LocationsHow local authorities across Yemen are embracing representation and inclusion in communities
December 10, 2024
School students with disabilities at a school in Yemen.
In Yemen, the World Health Organization estimates that around 4.5 million people (15 percent of the population) live with a disability- a likely underestimation, due to the scarcity of reliable data and the extensive casualties resulting from prolonged conflict.
Since the onset of crisis in Yemen nearly a decade ago, few available social services meet the specific needs of persons with disabilities. Many governance practices also require expansion to consider the priorities of people with disabilities.
The Strengthening Institutional and Economic Resilience in Yemen (SIERY) Project, funded by the European Union, is one approach that seeks to change this, by including diverse populations- including people with disabilities- from the outset, by design. Over 550 personnel from 45 targeted districts across nine governorates received training on the public expenditure management cycle, includinghow to enhance the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities. This training resulted in the formulation of local development plans, created in collaboration with district recovery groups that included local communities, women and youth, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, and other key community segments. By tapping into the lived experience and expertise of diverse individuals, these groups identified public infrastructure priorities such as schools, surgical rooms, accessible health clinics, roads, sewage systems, water facilities, waste management, energy provision, and more. Over 125 of these priorities were realized with grants provided by the project.
The SIERY Project team during a visit to one of the enterprises supported with grants and training by the project that makes artificial limbs.
Hanan is a resident of the Al-Qahira District in Taiz Governorate, who participated in the development of the local resilience and recovery plan. Hanan is a wheelchair user unable to move her legs, which has long affected her day-to-day life, including the way she is perceived by her community.
"I witnessed the challenges and constraints that persons with disabilities face daily. We are often overlooked and lack opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society. I felt a deep responsibility to advocate for our rights and ensure our needs integration in recovery plans," Hanan remarked.
As local authorities in Al-Qahira developed their resilience and recovery plan, Hanan collaborated with them to provide data and identify priorities for persons with disabilities.
"Working alongside local authorities and decision-makers allowed me to understand the importance of collaboration and effective communication in achieving our goals. This experience broadened my horizons and enhanced my project management and budgeting skills. Now I feel better equipped to advocate for marginalized groups," she explained.
Her collaboration with local authorities on this project, however, did not come without its hurdles. “Because we do not have enough basic data on persons with disabilities, I had to carry out field visits which added to the complexity of my work. Many of the places and facilities I visited were inaccessible and generally lacked accessibility standards,” shared Hanan.
“Working with Hanan helped me understand the complexities persons with disabilities face. I will keep in mind what I learned from her when we design future plans and frameworks,” remarked a member of the local authorities.
Hanan also supported local authorities by training persons with disabilities in life and technical skills to foster their financial independence and enable their contribution to the local economy.
An employee at one of the enterprises supported by the SIERY Project carving a tool for a person with disabilities.
"The training programme boosted participants’ self-esteem and equipped them with skills to pursue decent careers. Many have reported that the skills they gained helped them improve their performance," said Hanan.
Hanan remains actively involved with civil society organisations, offering support to people with disabilities through training and awareness initiatives.
Similarly, in Tarim District of Hadhramaut Governorate, Ayoub actively participated in the development of the resilience and recovery plan. His experience of living with a physical disability and active membership in the Himm Association for Persons with Disabilities and work, brought otherwise overlooked perspectives to the development of the plan.
"Including persons with disabilities into the recovery strategy demonstrates a recognition of our rights and a commitment to our empowerment," remarked Ayoub.
Ayoub's primary contribution was the development of a comprehensive plan to promote persons with disabilities’ access to basic services in Tarim. His plan included the construction of a dedicated complex featuring a physical therapy center, classrooms for children and adults, and other essential facilities to provide psychosocial support and trainings in life and technical skills. The complex was prioritized among the top ten initiatives to be realised in Tarim and is currently underway.
"The construction of this complex will significantly enhance our quality of life and our access to essential services, fostering greater independence and social inclusion," emphasized Ayoub.
In Aden, two small and medium size enterprises specialized in supporting persons with disabilities have received grants and capacity building training through the SIERY Project. These enterprises focus on delivering healthcare services, along with providing equipment, tools, and artificial limbs for persons with disabilities. The training and grants they received have been invested in upgrading their tools and equipment and expanding their businesses to reach more people and provide better services.
Local authorities and communities’ contributions highlight the critical importance of including all members of society in the development and recovery of Yemen. UNDP Yemen remains committed to supporting institutions in advancing inclusive practices that build citizens’ trust in governance - for all people.
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