Handicrafts in Yemen: 100 women fight for their tradition!

Handicrafts in Yemen: 100 women fight for their tradition!

On May 31, 2025, an outstanding event was celebrated in Sana'a: The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Ali Al-Yafei, honored 100 women artisans after successful training in handicrafts. This ceremony was part of a project realized with the support of the Cultural Heritage and Cultural Development Fund. The artisans took part in two-month training courses organized by the Women's Center for the Development of Handicrafts and Handicrafts.

The training covered a variety of traditional techniques, including embroidery, weaving, women's clothing sewing, and textile and wall decoration. The aim of this initiative was not only to preserve Yemeni cultural heritage, but also to create income opportunities for the participants, which is of great importance in the current political and economic situation in Yemen.

Supporting and empowering women

Minister Al-Yafei praised the valuable role of the Women's Center in the training and qualification of women. He stressed that the ministry supports the Centre's efforts and highlights its importance in women empowerment. This is particularly relevant as life in Yemen has been heavily influenced by armed and political unrest since 2015, which has deepened divisions between the north and south of the country.

Despite the challenges of the conflict, many cultural workers continue their work and show that there is an active cultural scene and a growing demand for cultural offerings. Najla Al-Jawzi, Director of the Women's Center, underlined the importance of the honor in motivating women artisans and highlighted the Center's continuous activities aimed at supporting and skilling women in the field of cultural heritage.

Cultural networks and social participation

In this cultural context, the Yemen Cultural Networks project is also highlighted as important. It aims to strengthen cultural and civic life in Yemen. The project promotes social participation through qualification and support of local cultural workers and cultural managers and connects actors from different regions of Yemen and abroad. This is crucial for the exchange and promotion of local cultural projects that stimulate social discourse.

In the 2020/21 project cycle, 10 mentors supported a total of 14 projects based on qualification measures. In the following 2022/23 cycle, 17 mentors were qualified and 15 project ideas were funded, with a clear focus on diversity and inclusion. A proportion of at least 50% women in these projects shows progress in gender equality.

In conclusion, despite the ongoing difficulties in Yemen, efforts to promote artisans and cultural workers are essential to preserve a strong cultural heritage and promote the development of society. The significant initiatives of the Women's Center and Cultural Networks Yemen show how culture can serve as a tool for change and empowerment.