Supporting female headed IDP households
In Yemen, over 2.5 million people are currently living away from their home as internally displaced people. Many families who have moved location are headed by women and contain large numbers of children; sometimes, breadwinner husbands and brothers have died, and in other cases, they have remained at home to continue with any livelihood opportunity.
“Houses are destroyed and many people were killed because of the war, from ground conflict and air attacks.”
Farah , Al Dhale’e
At the same time, some 14.4 million people across the country are in need of food security assistance. Some of the most urgent cases are found among internally displaced people (IDP) communities. In response, ACTED targets as priority female headed households in its emergency food security interventions, recognising the critical role that female household members play in guaranteeing the food security of the entire household.
In Al Dhale’e, ACTED is distributing cash assistance of 166USD to such vulnerable households, money which is being used to meet immediate household needs such as purchasing basic staple food items.
“Instability and the financial situation are the biggest things we suffer from. I have low income whilst food prices are high. Getting the money helps me buy essential things for my children.”
Bayan, Al Dhale’e
“I am waiting for the war to end. Then we can go back to our house. We really need the money so we can buy the things we need.”
Farah, Al Dhale’e
Despite the many challenges, women have hopes that the war will end and life can return to normal.
“If the war stops, I will continue my education.”
Bayan, Al Dhale’e
Supporting female headed households in host communities
Similarly in host communities, some of the most vulnerable households are headed by women whose husbands have died or left home. Food security needs may be acute as a result of the conflict but more commonly, are as a result of longstanding and deeply rooted vulnerabilities.
ACTED’s approach with these households is directed towards supporting livelihoods, helping people improve household level production for domestic consumption or sale, for now and the years to come.
In Al Hudaydah, Raymah, Ibb and Al Dhale’e, ACTED is supporting 800 female headed households in the creation and management of home “keyhole” gardens. These are simple, raised beds that allow a range of crops to be grown. ACTED provides comprehensive training, inputs, materials, tools and seeds to get the women on their way.
This way, women as heads of household are supported to become increasingly self-sufficient and empowered to provide for their families.