Empowering Yemeni Women in the Contracting Sector: A Leap Towards Gender Equality

Yemen (ILO News)- In a groundbreaking initiative, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has taken a significant step towards gender equality in Yemen’s contracting sector. The ILO’s support for the Public Works Project (PWP) has enabled a pioneering training program for 52 women across 10 governorates, focusing on gender engagement principles, business fundamentals, employment intensive principles and community contracting. This initiative is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s a transformative process that equips these women with the tools to become successful community contractors.

The programme’s success is evident in the stories of the women it has empowered. Among them is Engineer Kariman Atef, a 37-year-old civil engineering graduate from Aden University, who now owns and manages Kariman Contracting Office. Kariman, along with her colleagues Intisar Kaidama and Reem Thabet, has successfully bid to rehabilitate a rainwater control and redistribution channel in Al-Khodad village, Lahj Governorate. This project is more than an infrastructure development; it’s a symbol of the changing tides in a traditionally male-dominated sector. 

The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. The newly built channel not only serves a large segment of farmers but also stands as a testament to the precision and care that women bring to such construction works. The community committee, led by Mr. Fadl Al-Omari, has expressed gratitude to the ILO for this initiative, which has not only protected homes and farms from flood damage but also ensured that 500 farmers can now irrigate their lands peacefully.

Kariman’s journey from a university graduate struggling to find a job to a successful contractor is a beacon of hope and inspiration. It highlights the societal and cultural barriers that women face and the courage it takes to overcome them. The ILO’s training course was the catalyst for Kariman and her peers, providing them with the necessary skills and qualifications to compete in the contracting sector.

The challenges, however, remain significant. The financial burden of obtaining official documents and licenses is steep and cost thousands of dollars. Despite these hurdles, Kariman’s determination is unwavering. She aspires to continue her work with the ambition of applying for public tenders and enhancing women’s employment and participation in the contracting sector.

© ILO/17 May,2024/ Yemen

This initiative supported by the ILO is more than just a training program; it’s a movement towards inclusivity and empowerment. It’s a narrative of women breaking barriers, challenging norms, and paving the way for future generations. As Kariman and her colleagues continue to build on their success, they not only construct channels for rainwater but also channels for change, equality, and progress.