained a sense of teamwork. If there’s a flaw in completing a task, we advise one another as a single team."
For Afkar, the project is about unlocking potential she didn’t know she had:
"This training program was more than wonderful. It gave me motivation and helped me develop my existing skills while learning how to think about a project—whether it’s this solar energy project or something personal in the future. This contributes to solving issues like gas shortages and creating healthier, more sustainable communities."
This initiative is addressing the most pressing energy challenges faced by Yemeni families and providing women with the tools to make a lasting impact.
Two participants assemble solar lanterns.
An innovative project
In many ways, the project stands as a one-of-its-kind endeavor in its communities of implementation. Project aims include:
- Training 375 women in solar technology and entrepreneurial skills in Al-Qaten, Hadramout Governorate and Al-Qaibaitah, Lahj Governorate.
- Supporting the establishment of 375 micro-businesses to produce and market solar-powered products like solar lanterns and solar-based traditional ovens (Tanurs).
- Distributing 3,000 solar lanterns and 18,000 solar-based ovens to vulnerable households, especially those of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Beyond the numbers, this project introduces rural communities to sustainable energy practices that are not just environmentally friendly, but also economically empowering.
In partnership with UNDP, KSrelief is driving transformative initiatives to advance sustainable development and empower vulnerable communities in Yemen. By championing renewable energy solutions like solar power, this collaboration focuses on creating lasting improvements in livelihoods. A cornerstone of the project is empowering women—nurturing their talents, fostering entrepreneurship, and encouraging leadership. Together, KSrelief and the UNDP are working to build self-reliant and resilient communities, ensuring no one is left behind.
Dlal, a project participant, reflected on how the training opened her eyes to her potential as an entrepreneur:
"This training has been excellent for learning entrepreneurship and understanding how to lead my own project. We learned how to start a project from scratch and achieve the goal of improving income. The labor market in Yemen urgently needs such initiatives to address our living difficulties, such as lack of income."
With newfound skills in assembling solar-powered lanterns, creating ovens, and maintaining electronic tools, women like Smaha now see new possibilities for themselves and their communities. Smaha shared:
"My ambition is to continue succeeding in this initiative. I want to expand my project to the next stage and bring greater improvements to my community. There are no similar projects in our area, which makes our efforts even more special."
Re-orienting a community
Through their work on these solar energy solutions, women are reducing their community’s dependence on expensive and scarce resources, such as diesel.
For Miriam, this work is transformative not just for individuals, but for the community of Al-Qaten:
"This project is about protecting the environment and reducing people's suffering during gas shortages by promoting renewable solar energy. It is making life better for everyone here."
The project includes training beyond technical skills; its soft skills component builds confidence, teamwork, and a sense of purpose.
Kafaa highlighted the importance of self-growth:
"Training is essential for any person. It reveals unknown features within oneself and ultimately allows the individual to be more creative. I’m proud to now advocate for solar energy in our community and develop new ways to use it."
Through engaging with their peers in these trainings, many women have created bonds of mentorship and collaboration.
Sarah emphasized how the collective effort is reflected in the community’s growing acceptance of solar-powered products:
"Our community has embraced these products because they are eco-friendly and safe to use. I have learned how to assemble them and market them effectively—and that has empowered me. Through this project, we are building something meaningful for all."
Participants manufacture solar ovens.
To learn more about the Empowering Yemeni Women Catalysing Renewable Energy Project, visit the project page.
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