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Amid Yemen's ongoing crises, economic empowerment is a crucial lifeline for vulnerable women, who are among the hardest hit by the conflict, with 75% of the population facing severe humanitarian needs.
In this challenging landscape, the YES Economic Empowerment program, part of the All Girls Foundation for Development (AGF), trains women and youth in income-generating skills, focusing on training, production, marketing, and sustainability to improve livelihoods and build resilience.
This report highlights success stories that show the profound impact of the program on women’s lives, illustrating how economic empowerment restores hope, dignity, and transforms challenges into opportunities, benefiting families and communities.
Um Mohammed: A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment
Um Mohammed, a 35-year-old mother of four from Sana'a, Yemen, became the primary breadwinner for her family after her husband's salary was interrupted due to economic strife. Refusing to succumb to despair, she sought employment opportunities and learned about the YES Economic Empowerment Program from a neighbor who was a sewing trainer.
Joining YES Program, Um Mohammed received intensive culinary training, mastering the art of baking traditional Yemeni and Eastern pastries. Today, she works as an assistant chef, enhancing food security and providing a variety of baked goods to her community.
Um Mohammed proudly states, "After joining the program, I gained self-confidence and began to engage with my community. Now, I can educate my children and provide my family with a decent life." She expresses gratitude, hoping the program continues to empower more women to overcome life's challenges and secure income-generating opportunities.
The Survival from the Nightmare of Displacement
Afaf, a 28-year-old woman from Taiz, Yemen, experienced a stable life until war forced her family to flee to Sana'a after their home was damaged. With her husband, a soldier, losing his salary and suffering mobility impairment due to injuries, immense burdens fell on Afaf.
Determined to secure her family’s future, she faced significant financial challenges, including managing rent and educating her children. Despite these difficulties, she remained hopeful and discovered the YES Program established by (AGF).
Joining the program proved transformative. Afaf received intensive culinary training, mastering essential skills in food preparation and quality control. Now, she works as a chef's assistant, providing a stable income that improves her family’s finances.
"I never expected to find myself here," Afaf shares. "I lacked skills for the job market, but now I have gained valuable abilities." Her story highlights the resilience of women when given support and the importance of empowerment programs.
Sahar: A Story of Resilience and Hope
Sahar Ali, in her thirties, lost both parents and now supports her deceased brother's four children after their home in Al Hudaydah was damaged by war. Displaced to Amanat AL Asimah, she has faced years of upheaval while shouldering her family’s responsibilities.
In her search for work, Sahar encountered significant emotional and financial pressures. Desperate for support, she confided in a neighbor, which led her to the YES Economic Empowerment Program at the AGF. There, she trained in culinary arts, becoming skilled in making stuffed grape leaves and cabbage rolls, and now works as a sous chef.
This opportunity has transformed her family’s living conditions and provided a stable income. Sahar's journey exemplifies resilience and the empowering impact of programs that help women overcome adversity and care for their loved ones.
Amina: From Early Marriage to Empowered Craftswoman and Community Leader
Despite marrying at an early age due to societal norms and financial constraints, Amina Ahmed, a 24-year-old divorced mother of three, defied expectations and emerged as a successful craftswoman to overcome challenges and continue her education. Her family’s financial circumstances did not enable her to complete her university studies, but she received a training opportunity on traditional handicrafts of palm fronds through the (Center for Productive Families – Bagel).
Her exceptional skills and dedication have transformed her into a skilled producer of high-quality palm frond products generating significant income through large orders from the (YES Economic Empowerment Program/Livelihood Enhancement and Income Generation) of the (AGF), which opened local and international marketing doors and outlets for Amina and the
Amina's success extends beyond personal achievements. She generously shared her knowledge and experience with her cousin and friends, enabling them to become self-sufficient artisans. She also opened a small shop for her brother through her earnings from selling palm leaf products. This compassionate act not only improved their livelihoods but also strengthened the spirit of community and cooperation.
Amina's story serves as a beacon of hope for women facing similar challenges, demonstrating that with perseverance and self-confidence, obstacles can be overcome and success achieved.
Afrah: Overcoming Financial Struggles through Sewing Empowerment
Afrah Yahya, a married woman in her thirties, faced the challenge of supporting her family amid Yemen's deteriorating economic conditions, especially as her husband was also unemployed. To address their financial struggles, she joined the sewing sector of the YES program for economic empowerment, created by AGF.
Drawing on her traditional sewing skills, Afrah enhanced her expertise through the program, receiving training in industrial sewing and garment production with specialized trainers and well-equipped labs. Her dedication led to the creation of high-quality garments, earning her recognition as a skilled production worker. This achievement provided her with a stable monthly income, alleviating her family's financial concerns.
Afrah's journey through the YES program transformed her into a skilled worker, providing her with a productive income opportunity as a garment production worker. This transformation ensured her financial stability and restored her self-confidence, highlighting the vital role of empowering women for societal growth.