"No matter how tough the journey, I believe in the power of women to lead, inspire, and change the world,”
In a manmade war, female activists like Khaidja have defied rigid gender norms to forge peace and safety in Yemen, risking everything for their seat at the peace table.
Often excluded, silenced, or overlooked, these women have survived many hardships, raised generations, and gathered the ashes of this devastating conflict.
Honoring a Legacy of Elite Yemeni Women
Yemeni women have made several notable achievements that stand out within the context of other societies in the Arabian Peninsula and the Gulf. They have achieved several notable firsts: the first female deputy minister, the first dean of the Faculty of Economics, the first female television announcer, the first female radio announcer, and the first female civilian airliner captain. Yet still, after many conflicts, Yemeni women face significant challenges when it comes to assuming leadership roles, particularly in the realm of policymaking and civil society organizations. Deeply rooted cultural norms and gender biases often restrict female participation in decision-making processes, both at the community level and within governmental institutions. These barriers are compounded by political instability and ongoing conflict, which have exacerbated gender inequalities and limited opportunities for women to lead.
Dr. Khadijah/Altadamon foundation partner CSO with Oxfam / 2024/photo credit: Nada alsaqaf
60-year-old Khadijah, from the Al-Tadamon Foundation for Development, stands out within this context. She is a leader who is striving to ensure that women’s voices are heard in the corridors of power. However, the path is fraught with obstacles, including limited access to resources, support networks, and platforms. Despite these challenges, she continues to push forward, inspiring others and building the way for future generations of women leaders in Yemen.
I Believe in the Role of Women
Khadijah’s passion for helping others was evident early on. She pursued her education at Kuwait University and later worked at the Ministry of Oil and Minerals, specializing in biochemistry. However, in 1994, her career faced a significant setback due to the political challenges following the war between the south and north of Yemen.
After war, "They froze my position, and later I was forced into retirement." They couldn’t accept my steadfastness and belief in the role of women,” she recalls. Despite being recalled to the Central Authority, ongoing issues led to her early retirement. “I couldn’t compromise my values, and they couldn’t accept that.”
Women who do step into leadership roles frequently encounter resistance, not only from male counterparts but also from societal expectations that prioritize traditional gender roles. Despite their education, experience, and commitment to public service, women leaders are often marginalized or dismissed, with their contributions undervalued or ignored. This marginalization is reflected in policy decisions that rarely consider women’s perspectives or address issues that disproportionately affect them.
Hanan a kindergarten owner, under Dutch Relife Alliance (DRA) fund/small business Tadamon in partnership with Oxfam/ 2023 photo credit Ayman Fuad
We Had to Take Action
Unwilling to be silenced, Khadijah and a group of women who had also been ousted from their positions founded Tadamon in the year 2000. “We were all women who held significant roles before. We started with small relief efforts to improve people's lives amid the rising hardships.”
Their mission began with providing shelter in schools and supporting hospitals with cleaning supplies. Over time, they expanded their focus to include loans, social solidarity by collective actions to help individuals and families to overcome hardships by pooling resources providing assistance, and creating opportunities for social and economic empowerment., and micro business. “We wanted to help people start over and improve their lives,” she explains.
We Taught Women in Prison to Start Businesses
Khadijah's contributions extended beyond Tadamon. She was active in the Union of Women of Yemen and various labor unions. With support from organizations like Equal Chance and Women Development, Tadamon received funds to train women in prison. “We equipped them with skills to reintegrate into society with business ventures.”
The depth of her commitment to transforming the lives of women is truly striking. It's not merely about providing immediate relief; it’s about equipping these women with the tools and opportunities to reclaim their dignity and create a better future for themselves and their families.
We Never Gave Up
Despite funding difficulties, Tadamon continues its work through small projects, profit-sharing, and microfinance, supported by a dedicated volunteer team. “Our resilience was evident in 2019 when we started projects to combat resilience through cash for work, expanding our reach to and Radfan /Lahij with Oxfam’s support.”
Bujir Dam/ under Duch Relife alliance (DRA) Fund, cash for work activity/ Oxfam in partnership with Tadamon/2023 Photo credit: Ayman Fuad
"Oxfam’s Partnership Empowered Us"
The partnership with Oxfam since 2020 has been transformative. “Oxfam’s hands-on approach and genuine collaboration strengthened Tadamon’s policies and expanded from 12 to 26. The fund we received support enabled us to reach more communities in Radfan/ Lahij”
A standout project is the water barrier in Bujir, which revitalized many dry areas and restored agriculture. “It reflected the strength of Tadamon and Oxfam’s partnership,” she says with pride.
Helping Children Excel Gives Me Joy
Khadijah finds great satisfaction in seeing children who were once deprived of education due to poverty now excel in their studies with Tadamon’s support. “Helping beggars transition to self-sufficiency through training and small funding brings me great joy,” she adds.
In one of their remarkable projects, Tadamon took female beggars off the streets, providing them with training and small grants. This initiative not only helped these women rebuild their lives but also enabled their children to not only attend school but excel in their studies.
Rehabilitation of Al-Silah market under German Federal ministry for economic cooperation and development / Creter Aden/Oxfam in partnership with Tadamon/2022 photo credit: Ayman Fuad
We Must Lead Humanitarian Efforts
Khadijah dreams of local organizations leading humanitarian efforts as implementers, not just partners or recipients of funds. “The flexible fund plays a crucial role in this vision, offering new horizons for the independence of local institutions.”
Khadijah’s vision speaks to the transformative power of local leadership in humanitarian efforts. Her emphasis on the flexible fund highlights the importance of giving local institutions the autonomy to address the unique challenges their communities face. When local organizations like Tadamon lead these initiatives, they bring a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and economic realities of the people they serve. This approach not only makes their work more effective and sustainable but also shifts the focus from dependency to empowerment. Khadijah’s belief in the power to shape their future underscores the critical role of local leadership in creating lasting change—where aid is not just received, but strategically used to build resilience and independence.
No Matter What, We Stand Strong
Khadijah’s journey with Tadamon and Oxfam reflects resilience, impact, and genuine partnership. Despite political and financial challenges, her Unwavering commitment to improving lives and fostering independence among local organizations shines through.
“More than anything, the feeling of seeing people start small and grow, becoming financially independent, is incredibly rewarding,” she reflects.
As we celebrate World Humanitarian Day, Khadijah’s story reminds us of the power of perseverance and collaboration; embodying the theme “No Matter What.”