LocationsA woman leader in rural Yemen works on conflict resolution
“I was shy and hesitant to speak.”
October 30, 2024
Protracted conflict in Yemen has resulted in competition over resources, particularly water, and has exacerbated tensions among communities.
Photo: UNDP Yemen
Protracted conflict had disrupted essential services in Yemen, especially water. This has resulted in competition over resources and exacerbated tensions among communities, fracturing the social fabric.
Unfortunately, this was the harsh reality in Bani Amer Village, Tuban District, in Lahj Governorate, until Faten, a woman committed to improving her community, stepped in. Driven by compassion and armed with training in mediation, she embarked on a remarkable journey to bridge divides and bring water access back to her community.
Faten trained in communication strategies, negotiation tactics, active listening, consensus-building, and effective management of local disputes.
Photo: UNDP Yemen
Faten’s journey as a mediator has not been smooth. She grew up in a rural community and faced challenges common to many women in her region. Despite limited opportunities, she pursued her education and completed high school, a significant achievement managed by only a few women in her village. Driven by her passion to help those in need, Faten led 30 humanitarian initiatives in her village, earning the trust of community members, who elected her to the cooperative council.
"I'm dedicated to empowering women in my village through education. I teach them about disease prevention and breastfeeding,” she says.
“I participated in resolving the conflict, so water reaches every home, shaping a better life for my village.”- Faten
Faten was also selected to train as an insider mediator as a part of UNDP’s ERRY III Joint Programme, ‘Supporting Resilient Livelihoods, Food Security and Climate Adaptation in Yemen’. Funded by the European Union and Government of Sweden, it has trained 346 mediators who foster peacebuilding.
In a society where women are typically seen in more traditional roles, Faten faced initial resistance. "Despite facing doubts from community members, I persevered and focused on my work," she says.
However, with great support from her family and male committee members, she persevered. She has left a profound impact on her community and continues to demonstrate the value of collaboration over conflict.
“Giving women the right to participate in such projects means pushing them to improve their communities, especially in difficult environments,” she says.
Building on her experience in community mobilization, Faten trained in mediation and conflict resolution. She participated in training sessions on communication strategies, negotiation tactics, active listening, consensus-building techniques, and effective management of local disputes, with thanks to UNDP’s local partner, the Social Fund for Development.
“I was shy and hesitant to speak, even in front of women, but with training and practice, I gained the skills to communicate, negotiate, and build cohesion across dividing lines.”
Faten, alongside fellow mediators, led constructive community dialogues that brought conflicting parties to the same table. These dialogues served as a safe space for open communication and understanding.
“My participation as a mediator will help overcome any social stereotypes and empower other women in my village,” she says.
As the dialogue sessions progressed, barriers that once seemed insurmountable started to crumble, making way for common ground and the shared aspiration of water for all.
The dialogue sessions helped to identify key issues with access to the local water supply. The agreed solution, a solar energy system, was installed by a community member to pump water and supply it to all residents, provided through the ERRY JP III Joint Programme.
Photo: UNDP Yemen
Photo: UNDP Yemen
“By securing water access for all, children in my village will go to school every day. Not only that, but women shall no longer endure the burden of fetching water from distant places day after day. They can pursue hobbies that secure a sustainable source of income that can positively transform their lives and the well-being of their families,” Faten says.
Faten's success showcases the impact of women’s leadership in conflict resolution. Overcoming numerous barriers, she proved that collaboration, not conflict, paves the way for lasting solutions. Her story echoes the impact of initiatives like the ERRY JP III Programme, which has empowered hundreds of women like her to support peacebuilding in their communities.
