Dalia, a programme assistant with UNDP in Hodeidah, has hope for a future free from restricted employment for women in Yemen.

What challenges you?

The biggest challenge in my country is overcoming barriers to employment; it has been difficult and frustrating.

Despite having many certifications and great experience, women struggle to find jobs outside of traditionally women dominated fields.

I have tried to take risks, despite the lack of support from society. My family, for whom I am the sole breadwinner, have always supported me. But you live in constant fear of losing your job.

I consider it a challenge because it challenges my destiny for not only me, but for my family too.

How did you overcome the challenge?

I learned the strength of patience. It is the real basis for overcoming life’s troubles and gave me the strength of endurance – despite the situation in Yemen. My mother also always supported me and my drive to see her happy gave me ambition to achieve everything for my family and society. I want to contribute positively to society.

What if your hope for the future?

I want to see every Yemeni, regardless of gender, have a right to work without obstacles.

I hope to see more job opportunities created for women and to see equality between women and men in terms of the freedom to work in what ever field they desire. I hope that women become politically and economically empowered, and contribute to important decisions by raising their voice for all to hear.

Together we can confront any obstacle in society so that women achieve justice without fear.