Yemeni women and demonstrations

Eyad Al-Mathihaiy

I think it’s better for women not to attend either the pro-president or pro-change demonstrations, because our culture isn’t that open yet.



Noha Yazeed

In my opinion, for sure it’s her right to be a part of the ongoing situation!  But not to protest amongst the men.  There should be a private place [at protests] for women.



Haitham Ahmed Al-Shamiri

Yemen women have always been seen as useless members of Yemeni society.  But the peaceful youth revolution has proven that there is no difference between women and men, as long as women are aware of what they’re doing.  It also means that Yemeni women have their own vision of the future and they’re determined to set their own targets so as to achieve it.



Malak Shaher

I believe that women have the right to participate in all fields of life, since they are citizens who have the same rights as men.  Neither tradition nor the people can say that it is not a woman’s right to participate.  Recently, people have been talking maliciously about the women protesters.  For me, I prefer to stay at home than to take to the streets and have my reputation sullied.



Muammar Al-Ghubari

Women ruled Yemen in the past, with great success and for a long time.  Today, they continue to play an important role in the political process.  This is why we have seen women participating on both sides of the political spectrum.  I myself highly respect and appreciate the women of both camps.



Amani Al-Sanawi

Yemeni women must fight for their rights by participating and by contributing to development in the country.  The strengthening of women’s participation in all spheres of life has become a major issue in international development discourse.  Socio-economic development cannot be fully achieved without the active participation of women, especially at the decision-making level.



Aamer Mohammed Al-Dibyani

In my opinion, the participation of Yemeni women in demonstrations – be they pro-government or anti-government – reflects their political awareness and their desire to change the future for the better.  But a woman’s participation in demonstrations and protests must be within the bounds of chastity and politeness.



Salman Ayash

I think that if the Yemeni constitution allows women to participate in elections, no one can prevent them from participating in demonstrations, either with or against the regime.  They are entitled to express their opinions just like the rest of Yemen’s citizens.  I personally think that the women in Change Square are right because they want to overthrow the corrupt regime.



Abdulrahman Al-Sanawi

Yemeni women have acquired a legitimate space in rural political institutions that has allowed to raise their marginalized position, though they are still treated as if they were a minority.  Merely have women present on councils does not automatically mean that their interests in the community are represented.  Without women’s needs and interests being taken into account – and without the opportunity for them to participate in and influence decision-making – development and sustainability will not come.  Having women in leadership positions is also an important step in chancing the male-dominated political agenda.



Khalid Al-Karimi

Undoubtedly, women are an integral part of society that no person can ignore.  Presently, Yemeni women have taken part in the ongoing demonstrations and sit-ins, almost as if to tell Yemen’s male-dominated community, “We are equal.  Our voices are of the same significance.”  Whether with or against the Presidential Palace, they are all bellowing rage or support simultaneously.  It is the Yemeni woman’s best opportunity to stand out.  Do not miss it!