1

Report on Status of Women in Yemen 2008

Teamwork

Mr. Abdulatif Al-Shaibani Team Leader Statistics Expert Dr. Anisa Ali Muqbil Team Coordinator Women National Committee Ms. Ashwaq Al-Darbi Team Member Women National Committee Ms. Basima Al-Hanshali Team Member Women National Committee Ms. Suha Saeed Team Member Women National Committee Ms. Suheir Al-Dhamari Team Member Women National Committee Ms. Wafa Naif Team Member Women National Committee Ms. Ridha Al-Sakani Team Member Women National Committee Mr. Shihab Al-Magrami Linguistic Editing Women National Committee Mr. Mozart Anwar Technical Editing The Council of Ministers Ms. Rashida Al-Hamdani Supervisor Women National Committee

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Index

Page CONTENTS NO.

2 - Preface 1.

4 - Women and Education 2.

19 - Women, Health and Environment 3.

30 - Women, Poverty and Economic Participation 4.

48 - Political Participation in Power and Decision-making 5.

57 - Violence against Women and Women Human Rights 6.

64 - Women and Media 7.

70 - Institutionalized Mechanisms to Advance Women 8.

76 - Recommendation 9.

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Preface: Women National Committee (WNC) was keen for the past years to establish an annual practice by issuing the Status of Women Report. This Report aims at monitoring status quo of Yemeni women and the disparities in the development levels between men and women and identifies gender-based deficits or discriminations. The Report, further aims at raising awareness with women issues to secure support and advocacy from government institutions and civil society organizations, in addition to attain political commitment by the government, political parties and organizations to support gender issues and adopt policies that will lead to bridge the gap in this respect. Women empowerment is crucial to provide conditions needed to sustain development, increase economic growth, enhance women participation in politics and decision-making positions, and further promote good governance and administration. No doubt that there are formal and informal efforts are exerted to advance women, nonetheless these efforts did not lead to relief women sufferings from discrimination, and marginalization in various aspects of life, as featured in the low rate of women in education, high rate of illiteracy, low rate of involvement in economic sector and political participation, under representation in the parliament and decision-making positions, that resulted in discriminatory legislatures and delay in responding to enact amendments to the relevant laws to eliminate discrimination therein. Women further lack adequate basic services, particularly in rural areas, such as health, education and transportation services and infrastructure in addition to lack of water and sanitation and endure limited employment opportunities and other sources of income. Finally, the Status of Women report reveals the poor and outdated database concerned with gender issues, the matter that render it difficult to identify progress or setbacks in the indicators relevant to equality in opportunities for both sexes at various levels.

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Women and Education Preface: Government documents and literatures, including Third Five Year Plan and different education strategies focuses on education as the pillar of human development and the key to all political, economic, social and cultural rights. Education provides wide options to improve living conditions and enables individuals to adapt to the scientific and technical developments in the world. Based on the above, education became basic human rights that the state shall provide to all citizens freely in response to its constitutional and legal responsibilities. Despite tremendous efforts exerted by various governments to reform education, many challenges are still standing and require additional efforts and resources to provide girls with access to education and minimize gender gap in this sector. This gap is featured in the high illiteracy among women, unequal access to education between males and females, particularly at basic education, high rate of dropouts, in addition to gap in the number of male and female teachers at different education levels. These challenges will be displayed according to the available data to assess development efforts in reality and in the quantum indicators available with official sources.

2005- Women and Education

Challenge One: Illiteracy: Illiteracy is a major obstacle to social, economic, political and cultural development and limits the community productivity. Furthermore, spread of illiteracy among women impedes all efforts directed towards enhancing women participation at different development aspects, whereas recent statistics estimates rate of illiteracy among females at the age of 10 + years at 60 percent compared to 21 percent among males of the same age group. The following table reveals illiteracy rate among males and females during 1994-2004 and 2005-2006.

Table (1) Rate of Illiteracy and Gender Gap during 1994, 2004, 2005, 2006 Rate of Illiteracy Source/Year

Females Males Gap between Females

and Males 1994 Census 76.3% 36.7% 39.6% 2004 Census 62.1% 29.8% 32.3%

Household Budget Survey 2005-2006 60% 21.3% 38.7%

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Source: Central Organization of Statistics-Women and Men Report 2007 and the Household Budget Survey 2005-2006

From the above table we conclude the following: - last available source on illiteracy rate is 4 years old; - rate of illiteracy among females declined during 2005-2006, at 2.1

percent for females compared to 8.5 percent for males, meaning that change in illiteracy rate over the time course is possible for males, unlike females, presuming that the same rate of decline is maintained among females;

- among each 10 females, 6 are illiterate compared to 2 males, according to 2005-2006 data;

- Literacy centers have limited impact, despite high numbers of females joining Literacy classes.

Chart Rate of Illiteracy and Gap between Males and Females in

1994, 2004, 2006

76.30%

62.10%60.00%

36.70%

29.80%

21.30%

39.60%

32.30%

38.70%

1994 Census

2004 Census

FemalesMalesGap

Household Budget Survey 2005-2006

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Table (2) Number of Students Admitted at Illiteracy Classes in 2006-2007, 2007-2008 according to Gender

Years 2006-2007 Years 2007-2008 Females Males Total Female Males Total Details No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %

No. of Student at

Basic Education

90537 93 6858 7 97395 100 123002 94 7168 6 130170 100

No. of students

at the follow-up

classes

20914 9 1713 8 22627 100 23094 95 1291 5 24385 100

Total 111451 93 8571 7 120022 100 146096 95 8459 5 154555 100 No. of Classes 5486 93 402 7 5888 100 5826 93 440 7 6302 100

Source: Illiteracy and Adult Education Apparatus, Ministry of Education

Chart Number of Students Admitted at Literacy Classes in 2006-2007

Chart Number of Students Admitted at Illiteracy Classes in 2006-2007

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000

140000

Students at basicclasses

Students at Follow-up

classes Total No. of Students

No. of classes

Females

Males Total

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The above table indicates that:

- Number of females admitted at Literacy classes is high compared to males, yet it has limited impact on reducing number of illiterate females;

- Female students at basic year in 2006-2007 reaches 90.5 thousand, whereas 23.1 thousand only are admitted in the follow-up year 2007-2008, the matter that explains the limited impact of Literacy centers in reducing illiteracy rate indicator;

- Inefficiency of the mechanism employed currently to eliminate illiteracy;

- Basic skills women centers have included about 8 thousand females in 2006-2007 and 11.2 thousand in the following year, nonetheless they have limited impact considering community need and noticing that they are not responding to the rural agrarian needs of the illiterate women.

Recommendations:

- Assessment and revision to present programs and mechanisms concerned with eliminating illiteracy to enable them to combat this phenomena within specific framework that attend to the national and international obligations in this respect;

- Use incentives to encourage females admitted at Literacy and Women Skills Centers, taking into account labor market needs;

Chart Number of Students Enrolled at Illiteracy Classes in 2007-2008

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000

140000

160000

180000

Students at basic classes

Student at follow- Up classes

Total No. of students No. of

Classes

Females

Males Total

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- Provide literacy and adult education programs with sufficient resources;

- Setting partial objectives to achieve the overall goal; such as targeting specific age groups among females at the national level i.e. less than 25 or 15 years.

Challenge Two: Admission to Education Sector: This section will address public, university and technical education, whereas pre-school education which serves hardly 22 thousands kids at government and private institutions will not be tackled in this report. Furthermore, this sector lacks official attention, either in the third Five Year Plan or in a separate strategy, probably due to lack of financial resources, in spite of the great importance attached therein from gender perspective, and being the basis to tackle future gender-based challenges, mainly:

- this stage – kindergarten – is the real inlet to increase number of females at schools;

- easy access for children regardless to their gender; - encourages children admission at basic education stage; - spread of pre-school education will open more work opportunities

for women; - minimizes gender-based discrimination where the community is

less sensitive to the co-education of male and female children at kindergartens;

- contribute to up-bringing children in healthy environment where gender equality prevails.

2005-2006 Basic Education Sector: Basic education targets students at 6-14 age group, however some students are either below or beyond this ages. This stage is the major attraction for admission at public education sector; therefore the government strives to increase females' numbers therein, although their numbers are far below males' as seen in the following data. The indicator of admission at grade one of Basic Education identifies extent of the system success in admitting children at school age at schools. Although number of children admitted at grade one are increasing annually, yet gender inequality is obvious. The following table demonstrates number of children admitted at grade one.

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Table (3) Number of Children Admitted at Grade One for Years 2006-2007, 2007-2008

Females Males Total

School Year Number % Number % Number %

Equality Guide

Estimation Rate of

Females to Males

Gender Gap

2006-2007 341852 45.7 405370 54.3 747222 100 84 16

2007-2008 335082 46.1 390359 53.9 725441 100 86 14

Source: Statistics Year Book 2006-2007, 2007-2008, Ministry of Education

From the above table we conclude that:

1. decline in females numbers in 2007-2008 years at 2 percent rate compared to previous years, although their rate increased slightly during 2006-2007 from 45.7 percent to 46.1 percent;

2. two points increase in equality indicator during the 2006-2007, consequently gender gap declined from 16 to 14 points, however this gap will remain till the rate of males and females admitted at grade one equalizes.

In spite of all efforts exerted to increase females' numbers at Basic

Table 3; Number of Children Enrolled at Grade One for Years 2006-2007, 2007-2008

0

100000

200000

300000

400000

500000

600000

700000

800000

2006-2007

Females

MalesTotal

2007-2008

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Education, level of girls' education is far below boys at this stage, as seen in the table below.

Table (4) Number of Female and Male Students Admitted at Basic Education in 2006-2007, 2007-2008

Females Males Total School Year

Number % Number % Number %

Estimation of

Equality Guide

Gender Gap

2006-2007 1773629 41.5 2496457 58.5 4270086 100 71 29 2007-2008 1760672 42 2429009 58 4189681 100 72 28

From the above table we conclude that: - 1.5 points increase in female admission's rate at basic education

during the two years; - Gender inequality is sill existing, although gender gap has been

declined by 1 point in 2007-2008 with value of 28 points; - Achieving equality at basic education requires addressing this gap,

particularly at rural areas where it reaches 33 points. Education sector faces many challenges that minimizes girls admission's rate and increase dropouts, mainly:

0

500000

1000000

1500000

2000000

2500000

3000000

3500000

4000000

4500000

2007-2008 2007-2008

Females

Males Total

Table 4, Number of Female and Male Students Enrolled at Basic Education in 2006-2007, 2007-2008

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o lack and remoteness of schools; o lack of separate classes and schools for female students; o lack of female teachers with whom parents can feel safe to

send their girls; o lack of adequate facilities and utilities for female students; o financial burdens on poor families, consequently they prefer

to educate male children. o lack of work opportunities for females, rendering it

infeasible to invest on girls' education; o domination of hostile environment for females work outside

household; o prevalence of early marriage among females, leading to early

dropouts among girl students.

1-2 Dropouts: Despite growth in girls' admission at schools, there is no guarantee that they will continue at least to complete basic education. Moreover, the girls' dropouts, and increasing numbers of girls at school age who have not joined in schools, will add additional unqualified numbers to the labor market. Ministry of Education Book of Annual Achievements of 2007 has estimated dropouts among female students at 12.5 percent compared to 14.1 among males, which is higher, yet did not minimize the existing gap, noticing that dropping males are provided with better opportunities for training compared to females. 1-3 Secondary Education: Secondary education targets 15-17 years age group; however few of those who completed their basic education continue to secondary education, particularly among female students. Thereby, inequality is more noticeable at this stage. The following table demonstrates number of female and male students at secondary education and the gap therein. Table (5), Number and Rate of Female and Male Students at Secondary

Education in 2005-2006, 2007-2008 Females Males Total School

Year No. % No. % No. %

Estimation of Equality Guide (Males/Females)

Gender Gap

2005-2006 185796 30.7 419064 69.3 604860 100 44.3 55.7 2006-2007 194786 33.5 386243 66.5 583029 100 50.4 49.6 2007-2008 194041 34.6 366866 65.4 560907 100 52.9 47.1

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Source: Statistics Year Book 2006-2007, 2007-2008, Ministry of Education. Last two columns calculated by the writer.

The above table demonstrates: - 1.1 percent increase in females at secondary education in 2007-

2008, compared to 2006-2007; - 2.5 improve in the equality guide in 2007-2008 compared to

previous year; however this is not attributed to increase in the numbers of females, but to the decline in males' number at this stage. Whereas against each 100 males admitted at secondary education, there are 50 females only;

- Furthermore it is noted that the females' number/opportunities are declining from lower to higher education level, thereby depriving them from active integration in economic, social and political aspects of life.

1-4 Employment of Female Teachers at Public Education: Employment of female teachers at schools is crucial to encourage female students to enroll. Furthermore, education sector is the most attracting sector for females' employment. Nonetheless, the number of female teachers is far less than males, although gender perspective is present at the policy-makers vision, however slow progress is seen therein.

0

100000

200000

300000

400000

500000

600000

700000

2006-2007 2007- 2008

Female Males Total

Number and Rate of Female and Male Students at Secondary Education in 2005-2006, 2007-2008

2005-2006

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Table (6) Number and Rate of Female and Male Teachers at Public Education in 2005-2006, 2007-2008

Females Males Total School Year No. % No. % No. %

Estimation of Equality Guide

(Males/Females)

Gender Gap

2005-2006 43719 23 145959 77 189678 100 30 70

2006-2007 49892 25 125378 75 202270 100 33 67

2007-2008 49114 23 163332 77 212446 100 30 70

Source: Statistics Year Book 2006-2007, 2007-2008, Ministry of Education. Last two columns calculated by the writer

The table demonstrates that rate of female teachers is 23 percent out of the total number of teachers at public education sector in 2007-2008. The equality guide also declined and the gender gap remained wide between male and female teachers due to inequality at employment procedures.

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008

Females

Males Total

Table (6) Number and Rate of Female and Male Teachers at Public Education in 2005-2006, 2007-2008

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Recommendations: 1. Activate compulsory and free education law to improve girls'

admission rate; 2. Enact mechanisms to involve local communities in addressing

dropouts and decline in girls' admission; 3. Allocate funds for gender issues to continue interventions that

encourages girls education and to measure progress therein; 4. Consider gender issues when locating schools; 5. Provide option for school timings to encourage girls to sign-in; 6. Provide incentives to encourage female teachers to work in rural

areas and plan to narrow the gender gap between male and female teachers;

7. Construct separate schools for girls; 8. Provide schools with needed utilities; 9. Provide incentives to female students such as uniform and meals to

encourage girls and limit dropouts; 10. Specify age marriage law to limit early marriage and dropout

among girls; 11. Provision of preconditioned assistance to poor households by

Social Welfare Fund, linked to enrolling children at schools; 12. Ensure implementation of free basic education resolution.

1-5 Technical Education: This sector includes community colleges, technical diploma, secondary vocational education, and vocational training diploma. This sector attracted female and male students recently. There is wide disparities between both sexes due to the limited courses of study and the location of such institutions i.e. mainly at urban areas. The following table reveals number or female and male students at this sector in 2007-2008.

Table (7) Capacity of Technical Education Facilities according to Gender in 2007-2008

Females Males Type of Education or Training No. of

Applicants No. of

Admitted No. of

Applicants No. of

Admitted

No. of Institutions

Community Colleges 204 80 2321 75 5 Technical Diploma 926 81 9562 52 32 Vocational Secondary School

163 99 1359 53 19

Vocational Training Diploma

71 97 6769 55 28

Total 1364 84 20011 56 67

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Source: Ministry of Technical Education and Vocational Training 2005− the actual number of education institution is (67), noticing that there is

more than one education system at the same institution. The above table indicates to:

- the high rate of admitted females compared to males, however females number is less considering the overall number of admitted students, with females rate at 84 percent (1143 students) and males' 56 percent (11156 students);

- equality guide reveals that 10 females against 100 males are admitted in school in the year 2007-2008, which is wide gap that needs to be addressed, in light to the secondary education outputs. Number of technical and vocational institutions reached 67 institutions 21 are co-education facilities and 5 are for female students. The following table illustrates number of female and male students in these institutions.

Table (8) Number of Students at Technical and Vocational Education

Institutions in 2007-2008 Admitted Students

Females Males Total Type of

Education Institution No. % No. % No. %

Gender Equality

Guide Community

Colleges 845 19 3585 81 4430 100 24%

Technical Diploma 1337 14 8193 86 9530 100 16%

Vocational Secondary School 374 13 2818 87 3192 100 13%

Vocational Training Diploma 100 2 6249 98 6349 100 2%

Total 2656 11 20845 87 23501 100 13% Source: Ministry of Technical Education and Vocational Training, 2007-2008 data

The above table indicates that females rate at technical education is 11 percent only, while community colleges admitted higher rate of females (19%), i.e. against each 100 male students there are 24 females, yet it remain better than the rate at vocational training where there are 2 female students only against 100 males. The following table reveals progress in female students' numbers in 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 years.

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Table (9) Number of Students at Technical Education and Vocational Training according to Gender in 2006-2007, 2007-2008 years

Year Females Rate Males Rate Total Rate Gender Equality Guide

2006-2007 2339 11 19827 89 22166 100 12 2007-2008 2656 11 20845 89 23501 100 13

Source: Ministry of Technical Education and Vocational Training, 2006-2007, 2007-2008 data It is noted that the rate of female students at technical education and vocational training remain almost constant in the above referenced years. The gender equality guide has also changed with one point only, proving that attaining equality at technical education and vocational training is still far beyond reach and no efforts are exerted to minimize this gap. Recommendations:

- Increase admission capacity at technical education and vocational training institutions and expand opportunities for females ;

- Upgrade admission capacity of technical education and vocational training institutions to respond to the increasing demand;

- Construct more technical education and vocational training institutions and extend its services to rural areas;

- diversify courses to respond to labor market needs and in particular to female needs;

- Adopt policy that encourages females to join in this form of education to reduce the present gender gap.

1-6 Admission at Universities: University education is the ultimate goal for secondary education students that will enable them to compete at labor market, noticing the aforementioned poor admission capacity of technical and vocational education. University Education Status Quo from Gender Perspective: Number of students admitted at public and private universities reached about 68 thousand females and 173 thousand males on 2007-2008, as seen in the table below.

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Table (10) Number of Students Admitted at Public and Private Universities in 2006-2007, 2007-2008 according to Gender

No. of Students Female Males Total

School Year

No. % No. % No. %

Equality Guide (males/females)

Gender Gap

Public Universities 2006-2007 49473 28 128620 72 178093 100 38.5 61.5 2007-2008 55475 28 139548 72 195023 100 39.8 60.2

Private Universities 2006-2007 9435 25 28389 75 37824 100 33.2 66.8 2007-2008 12346 27 33150 73 45496 100 37.2 62.8

Total 2006-2007 58908 27 157004 73 215912 100 37.5 62.5 2007-2008 67821 28 172698 72 240519 100 39.3 69.6

Source: Ministry of Higher Education The above table reveals limited change in the rate of female admission at universities at 1 percent on 2007-2008. Also male/female equality guide is significantly low, whereas against each 100 male students there are only 39 females in 2007-2008, and increased 2 points only. The following table demonstrates students' distribution at arts and science colleges.

Table (11) Distribution of University Students according to Specialization in 2006-2007, 2007-2008

Females Males Total Equality Guide (males/females)

Gender Gap

Specialization and Year

No. % No. % No. % Science and Applied Sciences

2006-2007 1765 27 28529 73 39294 100 37.7 62.3 2007-2008 12993 29 32450 71 45443 100 40 60

Arts 2006-2007 48143 27 128480 73 176623 100 37.5 62.5 2007-2008 54828 28 140248 72 195076 100 39.1 60.9

Source: Ministry of Higher Education The above table reveals limited change in the rate of female admission at universities at 1 percent in 2007-2008. Male/female equality guide is significantly low, whereas against each 100 male students there are only

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39 females in 2007-2008, and increased 2 points only. The following table demonstrates students' distribution at arts and science colleges. Conclusion: Females' admission at science colleges is almost similar to arts colleges', yet the gender gap remains high in both courses of education. 1-7 Women and Teaching Staff at Universities: Females' number among teaching staff at private and public universities reached 984 female teachers against 5403 in 2007-2008, as seen in the table below. Table (12) Number of Teachers at Universities according to Gender

in 2006-2007, 2007-2008

2006-2007 2007-2008 Teachers Teachers Sector

Females Males

Gender Equality Guide

Gender Gap Females Males

Gender Equality Guide

Gender Gap

Public 803 4231 19 81 813 4210 19 81 Private 171 1302 13 87 171 1302 13 87 Total 974 5533 18 82 984 5403 18 82

Source: Ministry of Higher Education The above table indicates that females' opportunities are much less than males' as university teachers and the gap remain almost constant during the two years. The equality guide indicator indicates that against each 100 male teachers there are 18 females; with slight increase at public universities to reach 19 female teachers, yet it minimizes the gap between females and males in this sector that reflects the gender disparities in qualification opportunities at higher education level. Recommendations:

- Increase female students' admission at universities; - Increase admission at scientific and empirical specializations to

empower females with access to knowledge sources; - Provide females with equal employment opportunities at teaching

sector;

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- Establish gender-based statistics database that includes education activities statistics (students and teaching staff), internal and external training courses, and specializations;

- Minimize gender gap at universities.

Women; Health and Environment Preface: Health indicators had improved in the recent years resulted from the efforts exerted in this sector and the spread of health services, particularly at the vaccination program against fatal diseases and diarrhea. However, health challenges are tremendous, particularly child and maternal mortality. Health sector needs improvement, to manage better the available resources, and the health information system.

2. Women and Health: The available data shows relative development in health sector, yet many goals are to be achieved. This section will address major health indicators, particularly that related to women and child health.

2-1 Mortality of infants and Children below Five Years: Infants and children mortality indicator proves/disproves availability of health services, and indicates to the living conditions. Infants and child mortality rates are also linked to maternal and reproductive health issues. The information provided by the Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey of 2006, reveals these rates as seen in the following table.

Table (13) Mortality Rates of Infants and Children below Five Years of age in 2003, 2004, 2006 (for each 1000 live births)

1-Household Health Survey 2-2004 Census Multiple Indicators

Cluster Survey of 2006 2015

Target Indicator Females Males Total Females Males Total Females Males Total Total

Infants Mortality

Rate - - 74.8 75.1 79.1 77.2 - - 69 28

Mortality Rate of

Children below 5 years of

age

- - 102 91.7 92.9 92.3 75 81 78 33.1

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Sources: (1), (2) Fourth National Conference on Population Policies, 2007-Population Indicators. (3), outcomes of Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey of 2006. (4), Women Supreme Council – Women National Committee – MDG and Gender Needs' Assessment, 2005

The data of Cluster Survey, 2006 reveals that infants' mortality rate reached 69 cases out of each 1000 births in the five years prior to the Survey, compared to 77 deaths in 2004 Census, with 75 deaths among females and 79 among males out of each 1000 births. Children below five years of age mortality reached 78 deaths out of each 1000 births, in other words one child out of 13 reaches his/her fifth year of age, and one child out of 15 dies before his/her first year. The rate declines among females to 75 deaths out of each 1000 births, against 81 deaths among males during the five years prior to the Cluster Survey. However, both rates declined than in 2004 Census estimation. Indicators in rural areas also vary and exceed the ones in urban areas due to availability of health services, noticing that the targeted rate in 2015 is estimated at 28 deaths for each 1000 live births for infants and 33 deaths for each 1000 births for children below five years. 2-2 Maternal Mortality: The main source to measure maternal mortalities is Households Health Survey of 2003, where 365 thousand death cases were estimated for each 100 thousand live births in the two years prior to the Survey. The Survey revealed that illiterate mothers are more prone to death in addition to women married before 20 years of age. Maternal mortalities rate in

74.8

102

77.2

92.3

69

78

2833.1

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Infants Mortality Rate Mortality Rate of Children below 5 Years

Table (13) Mortality Rates of Infants and Children below Five Years of age in 2003, 2004, 2006 (for each 1000 live births)

Household Health Survey

2004 Census

Multiple Indicators Survey 2006 2015 Target

21

Yemen is the highest among many countries, yet Yemen is the country with the lowest expenses on health sector. The following table shows some indicators related to maternity health.

Table (14) Indicators Related to Maternal Mortality and Care

Indicator Household

Health Survey 2003. (1)

Cluster Survey 2006. (2)

Target on ear 2015. (3)

Maternity Mortality for each 100

thousand live births

365 - 91.5

Rate of Deliveries under Medical Care

41 36 64.

Rate of Services Provided to

Pregnant Women

41.4 47 99

Sources: (1), Fourth National Conference on Population Policies, 2007-Population Indicators. (2), outcomes of Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey of 2006. (3) MDG Report – Gender Needs' Assessment, 2007.

Health indicators have revealed that increase of maternal mortalities during pregnancy and delivery occurs due to poor health services, whereas rate of deliveries under medical care is 36 percent in 2006,

Public Health Servants according to Gender and Gender Gap on 2007

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

Females

Physicians Nurses M/F Midwives Technicians

Ratio of Females to Males

Males

22

declining from 41 percent in 2003, also rate of pregnant women who received medical care reached 47 percent only. Other indicators also reveal that most women are inaccessible to reproductive health services and information. Limited and/or poor health services, in rural areas particularly, inadequate behavior towards women within households, reluctance to treatment by males and/or maltreatment at services centers, in addition to transportation costs to such centers are all reasons responsible for not accessing such services during pregnancy and deliveries thereby leading to mounting mortalities among infants and mothers. Furthermore, lack of adequate information on reproductive health issues, poor living conditions of households, early marriage, and repeated and close deliveries issues are also aspects to increasing maternal mortality. 2-3 Reproductive Health: Yemen is featured with high fertility rates (5.2 for each woman), according to the Cluster Survey of 2006, due to early marriage and repeated pregnancy that deteriorates women's health, in addition to the dominating culture that discourage uses of family planning means. The following table reveals the slow development in using family planning measures. Table (15) Uses of Contraceptives; as showed in Health Survey 2003,

Cluster Survey 2006 and Target in year 2015

Indicator Household Survey 2003. (1)

Multiple Indicators

Cluster Survey 2006. (2)

Target in year 2015

Uses of Modern Contraceptives 13.4 19 51.7

Sources: 1, 2, 3 previous sources. Modern contraceptives are the most efficient means in family planning than traditional means. The above data shows increase in uses of modern contraceptives to reach 19 percent compared to 13.4 in 2003. However this increase did not reach the targeted rate in 2015, i.e. 51.7 percent, which is hard to attain in light of slow progress in using modern contraceptives, noticing that the gap between the two indicators is about 33 points.

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2-4 Rates of Diseases among Women compared to Men (Anemia, Kidney diseases, and Infectious diseases): Monitoring and analyze of spread of disease among males and females respectively, is crucial issue, where gender roles and responsibilities render women more vulnerable in this respect. Household Budget Survey of 2005-2006 revealed that 4.8 percent of females are suffering illnesses compared to 4.1 percent among males, with disparities of disease type that infect males and females as seen below. 1. Major Diseases Infecting Females:

1. Rheumatism: 21 percent of total females; 2. Blood Pressure: 41 percent of total females; 3. Ulcers: 12 percent of total females; 4. Kidney diseases: 9 percent of total females.

2. Major Diseases Infecting Males:

1. Diabetes: 17 percent of total males; 2. Kidney disease: 13 percent of total males; 3. Rheumatism: 11 percent of total males; 4. Ulcers: 10 percent of total males.

3. When comparing levels of infections among both sexes, we conclude that females' infections are more in seven diseases out of 11 identified in the Survey. 3.1. Diseases where females infections is twice as males:

- Tuberculosis: infects 248 females against 100 males; - Anemia: infects 226 females against 100 males; - Rheumatism: infects 211 females against 100 males.

3.2. Diseases where females infections exceeds males' (less than double):

- Blood Pressure: infects 176 females against 100 males; - Cancer: infects 148 females against 100 males; - Ulcers: infects 139 females against 100 males; - Leprosy: infects 131 females against 100 males.

3.3. Diseases where females infections are less than males': Respiratory System Diseases, Kidney Diseases, Diabetes.

24

2-5 HIV/AIDS: Official statistics on HIV/AIDS cases reached 2550 in 2008; 62 percent males and 38 percent females. However WHO estimates that behind each one case discovered hides 50 to 150 cases. Yemen is classified among the countries with least registered cases of HIV/AIDS; thereby the National AIDS Program has been established to promote prevention and detection of HIV/AIDS cases. As with respect to awareness with HIV/AIDS; 61 percent of the specimen among married and ex-married women, have heard of HIV/AIDS, and 14 percent only are aware of two ways of HIV/AIDS contamination, 24 percent are aware that HIV/AIDS is not transmitted through food, 28 percent not through mosquito stings, 52 percent are aware that HIV/AIDS is transmitted from mother to child whereas 9 percent are not aware of that fact. 2-6 Cancer: Household survey 2005-2006 revealed that 49 females and 32 males each out of 100 thousand males and females are infected with cancer. However these are the known cases not including hidden or undiagnosed cases. The National Center for Tumors Treatment statistics indicate those who approach the Center before being diagnosed and receive chemical or radiological treatment. This type of statistics does not list the newly discovered cases annually to reach the accumulated numbers, also it is not practical to calculate number of infected on the basis of those received the Center services, as a single patient might receive all these services provide by the Center. There is a need to develop the Center statistics to trace the new cases of cancer to identify the mount of this phenomenon and classify them according to each type of cancer. 2-7 Malaria Infection: The available data on malaria are not classified according to gender, noticing the significance of such classification as malaria causes abortion or underweight infants. Malaria statistics have revealed that 223 thousand persons are infected in 2008, compared to 156 thousand in 2007, with 43 percent annual increase. This surge in malaria indicates that:

1. people are more aware and are approaching health services center; 2. spread of services to remote areas; 3. actual increase in malaria infections; or 4. differences in statistics comprehensiveness from one year to

another.

25

Whatever the reasons are, malaria is a major killer among poor in particular, and women are the major component of this category. 2-8 Vaccination: Cluster Survey of 2006 indicated that more than one child among 10 did not receive any vaccination when they reach their third year of age. However, chances of children vaccination are determined by location of children; high in urban areas and low in rural areas, by mother's education, and household's economic and social status. Therefore, only 18 percent of children at 12-23 months of age received all vaccinations, and about 60 percent received the three doses of polio, measles, and triple vaccination. 79 percent received first dose of polio vaccination and 77 percent received the triple vaccination. Present statistics of the health statistics indicates that 87 percent of the targeted children received the third dose of polio vaccination, and the pentavalent vaccination in 2007. 2-9 Diarrhea: Diarrhea is the second cause of mortality among children below five years, and more than third of children below five years of age (34 percent) were infected with diarrhea during the two weeks prior to the survey. It is revealed that nine out of ten children who were infected with diarrhea have received the solution that the Ministry of Health recommends where third of the infected children received dehydration solution and 13 percent of the infected children did not receive any treatment. 2-10 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Major efforts are exerted to abandon FGM, where the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood has adopted National Workplan for 2008-2012 years, to reduce the rate of this practice to 30 percent in 2012. Relevant government institutions, in cooperation with CSOs commenced implementation of this workplan and conducted field studies on this phenomena "Analytical Study on FGM in Yemen" by Gender Studies and Researches Center, at Sana'a University in cooperation with Yemeni Women Union in 2008. The Study concluded that:

- FGM is a common practice at 5 governorates out of 22. The communities of these governorates stressed that FGM is related to religion and culture;

26

- 71.4 percent of females support continuation of this practice, compared to 48 percent of males, and illiterate females are more supportive than females with secondary and high school education;

- Wide spread of FGM among urban areas; i.e. Sana'a with 45.5 percent;

- More researches are needed to understand the socio-cultural context of the communities impacted with this practice.

In addition to conduct specific studies on:

- explore knowledge, attitudes and practices in the 5 governorates; - health, psychological and social damages resulted from this

practice; - religious context "justification" of this practice; - to raise awareness campaign on the devastating impact of this

practice in the 5 coastal governorates, the plan is to abandon this practice by 50 percent to grandmothers at the age of 40-70 years and parents at the age of 15-45 years, by the year 2012.

In addition to specify age marriage law at 17 years that was submitted to the parliament to avoid the devastating impacts of the early marriage and early pregnancy, and implement the National Strategy for Reproductive Health objectives and reduce fertility rate among young mothers from 7.2 percent in 2003 to 3.6 by year 2010. Major Obstacles that Limit Women Accessibility to Health Services: 1. Insufficiency of Services: Official statistics of 2008 stated that there are 228 hospitals, 756 health centers, and 2609 health units in the country providing preventive and treatment services. However access to health services remains major issue in many areas due to rugged roads, remoteness of health services centers, disperses of population gatherings and poor services provided, rendering it difficult for women to reach during pregnancy or delivery. Health indicators have revealed that only 47 percent of women receive medical care during pregnancy, declining to 39 percent only at rural areas. While 36 percent only receives medical care during delivery, declining to 26 percent at rural areas. In other terms out of each 10 women in rural areas 4 only received medical care during pregnancy and 3 during delivery. Such rate will not lead to attain the 2015 target without exceptional efforts. Poverty Assessment Report prepared in cooperation with the WB

27

and UNDP has indicated that in spite of the increase of individuals who seek health services when falling sick; number of women who delivered under medical care did not exceed one third of total women in Yemen, and the rate is ranging between 19 percent among the poorest decimal group and 40 percent among the richest decimal group. Limited accessibility to reproductive health could be attributed to illiteracy, and lack of awareness with risks associated with pregnancy and delivery, and post delivery, in addition to availability of health institutions and financial constrains.

2005− Lack of Female Health Workers: The gender gap among health workers is one of the reasons that limit women accessibility to medical care. In 2007 rate of female physicians at public institutions is 29 percent and nurses 38 percent as shown in the Health Survey that year. Apart from this source the Ministry of Health does not publish employees' data according to gender.

Table (16) Health Workers at Public Institution according to Gender

and Gender Gap in 2007

Category Females Males Rate of Females

Rate of Males

Ratio of Females to

Males 1. Physicians 1396 3410 29% 71% 41

2. Nurses 3827 6012 38% 63% 64 3. Midwives 3296 - 100% - -

4. Technicians 608 3242 16% 84% 19 Total

(excluding midwives)

5831 12664 31% 69% 46

Source: Health Survey Report 2007, Ministry of Public Health and Population The above rates indicates that 31 percent of health workers are females and they represent less than one third of the total workers excluding midwives, whereas against each 100 men, there are only about 36 women at health sector. In addition to this gender gap most of female health workers are centered at urban areas and one third of them are nurses.

2005− High Cost of Health Care: One of the outcomes of Poverty Assessment Report that was based on Household Budget Survey 2005-2006, is that women of the most

28

vulnerable group of population (one fifth) did not receive any medical service during delivery and only 20 percent out of the total deliveries in 2005 received medical care. This indicates to the fact that high cost of medical care is the major impedance that hinders poor from accessing health services thereby limits the number of beneficiaries from such services. Availability of reproductive health services and increase in numbers of beneficiaries are crucial indicators to improve health situation. Although the government is striving to provide reproductive health services freely, yet other associated services such as transportation, medicines, and diagnosis expenses add additional burdens particularly on poor households where women are most vulnerable members. 3- Women and Environment: Women is closely linked to environment particularly that related to daily life affairs such as clean water, fuel, and sewerage system. Women are more subject to gender discrimination whenever traditional means are employed to access these services. The environmental aspects relevant to women social, health and human situations will be addressed according to the available data in this respect. 3-1 Water Resources: Water resources for population differ from rural to urban areas and between poor and non-poor households. Generally 59 percent of population uses improved (hygienic) sources, raises to 74 percent among urban areas inhabitants and declines to 52 percent among rural areas population. More than one quarter of households that lies among the least expending decimal group access water from uncovered wells and 22 percent of them access water from uncovered spring, as indicated in the 2006 Cluster Survey outcomes. One quarter of households also takes more than one hour to reach water sources, and mainly girls are incurred with this burden, including pregnant women who risk their pregnancy in this effort. 3-2 Waste of Sewerage System: Lack of waste and sewerage management systems causes endemic diseases. The 2006 Survey, revealed that 52 percent of houses are equipped with modern sewerage systems, reaches to 92 percent in urban areas and 33 percent at rural areas.

29

3-3 Solid Waste Management: 2005-2006 Survey revealed that 78 percent of households that are headed by females do keep their wastes (garbage) in specific places, compared to 69 percent of households that are headed by males. Such unhygienic practices, the surrounding environment to the habitat lead to breeds insects and endemics and causes diseases.

Table (17), Employees at the General Authority for Environment Protection and its branches, According to Gender in 2007-2008

Details 2007 2008

Males Rate Females Rate Total Males Rate Females Rate Total

GAEP HQs 74 76% 23 24% 97 76 76% 24 24% 100 Aden 5 56% 4 44% 9 5 56% 4 44% 9

Soqutra 16 76% 5 23% 21 23 72% 9 28% 32 Sana'a

Municipality 1 100% 0 0% 1 4 100% 0 0% 4

Sana'a 1 100% 0 0% 1 3 100% 0 0% 3 Taiz 3 100% 0 0% 3 4 100% 0 0% 4

Hodiedah 3 75% 1 25% 4 6 86% 1 14% 7 Amran 1 100% 0 0% 1 1 100% 0 0% 1 Raima 1 100% 0 0% 1 1 100% 0 0% 1 Hajjah 1 100% 0 0% 1 1 100% 0 0% 1

Mahwet 1 100% 0 0% 1 1 100% 0 0% 1 Ibb 3 100% 0 0% 3 3 100% 0 0% 3

Sa'da 2 100% 0 0% 1 1 100% 0 0% 1 Mareb 1 100% 0 0% 1 1 100% 0 0% 1

Hadramout/coast 1 50% 1 50% 2 2 75% 1 25% 3 Total 114 78% 33 22% 147 132 77% 39 23% 171

Source: General Authority for Environment Protection The above table reveals that female rate at the Authority is 22 percent only in 2007, and 23 percent in 2008, with only l percent increase.

30

Recommendations: 1. Construct more health facilities at governorates and districts that

lacks such services on equal basis; 2. Enhance health care services, maternal and reproductive health

services in addition to vaccination services in rural areas in particular;

3. Employ more females at health facilities and midwives in rural areas in particular, and encourage female workers at rural areas to ensure their sustainability;

4. Establish mechanisms to follow-up and assess implementation of free provision of basic health care/services, pregnant care, and delivery under medical attendance;

5. Provide sufficient health appliances and basic medicines for chronic diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and malaria and enhance free dissemination of mosquito nets in districts endemic with malaria;

6. Continue free distribution of mosquito nets at the endemic districts; 7. Develop and update health statistic database and indicators and

integrate gender in its outputs; 8. Revise and improve the free distribution policy of the

contraceptives; 9. Identify marriage age to reduce maternity mortalities among below

20 years age group of mothers; 10. Implement free provision of delivery services at public facilities,

particularly at rural areas.

*** 4- Women: Poverty and Economic Participation

First: Gender and Poverty Phenomena: Preface: Gender inequality deters women integration at development aspects. Whereas attainment of education will enable women to involve effectively at workforce and thereby lead to improve household's income and consequently alleviates poverty. Also improving women education and income will empower their participation in decision-making within the households that will consequently raises health and education standards of the children. However, present indicators reveal the continuation of gender inequality with limited decline in the gender gap

31

on education, and women involvement at workforce. Whereby recent outcomes has revealed that poverty rate reached 34.8 in 2005, declining from 40.1 percent in 1998. Gender and Poverty 4-1 Poverty Rate according to Gender: Distribution of resources differ among family members thereby causing disparities in the level of wellbeing of each member, however available tools does not allow to calculate poverty indicators for females apart from males, therefore identifying poverty indicators is possible only by classifying households according to the head of the family; male or female. Poverty Phenomena Assessment report of 2005-2006, published by WB, indicates that rate of household headed by females reached 39 percent, and by males reached 43.5 percent, and these rates varied according to the social status of the head of the family, as shown in the table below.

Table (18) Relation between Gender of the Household Head, the Social Status and Poverty Rate, 2005-2006

Households Headed by Females

Households Headed by Males Social Status

Overall Rate

Poverty Rate

Overall Rate

Poverty Rate

1.married and lives together 2% 54.4 94.5% 34.6%

2.husband does not live with the

family 15% 29 0.5% 15

3.husband is frequently

absent 69% 42.3 - -

4.bachelor 1% 7 3% 37.5 5.divorced 1% 26.1 0.4% 23.6 6.widowed 13% 43 1.6% 36.8

Total 100% 39 100% 34.5 Source: WB, Poverty Phenomena Assessment Report, Household Budget Survey, 2005-2006.

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The above table indicates that: - rate of poverty is slightly higher among households headed by

females; - the category where husband is frequently absent is the highest

among households headed by females, thereby impacting the total calculation of poverty rate among such households;

- the highest rate of poverty among households headed by females is registered among the category "married and lives together"; 54 percent, where the husbands are often mentally or physically disabled, also poverty rate is high among households that are headed by widows, 43 percent, followed by divorced and then households where the husband does not live with the family;

- the lowest rate is among households that are headed by single mothers; 7 percent. Whereas among bachelor category households headed by males is more susceptible to poverty than the ones headed by females with the rate of 37.5 percent, followed by the households headed by widows.

- the majority of population is the category of "married and lives together" with rate of 95 percent that impacted the overall rate of poverty among households headed by males that reached 34.6 percent. The above referenced report indicates that "households headed by females allocate funds in a better way, with less disbursement on tobacco and Qat and more on education and foods, than that headed by males".

4-2 Major Features of Poverty according to Gender:

- rate of admission in schools for children at 6-14 age group among the most impoverished decimal group reached 64 percent for boys and 37 percent for girls, compared to the admission rate among the decimal group with highest income that reaches 86 percent for boys and 78 percent for girls;

- The lowest rate of poverty is recorded among households that are headed by individuals with university degree;

- The WB report on Poverty Assessment concluded that "outcome of females' education supersedes that of males, particularly among females who completed their high school education or technical education and vocational training";

- rate of women who have access to health services when delivering their infants is ranging between 19 percent among the poorest decimal group to 40 percent among the richest decimal group;

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- 91 percent of females of the poor households at the age of 15 and more are outside workforce compared to 21 percent among males;

- 5.4 percent of women at work age among poor households are unemployed compared to 12 percent among males, and employed females rate is 36 percent compared to 66 percent among males;

- 6 percent of employed females among poor households are self-employed and 19 percent of them are under paid jobs; unlike males where 55 percent of the employed males are working at paid jobs and 44 percent are self-employed.

4-3 Social Safety Networks: Implementing of economic reforms policies is associated with marginalization and social disintegration due to inability of disabled, aged, divorced and widows to participate in productive work. Social safety networks were established to remedy the impact of such policies, through investment in developing local communities and improve education, and health infrastructures, provision of clean water, employment opportunities, financial assistance, and loans to small and micro institutions, in addition to training programs on skills required at labor market. Females are the major beneficiaries of these programs according to the available data. 4-3.1. Social Fund for Development: The SFD works within the following major components:

1. community development; 2. institutional support; 3. development of small enterprises; 4. cultural heritage; 5. Combating impacts of increase in foodstuffs prices.

The activities of the SFD have resulted in the following aspects: a. Beneficiaries from SFD projects according to Gender: Total number of beneficiaries from SFD projects reached in 2008 about (5291), 62 percent of them are females (3304). This indicates that the SFD has targeted females in 2008, with 3 females among each 5 beneficiaries from both sexes, according to the following table:

34

Table (19) Direct Beneficiaries from SFD Projects in 2007, 2008 (numbers in thousands) 2007 2008

Projects Females Males

Ratio of Females

to Males

Females Males Ratio of Females to Males

Health 548.8 456.9 120% 1834.5 1.033.3 187% Roads 368.2 366.7 100% 399.3 403.1 99%

Institutional Support 1.5 2.5 60% 579 137.2 422%

Water 51.8 51.9 100% 100.3 99.4 101% Education 48.5 63.2 77% 87.6 108.6 81%

Environment 37.5 38 99% 85.3 83.4 102% Training 2.3 6.2 37% 20 23.9 84%

Other projects 38.8 37.6 103% 98.1 97.5 101%

Total 1097.4 1023 107% 3.304.1 1.986.4 166% Source: Social Fund for Development

Direct Beneficiaries from SFD Projects in 2007

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

Females Males

Health

Roads

Instit. Support

Water

Education

Envt.

Training

others

35

The above table shows that:

- Number of direct beneficiaries from SFD projects increased in 2008 one and half time with female beneficiaries doubled up;

- Rate of beneficiaries among females in 2007 supersedes males by 7 percent raised in next year to 66 percent;

- Rate of beneficiaries among females in 2008 reached the peak in the institutional support projects; where 4 females benefited against one male, and 2 against 1 in the health projects, while in other projects the gap is not that wide between males and females. Generally, against each 10 male beneficiaries, there are 17 females at all projects implemented in 2008;

- Females benefited mostly from health projects at 58 percent, followed by institutional support, then roads and water projects.

b. Borrowers from the SFD according to Gender: Number of borrowers from the SFD reached 33.5 thousands by September 2008, with female rate at 77 percent, compared to 30 thousand in 2007 and the same rate for women. If the same rate is maintained in the fourth quarter of 2008, there will be 3 female borrowers against one male borrower, regardless to the total amount of loans received by both sexes.

Direct Beneficiaries from SDF Projects, 2008

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

Females Males

Health

Roads

Instit. Support

Water

Education

Envt.

Training

Others

36

Table (20) Number of Borrowers from the SFD according to Gender in 2007-2008

Females Males Total Year

No. % No. % No. % 2007 23.7 77 6.891 23 29.961 100 2008

(September) 25.689 76.6 7.865 23.4 33.554 100

Source: Social Fund for Development

c. Training: The SFD targeted 47 thousand males and 40 thousand females with training programs in 2008. The trainees distributed among local communities, environment and water sectors, in addition to health, and education, as seen in the table below.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Females Males

2007 Sep. 2008

Number of Borrowers from SDF according to Gender 2007, 2008

37

Table (21) Number of Trainees and Participants in the Workshops, Awareness Campaigns, and Studies in 2007, 2008 according to

Gender Beneficiaries

Females Males Sector No. % No. %

Ratio of Females to

Males Training of Local

Communities 20.192 51 22.377 48 90%

Environment Training and Awareness 14.396 36 14.418 31 100%

Water Training and Awareness 2.648 7 2.826 6 94%

Health Training 1.123 1 76 - 1478% Training for Private

Sector 546 3 3911 8 14%

Trainees at other sectors 1016 2 3173 7 32%

Total 39.921 100 46781 100 85% Source: Social Fund for Development The above table shows that:

- most of training programs are targeting local communities, either for females or males;

- environment training and awareness comes next; - rate of female benefited from training is 85 percent; i.e. against

each 100 male trainers there are 85 females; - training on health sector is targeting females mainly; and the

chances equalize in environment training and awareness, whereas training and awareness programs on water are biased in favor of males likewise in training of local communities;

- wide disparities are noticed in training of private sector, agriculture and others;

- Training materials and targeted objectives of the training were not identified; however it could be directed towards building of capacities and skills of individuals to empower them to attain productive employment opportunities.

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d. Employment Opportunities: the SDF projects has provided about 7,150,674 working days in 2008, that is equal to 19.6 thousand laborers for one year, 99 percent were for males, mainly in education, environment, and roads projects, and for females in combating foods price rise, health and institutional support projects, however all chances provided for females are equal to jobs for 243 women for one year. The following table shows development in employment opportunities during 2005-2008. Table (22) Employment Opportunities provided by SFD in 2005-2008

years Employment Opportunities Years

Females Males Total 2005 NA NA 8.493 2006 NA NA 10.651 2007 246 9798 10.045 2008 243 19348 19.591

Source: Social Fund for Development The table reflects that:

- chances provided for females remain stabled during 2007, 2008 while doubled for males;

- SFD projects in 2008 provided more employment opportunities for males unlike females; and this could be attributed to the nature of projects that are not suitable to attract female workforce or lack of required skills among females. It might be useful if the SFD has included the objective of increasing employment opportunities for females although it is not part of its direct objectives unlike Public Works Fund.

e. SFD Credit Programs: the SFD provides loans through 11 credit programs to 33.554 beneficiaries, 77 percent of them are females, to fund small and micro enterprises or income generating projects. However it is noted that number of females is much less in loans sought for small and micro industries, and this could be attributed to the low number of women who run such projects, complicated procedures of loans, or lack of knowledge in this respect. The following table demonstrates number of borrowers according to gender.

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Table (22) Number of Borrowers from SFD according to Gender in 2007, 2008

No. of Borrowers in 2007 No. of Borrowers as of September 2008

Details Females Males

Ratio of females to

males Females Males

Ratio of females to

males No. of Borrowers from

all Credit Programs 23070 6891 335% 25.689 7.865 327%

No. of Borrowers (except small

enterprises and industries financing

fund)

22.953 5.051 454% 25.517 5.895 433%

Source: Social Fund for Development The table demonstrates that:

- females chances of getting loans are three times of males; against each 327 female there are 100 males borrowers in 2008;

- women have 4 times chances of getting loans (except from small enterprises and industries financing fund), due to limited numbers of women benefiting from this fund;

- rate of female borrowers increased by 11 percent, and males 14 percent during the two years;

- despite the limited impact these loans have, SDF shall enhance its approach in this respect towards eliminating discrimination between sexes in obtaining loans to improve females' chances in participating in commercial and industrial businesses.

4-3.2 Public Works Project: PWP provides employment opportunities by developing the infrastructure, where 283 projects were implemented in 2008 half of them on education sector and one third on agriculture sector. In 2008, 672 thousand persons benefited form these projects, 55 percent are females. PWP projects have provided about 43 thousand job opportunities for one month all were for men.

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Table (24) Number of Beneficiaries from PWP Projects according to Gender in 2007, 2008

Beneficiaries in 2007 Beneficiaries in 2008 Sector

Females Males Ratio of

females to males

Females Males Ration of females to

males Education 192006 157.096 122% 137147 112.212 122%

Agriculture 169189 144.124 117% 120849 102946 117% Roads

Construction 45121 35.452 127% 32230 25323 127%

Water 42465 7.494 567% 30.332 5353 567% Health 20794 25415 82% 14853 18154 82%

Social Affairs 37325 40.113 93% 26661 28652 93% Sewerage System 13087 11793 111% 9348 8424 111%

Total 519.987 421487 123% 371.420 301.064 123% Source: Public Works Project The above table demonstrates that:

- 672 thousands people benefited from PWP projects in 2008, 55 percent of them are females, mainly in education, agriculture and sewerage system projects;

- Decline in number of beneficiaries in 2008 by 29 percent for both females and males;

- Ratio of females to males is identical in 2007 and 2008 at all sectors, and this could not happen coincidentally, the reasons should be explored and addressed.

Employment Opportunities provided by PWP: PWP projects provided about 43 thousand jobs/month, including 17.5 thousand jobs for skilled male laborers, and 25.7 thousand jobs/month for unskilled male laborers. This indicates that the PWP did not integrate gender in its programs, and no doubt the PWP was not established to create jobs for males only. The PWP did not only exclude women from work opportunities, further it reduced males work opportunities by 50 percent in 2008.

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Table (23) Number of Jobs Provided by PWP in 2007, 2008 (for males only)

Year Beneficiaries man/month 2007 86.361 2008 43.209

Rate of annual decline 50% Source: Public Works Project

4-3.3. Social Welfare Fund: This Fund provides social assistance and support to poor families and individuals to improve their living conditions, provided that they do not have other sources of income. The SWF provided financial assistance to 1.042.409 persons in 2008, 47 percent of them are females. The Fund also implemented training sessions for 1401 persons in 2008 to develop their professional skills, 36 percent of them are females.

Table (26) Number of Trainees on Different Professional Skills in 2008 according to Gender

Sector Males Females Total Ratio of females to males

Livestock Breeding 292 209 498 Clay works - 30 30

Hair Dressing (coiffure) 22 76 98 Marketing 44 15 79

Fishery 100 - 100 Veterinary 170 - 170 Tailoring - 20 20

Females' Gowns Tailors (Ebaya) - 20 20

Animal Health and Nourishing 143 81 224

Bees Breeding 109 20 129 Handicrafts (traditional

males' belts) - 25 25

House Equipment Maintenance 13 - 13

Food Industry (Homemade Foods) - 15 15

Total 893 508 1401 57% Source: Social Welfare Fund

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The table shows that females represent one third of trainees, although training subjects are limited, they are relevant to labor markets' and poor needs; however there is need to enhance trainings to include all capable workforce and increase women involvement therein. 4-3.4. Small Industries and Enterprises Financing Fund: Small enterprises are one of the major sectors that are expected to alleviate poverty through the employment opportunities they provide. This Fund was established to encourage this sector by facilitating loans. SIEFF has provided loans to 1381 person on 2008, only 5.4 percent are females. The following table explains number of beneficiaries from SIEFF loans in 2006-2008. Table (27) Number of Beneficiaries from SIEFF Loans according to

Gender in 2006-2008 No. of Beneficiaries

Years Females Males Total

No. of women against each 100

men 2006 205 1121 1326 18 2007 174 1762 1936 10 2008 75 1306 1381 6

Source: 2006 and 2007 data: State of Women Report 2007, WNC. 2008 data: SIEFF.

- The table reflects the gap between female and male beneficiaries, with 6 women against 100 men are benefiting from the Fund loans;

- Year 2008 witnessed the lowest number of beneficiaries among female from the Fund's loans. Many reasons limit women access to the Fund loans; mainly non-position of property (land) or social environment that limits women movement. Businesswomen Council statistics showed that 476 projects registered with the Council belongs to women and are located in 6 major cities, and 7 percent of these enterprises are located in the capital, however actual number of women who owns their own businesses is much more than the registered number.

43

Table (28) Distribution of Businesswomen in the Governorates and

Businesses they practice, 2008

Governorate

Agriculture

Fishing

Industry

Construction/contracting

Comm

ercial

Hotels/restaurants

Services

Personal services

Public services

Transportation/

comm

unicat

Total

Sana'a 13 9 40 - 33 2 13 3 113 Sana'a Municipality

3 13 72 1 30 26 21 12 178

Aden 8 2 - 7 14 7 10 - 48 Taiz 5 - 2 - 7 11 9 1 35 Hodiedah - - 11 - - - - 2 14 Hadramout 1 2 3 Ibb 1 3 2 1 7 Total 30 25 130 8 84 46 55 19 398

Source: General Federation of Chambers of Commerce

5- Second: Women and Employment: The current Yemeni laws acknowledges women's right of work and Labor Law provided for equality in employment opportunities, promotion, wages, training and social protection, also Civil Service law does not discriminate on gender basis at all rights and obligations, rather it provided women with additional privileges related to their gender role as mothers. However, women face many challenges in the labor market that impacted their participation in economic activity. 5-1 Rate of Women Participation in Economic Activities: According to the estimation of Households Budget Survey, workforce reached 11.1 million people, 51 percent of them are females, i.e. 5.7 million, 596 thousand of them are economically active, whereas 5.1 million are inactive (outside the labor market). The active females are distributed into employed females, 7.7 percent out of the total number of economically active women.

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Table (29) Structure of Workforce and Gender Disparity

in 2005, 2006 (numbers in thousand) Category Total Females Males

No. 4.150 320 3.830 Total Workforce % 100% 100% 100%

Paid Labor 50.9% 35.9% 52.1% Self-employed 46.5% 43.1% 46.7% Unpaid Labor 2.6% 21% 1.2% Agriculture &

Fishery 34% 36% 34%

Industry & Energy 18% 8% 19% Commerce 16% 3% 17%

Transportation 6% 1% 6% Other Services 26% 21% 25%

Source: Household Budget Survey, 2005/2006 The table demonstrates that 36 percent of female workforce is under paid labor, 43 percent are self-employed and more than one fifth of them are under unpaid labor. Also agriculture is the sector that employs more than one third of female workforce. Overall rate of women involved in economic activities reached about 10.5 percent, declining from rate recorded in 1999 (Workforce Survey), while men rate reached 79.4 percent for the same period. 5-2 Gender Disparity in Workforce: Low rate of women involvement in economic activities is attributed to discriminatory practices within the household and labor market against women labor, also the poor infrastructure that negatively impacts women ability to move and access labor markets. 2005/2006 data shows 320 thousand employed females compared to 3.8 million employed males, despite this low number of employed females, yet 36 percent of them are under paid labor compared to 52 percent of males. Further, 43 percent of females are self-employed, compared to 47 percent males. Females under unpaid labor are 21 percent, whereas the rate is only 1 percent among males in this category. Table (26) explains these gender disparities in unpaid labor category, where more than 97 percent of males are either under paid labor, self-employed or owned their businesses. Most women are working in the agriculture sector, followed by public services sector

45

such as education and health with rate of 21 percent. Other rates of activities are not identified, indicating that there is gender bias in the statistics of female workforce. 5-3 Unemployment among Females: The unequal relationship from gender perspective, starting from household, community, state and labor markets leads to disparities in access into resources, such as properties, capital and labor. In light of such conditions, it is unlikely to increase women involvement in labor market without empowering their capacities to access and control resources. Due to these challenges, women unemployment rate within female workforce reached 46.3 percent in 2005/2006, nearly equal to half of female workforce estimated at 596 thousand in these years. In addition to this, there are women who are willing to work but unable to pursue their desire due to many social and cultural challenges; as shown in the 2005/2006 Survey, where there are (1) 193 thousand females are willing to work, but they did not seek jobs, and (2) 430 thousand females could not work due to family objection. The total number of two groups exceeds the total number of female workforce in the same years, however they were not calculated among unemployed category as the criteria to include them is to pursue employment opportunity. If other criteria is adopted; i.e. willingness to work, the unemployment rate among women could have raised to more than 59 percent.

Table (30) Number and Rate of Unemployed and Unemployment according to Gender in 2005/2006 *numbers in thousand)

Details Females Males Disparity Factor 1.No. of Unemployed 276 519 - 2.Unemployment Rate 46.3% 11.9% 389

3.No. of willing to work but did not pursue their wish 193 779 -

4.No. of job seekers and willing to work (1+3) 469 1298 -

5.Rate of unemployment using search and willingness

criteria 59.3% 25.3% 234

Source: Household Budget Survey 2005/2006, Central Organization for Statistics Disparity factor is high between females and males, where against each 100 unemployed males, there are 389 unemployed females, declining to

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234 when adding willing to work but did not pursue their wish category, indicating that seeking jobs is inaccessible for females, either due to inapproachability to places where jobs are available or to the means through which they can seek jobs. The available data on job seekers registered at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, indicates that only 810 females are registered against 10.244 males, nonetheless 9323 cases are not classified according to the gender. The Ministry managed to employ 11487 males compared to 170 females, as shown in the table below. Table (31) Number of Job-Seekers and Employed registered at Labor

Offices in 2007

Category Females Males Gender Unidentified Total

Registered in 2007 810 10244 9.323 20.377 Employed in 2007 170 11487 5.217 16.874

Source: Statistic Bulletin, Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, 2007 The above table does not help to reach correct conclusion, due to the high number of individuals unidentified according to their gender among registered and employed categories. However, it might be useful if registration at Labor Offices is associated with provision of unemployment allowances, facilitate unemployed females' access to these Offices, and open more offices at rural areas, in addition to implementation of training sessions on professions needed at labor market. 5-4 Informal Female Workforce: Informal female workforce is estimated at 51-67 percent out of total female workforce – excluding female force at agriculture sector, indicating that about two third of female workforce are involved in the informal labor sector, where they lack social or health insurance, neither legal or social protection. 2004 Census has indicated to the major features of female workforce in the informal sector; namely:

- number of female housemates exceeds half of male housemates; - 22 percent of female housemates work for more than 8 hours daily; - Low education level of female laborer at informal sector is

responsible for practicing low wages and low standard jobs;

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- 38 percent of female laborers at informal sector are under paid job; 34 percent work on their own and 20 percent participates with family members.

Recommendations:

1. Enhance provision of financial support and loans to women who are interested on establishing small enterprises;

2. Link Literacy programs to the labor market needs to alleviate poverty through trainings, provision of loans for house economic activities, small industries and enterprises;

3. Support females graduated from basic education and high schools among poor households with professional trainings and loans to create their own work opportunities either through house economics or in small and micro enterprises;

4. Improve public positions opportunities for females in line with the objectives of the Third Five Year Plan 2006-2010;

5. Provide basic services to empower women to involve and access labor markets, including provision of kindergarten at workplaces;

6. Provide trainings for working women to occupy the jobs that comply with their qualifications and capacities and enable them to occupy senior posts equal to men;

7. Improve public employment offices capacities and enhance their geographic distribution, including:

- Develop communication and information systems relevant to labor markets needs;

- Provide incentives to encourage registrations of job-seekers at employment offices and provide unemployment allowances;

- Encourage private sector through concessions to employ females. 8. Eliminate gender-biased statistics in measuring female workforce,

by developing data collection means and tools.

***

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6- Political Participation and Decision-making

Preface: Yemeni constitution guarantees equality in rights and obligations for both men and women, including the right of political participation and participation in decision-making. Nevertheless, women political rights in reality are yet to be advanced, despite the democratic development and women involvement in politics since the last century. Women participation in public life is crucial for bringing about democratic change and development. Improving women situation and political participation is the most challenging issues that are needed to assist women to overcome barriers before promoting and enhancing their political participation and participation in decision-making process, towards attaining true representation and equality in political process. This section will address the gender gap in political participation and in decision-making process. Women and Decision-Making: The traditional perception towards women participation in public life associated with the stereotyped image of women roles, impacted political institutions and civil society organizations, despite their support and positive steps towards women in this respect. Two women have been appointed as ministers in the present cabinet, out of 33 ministers; Minister of Human Rights and Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, which is considered as relative improvement compared to previous cabinets, yet remains low representation considering women status in community and the pursue to promote their contribution in decision-making process that impact their future. It is noted that women representation widen at the lower level of political and administrative structure; where there are two ministers, 4 at ministerial level, 28 deputy ministers, 207 director-generals, in general against 241 women at senior posts there are 6463 men; almost 4 women against each 100 men. The following table explains representation of women and men at senior posts in 2007.

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Table (32) Women Representation Level at Senior Posts in the State in 2008

Female Males Posts No. % No. %

Rate of Females to Males

The Cabinet 2 0.8 31 0.5 6.5 Ministers 4 1.7 354 5.5 1.1

Vice Minister - - 130 2 0 Deputy Minister 13 5.4 557 8.6 2.3 Deputy Governor - - 36 0.6 0

Head of Councils, institutions, organizations.. etc 5 2.1 224 3.5 2.2

Assistant Deputy Minister 6 2.5 324 5 1.9 Deputies of authorities,

institutions.. etc 5 2.1 224 3.5 2.2

Director-General 145 60.2 3786 58.6 3.8 Directors of branches - - 85 1.3 0

Total 241 100 6.463 100 3.7 Sources:

- Ministry of Civil Services. - State of Women 2007, the Cabinet. - the table does not include judiciary and diplomatic corps.

Appointment at Senior Posts in 2008: The present status of women at senior posts is reflection to the past inequality, however recent appointments is likely to decrease these disparities.

Table (33) Appointments at Senior Posts according to Gender in 2007, 2008

2007 2008 Senior Posts Females Males

Rate of Females to Males

Females Males Rate of Females to Male

Higher than Director-General

4 1693 0.2% 6 120 5%

Director-General 23 468 4.9% 18 321 5.6%

Total 27 2161 2.3% 24 441 5.4% Source: Ministry of Legal Affairs

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The above table indicates to:

- relative decline in the number of women appointed in 2008, compared to large decline in men's appointments, however the gender gap remains high;

- in 2007, 2 women were appointed against 100 men, raised to 5 in 2008;

- such improvement does not eliminate the existing gender gap at senior posts;

6-1 Women Representation at the Parliament, Shura Council and Local Councils: Women status remained unchanged in these bodies during the past years, where there is only one woman at the Parliament compared to 300 men, and two at the Shura Council compared to 109 men. Table (34) Women Representation at the Parliament, Shura Council

and the Local Councils

Post Females Males Total Rate of Females to Males

MPs 1 300 301 0.3% Members of Shura

Council 2 109 111 1.8%

Members of Local Councils 38 7556 7594 0.5%

Source: State of Women Report 2007, WNC The Shura Council (appointed council) has shown better representation of women than elected bodies, this indicates to the poor support to women within the political parties; as interpretation to the dominant culture in the community, high rate of illiteracy and low political awareness among women. Although the contest for local council's elections is limited to narrow geographical context, only 37 women made it against 7 thousand men. 6-2 Political Participation of Women: In light of unfair conditions for women, WNC proposed an amendment to the Election Law calling for positive discrimination in favor of women, whereas specific constituencies to be blocked for women contest,

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proposing 15 to 30 percent of the constituencies to be allocated for women. The President of the Republic proposed an initiative to promote women political participation, thereby women will get not less than 15 percent of the seats in the parliament; however all these proposals are under discussion. Yemen electoral experience has prompted the traditional perception towards women that impedes their progress therein, as proved by political parties' preference to nominate males. The long experience of democracy in Yemen should have brought more openness towards women political participation; however data shows decline in women running consecutive parliamentary elections, as seen in the table below. Table (35) Number and Rate of Females and Males Candidacy in the

Parliamentary Elections 1993-2003 Female

Candidates Male

Candidates Total

Candidates Elections No. % No. % No. %

No. of Female

Winners

No. of Male

Winners 1993 42 0.87 3124 99.2 3166 100 2 299 1997 19 1.4 1292 98.6 1311 100 2 299 2003 11 0.8 1385 99.2 1396 100 1 300 Source: State of Women Report, 2004 - 2007 The current situation as stipulated above necessitated serious government procedures to assist women to have real representation at political bodies, and to achieve desired justice women have to be compensated with allocating seats for them close to their rate among population1. Representation of women with one member at the present parliament is construed as isolation to them. 6-3 Representation of Women at Leading Bodies of the Political Parties: Political parties are the leverage that is sough to promote women participation at political life and overcome social and cultural barriers in this respect. Thereby, presence of women at leading bodies of the political parties reflects these parties' support to women rights. Relevant data in this respect obtained from four major political parties represented at the Parliament, revealed that women are represented at senior bodies of

1 Women Supreme Council, WNC, booklet on Revitalizing Mechanism for Women Political Participation through Quota System.

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these parties (Peoples' General Congress, Yemeni Reform Congregation Party Islah, Yemeni Social Party, and Nasserite Populist Unitarian Party). Table (36) Women and Men Representation at Leading Bodies of the

Major 4 Political Parties Represented at the Parliament No. of members at leading posts

Leading Posts Females Males Total

Rate of females to males

No. 17 90 107 18.9 1. first leading level % 16 84 100 -

No. 151 1379 1530 10.9 2. second leading level % 10 90 100 -

No. 217 626 843 34.7 3. leading posts at

governorates % 26 74 100 -

No. 385 2095 2480 18.7 Total % 16 84 100 - Source: State of Women Report 2007. data form governorates does not include Yemeni Social Party The table shows that:

- women representation rate is 16 percent at the senior bodies of all four political parties;

- women representation at governorates level exceeds one quarter of the total number of partisan leader;

- equality indicator shows that out of each 100 male partisan leader, there only 19 females rose to 35 percent at the governorates.

High rate of women at the governorates' level is considered step forward towards equal opportunity for women participation at leading posts within the political parties; unlike the central (first level), where there are 17 women only against 90 men. The second leading level is lowest with 11 women against 100 men. The conclusion is that, rate of women representation at the leading bodies of the mentioned political parties is not equal; however it is much better than their representation at the administrative, legislature and local decision-making centers. Such situation reveals political parties' concern to have women representation at the leading bodies, however it does not show similar

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concern when it comes to women candidacy at elections, that declined to 5 candidates at the 2003 elections compared to 17 at 1993 elections. Also majority of the female candidates were independent; indicating that either political parties were not influenced by the dominant perception towards women; or the female candidates are disappointed from the political parties stand towards their candidacy. Hence, allocating quota for women shall include all representative levels at government and political parties, to enable women to express their own concerns and interests and enhance their political participation. 6-4 Women at Judiciary Authority: Women have poor presence at judiciary, due to the masculine domination over this crucial sector, as shown in the table below.

Table (37.a) Women Representation at Judiciary Power in 2008 Females Males Post

No. % No. % Rate of Females to

Males X 100 1.Chief of Supreme

Court - - 2 0.1 -

2.Public Prosecutor - - 2 0 - 3.Public Attorney

(first) 1 0.7 26 1 4

4.Judge at the Supreme Court - - 52 2 -

5.Judge at the Governorate's Appeal

Court 6 4 172 8 4

6.Head of Public Prosecution (a,b,c) 19 13 80 4 24

7.Judge at Primary Court (a,b,c) 15 10 585 26 3

8.Public Prosecutor (a,b) 31 21 231 10 13

9.Assistant Judge (a,b) 41 28 521 23 8 10.Assistant Public

Prosecutor (a,b) 32 22 587 - -

Total 145 100 2257 100 6 Source: Civil Service, 2008

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The above table indicates that:

- poor representation of women at judiciary system, only 145 in 2008;

- women are not represented at senior posts, such as judges at the supreme court;

- the highest number of women is registered at assistant judges (a.b) posts, followed by assistant public prosecutor (a,b) posts, then public prosecutor (a,b), at 28, 22, and 21 percent respectively;

- at judiciary system, there are 6 women only out of each 100 men; - the lowest gender gap is noticed at the head of public prosecution

post, where there are 24 women against each 100 men. The data included in the above table proves that no legal obstacles prevent women from joining the judiciary. Also admission to the Judiciary Institute was allowed in 2005-2006, when 5 female students were admitted, declined into two in the following two years. Reasons for such decline need to be addressed and female students have to be encouraged to join in. In the Bar Association, registered women reached 103 female lawyers, against 2903 males; where number of trainees female lawyers reached 360 compared to 5217 males. The actual number of female judges at courts and the ministry is shown in the data provided by Ministry of Justice as follows:

Table (37.b) Number of Judges at Courts and Ministry of Justice according to Post and Gender, in 2008

At Courts At the Ministry Post Female Judges

Male Judges

Female Judges

Male Judges

Rate of Female Judges

at Courts

Rate of Female Judges at the

Ministry Supreme Court Judge

1 3 - 3 25% -

Chief of Appeal Court

1 65 - 2 1.5% -

Deputy Chief of Appeal Court

4 102 - 7 3.8% -

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Judge at Appeal Court

4 117 - 4 3.3% -

Chief of Primary Court

8 82 - 2 8.9 -

Judge at Primary Court

- 91 - - - -

Judge at District Court

15 163 3 6 8.4% 50%

Assistant Prosecutor (a)

1 40 - 17 2.4% -

Assistant Prosecutor (b)

- 9 - 6 - -

Assistant Prosecutor

- 4 - 5 - -

Total 34 676 3 52 4.8% 5.8% Source: Technical Bureau, Ministry of Justice, 2008. The above table illustrates that number of female judges at the courts and The ministry reached (37), against 728 male judges, with equality rate at 5 Female judges against 100 males.

6-5 Women Representation at the Diplomatic Corps: Although women reached to the most senior post at the diplomatic corps, their number remains low in this sector. The following table illustrates women at the diplomatic corps on 2008.

Table (38) Women Representation at the Diplomatic Posts on 2008 At Courts At the Ministry Post

No. % No. % Rate of Female

Judges at Courts Ambassadors 1 2.5 104 22 1

Polibotenirary 2 5 64 13 3 Counselor 10 25 102 27 10

First Secretary 6 15 96 20 6 Second Secretary 1 2 19 4 5 Third Secretary 11 28 73 15 15

Diplomatic Attaché 9 23 19 4 47

Total 40 100 477 100 8 Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2008

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The table shows the wide gender gap, particularly at senior posts level, where against each 100 male diplomats, there are 8 females, which could be considered as nominal representation and far from being fair representation. When considering such representation over the course of previous years, we notice very limited increase, as seen in the table below.

Table (39) Comparison of Women Representation at the Diplomatic Corps during 2004-2008

Year Females Males

RATE OF

Females to Males

Rate of Change in Female numbers

Compared to year 2004

Rate of Change in Male

numbers Compared to

year 2004 2004 37 566 6.5 0 0 2005 31 539 5.8 -(16)% -(5)% 2006 31 539 5.8 -(16)% -(5)% 2007 42 582 7.2 +(14)% +(3)% 2008 40 477 8 +(8)% -(16)%

Source: State of Women Reports for the said years. The researcher's calculation of rates. It is noticed form the above table that rate of women representation increased from 7 women against 100 men in 2007 to 8 women in 2008, with rate of 8 percent compared to year 2004, associated with decline in men's representation at 16 percent for the same period. Conclusions and Recommendations: Women participation in politics and decision-making process is by-large nominal with slow progress, in light of political disagreement to identify agreeable quota for women representation at the parliament, Shura council and local councils as well as at decision-making process. Also women participation in political, social and economic life is limited, mainly due to spread of illiteracy among women, gender gap in education, poor services, confusion between religious teachings and inherited traditions, in addition to fear from foreign interferences in gender issues to create internal struggles. To reach active participation of women in political life and decision-making process, we recommend the following:

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1. Wage serious campaign targeting political parties and senior administrative leaders to raise their awareness with women gender issues;

2. Reach into agreement on quota system to represent women at legislative and executive bodies, and increase female memberships among political parties and increase their representation at leading bodies;

3. Target senior administrative leaders at ministries to integrate gender issues in policies, and monitoring systems to ensure and promote women participation at planning, public and budgeting committees, central and local employment committees;

4. Provision of support and resources to women directorates in line respective ministries.

5. Set priorities to advance women situation and mobilize community in favor of their cause;

6. Focus on successes that women achieve at different courses of life to ensure women involvement in development aspects;

7. Organize various annual events that serves women issues where creative women at social, cultural and political aspects of life are honored;

8. Enhance services relevant to empowering women participation in public life, and productive work in rural and urban areas.

***

7- Violence against Women and Women Human Rights

Preface: Community's development and civilization will not be attained in light of inequality between its different components or between individuals on gender basis. Inequality between two sexes was based on wrong social and cultural concepts and traditions that underestimated women and mounted their sufferings in the community and the family. Such sufferings exceeded women functions, and roles that framed and identified by males, to degrade women's human dignity and rights, as seen in the physical violence perpetuated against females within the family, at workplaces and streets, often associated with psychological violence, enforcement and deprivation from human rights guaranteed by law and Sharia.

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Identification of Violence and its Major Reasons: Violence from gender perspective is identified as "any gender-based act that might lead to or likely to lead to physical or sexual or psychological sufferings on women", including threaten to perpetuate such act, or enforcement or arbitrary deprivation of freedom, either in public or private life. Violence from gender perspective is identified as "any gender-based act that might lead to or likely to lead to physical or sexual or psychological sufferings on women", including threaten to perpetuate such act, or enforcement or arbitrary deprivation of freedom, either in public or private life. Major Reasons for Violence:

- spread of illiteracy and ignorance in the community; - lack of rule of law; - hard living conditions and high cost of living; - increased income disparities among individuals; - spread of deprivation in luxurious world; - deepening gender-based discrimination behavior within the family

and at the community; Social studies on violence against women have identified many forms of practices that are listed under such concept, such as domestic violence (by husband or brothers), violence at workplace, street violence, and at transportation means, violence against female prisoners. The violence takes different forms such as beating with different tools, and sexual violence including rape. Other forms include insults, abuses, degrading, threats, enforcement, arbitrary deprivation and restriction of freedom. The most recent data on violence in Yemen dates back to year 2003 in the Health Survey that identified mount of domestic violence. The other source is Poverty Survey in 1999 that identified street violence, workplace violence and domestic violence. Another study was also conducted by Dr. Adel Al-Shargabi, for the WNC in 2003 that focused on domestic violence. Police reports on violence against women include very few cases. Normally such cases are not reported due to the prevailing norms and traditions, although police force includes female staff. The following sources will be considered:

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7-1 Poverty Survey, 1999: revealed that 31.5 percent of violence is domestic violence, and 68.5 is from outside sources, in 76 percent of these incidents bare hands and sticks were used as tools of perpetuating violence.

7-2 Health Survey 2003:

- 5 percent of married or ex-married women at age of 15 to 49 years were subjected to beating in the two years prior to the Survey;

- 56.4 were beaten by their husbands; - 21.5 percent of the victims indicated that there is no specific

reason for such physical violation, while 10 percent said there were beaten for being disobedient;

- 17 percent said that they received medication for their injuries; - 5 percent only of the victims reported the incidents to the police.

This phenomenon is abusive to the Yemeni family and has social, health, psychological and economic devastating impacts on the family that might lead to disintegrate the families. 7-3 Reported Violence Incidents:

- most of the violence cases, particularly domestic violence, are not reported, therefore it could not be considered as reliable source for information on such form of violence;

- although limited cases are reported, such cases are not classified as domestic violence or others. According to this source no case of violence against women is reported in year 2008, either at workplace or in the streets (harassment).

7-4 Crimes against Women: Crimes perpetuated against women includes many forms such as harassment, rape, or attempted rape, sexual harassment, in addition to other crimes that are perpetuated on women as members of the community, not gender-based crimes. The statistics obtained from the Women Directorate, Ministry of Interiors listed 2194 women victims in 2008, without details on the crimes perpetuated. 7-5 Female Prisoners: Prisoners' data revealed that there are 257 female prisoners in 2008, distributed among 15 governorates prisons. Neither detail on the crimes that they committed is available, nor the number of released female

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prisoners in 2008. Further there are 53 children accompanying their imprisoned mothers, also no data is available on the number of pregnant female prisoners, or number of children born in the prison facilities. On the other hand there are 100 juveniles in the juveniles' facility. 7-5 Rehabilitation of Female Prisoners: Prisons Authority conduct rehabilitation programs to the female prisoners such as literacy courses, learning of Quran, training on sewing and weaving, handicrafts, computer courses. In 2008, 338 female prisoners were trained mainly on literacy, sewing and weaving skills. 7-6 Violence against Juveniles and Minor Girls: One of the most flagrant forms of violence is violence against minor females and juveniles below 18 years of age. In 2008 about 1256 victims were reported compared to 167 cases in 2007, as seen in the table below. Table (40) Number of Victims among Juveniles and Minor Females

in 2007, 2008 No. of Victims in 2007 No. of Victims in 2007 Crimes No. % No. %

Premeditated Minor Harm 62 37% 851 68%

Rape 13 8% 43 3% Attempted Rape 18 11% 34 3%

Premeditated Homicide 17 10% 105 8% Infidelity 3 2% - -

Inadvertent harm 22 13% 39 3% Attempted Murder 19 11% 124 11%

Sexual Assault 10 6% 40 3% Abduction from Female

Custodian 3 2% 2 0

Total 167 100% 1256 100% Source: Ministry of Interior, 2007, 2008. The table shows the 6 times mounting number of crimes perpetuated against juveniles and minor females, to reach 1256 cases in 2008, compared to 167 cases in 2007. this could be attributed to real increase in the number of victims among female minors and juveniles, or due to improve in registration process of such incidents.

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More than two third (68%) of victims are under premeditated minor harm cases, also 105 female minors were victims of premeditated homicide, and other victims of different crimes as shown in the above table. Such crimes caused some victims their lives and left others with devastating psychological problems due to community rejection. Government and concerned organization have to exert serious efforts to rehabilitate this category of victims of violence among minors and juveniles who are more vulnerable and needs support and assistance. Further it is most important to address the causes of these crimes, noting that these cases are only part of the real phenomenon. 7-7 Efforts in Combating Violence against Women: Many governmental institutions and NGOs are operating in combating all forms of violence against women, calling to preserve human rights and dignity. They also strive in changing community and individuals' behavior especially with respect to early marriage issue, being one of the major causes of violence against women. These organizations also provide legal assistance and protection to female prisoners. Major organizations and institutions are: - Ministry of Justice (provide legal support for the deprived individuals both men and women);

- Ministry of Human Rights; - SHIMA Network; - Yemeni Women Union; - Sisters' Arab Forum for Human Rights; - Civil and Democratic Approach Support Initiative; - Women Research and Studies Center; - Madar Law Firm.

Major challenges that faces efforts combating violence against women:

- lack of policies and programs concerned with violence against women;

- lack of family guidance and extension centers where females can seek assistance when needed;

- lack of institutions that can provide assistance or receive complains from women victims of violence (shelters);

- lack of researches on violence against women; - poor financial support and potentials that can convince decision-

makers to integrate gender in their future policies.

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7-8 Legislatures and Women's Rights: Yemeni constitution provide for equality between males and females in rights and duties, without discrimination. However, there are still some laws that contain discriminatory provisions, and WNC and other organizations are striving to amend these laws and provisions. The following table exhibits these efforts:

No. of Provisions or Clause Institution No. of Laws Amendments Addition Cancellation

1.Submitted to the Cabinet on

2007 15 33 16 1

2.submitted to the Parliament

on 2007 10 21 13 -

3.enacted by Presidential

Decree on 2008 4 8 4 1

Source: summary of laws submitted and enacted. a. Laws that need to be amended and presented to the parliament:

1. Diplomatic Corps Law (women right to work at the diplomatic corps);

2. Law on Police Authority (women work at police); 3. Civil Law (child rights); 4. Personal Affairs (marital rights); 5. Penalties Law (equality in penalties); 6. Appeal Law (equality in laws); 7. Law on Organizing Prisons (female prisoner rights); 8. Securities and Pensions Law (right to work and social protection); 9. Law on Social Security (right to work and social protection); 10. Law on Labor and its amendments (right to safe work and leaves).

b. Laws that were amended in 2008:

1. Diplomatic Corps Law; 2. Securities and Pensions Law; 3. Law on Social Security; 4. Law on Labor and its amendments.

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In March, while this report is under development, the approval of article 3 of nationality law was enacted thereby providing citizenship to the children of Yemeni women. This was the effort of one member of the Parliament. Another third phase to revise 71 laws was completed, where 46 percent of these laws included discriminatory provisions. The previous laws which were not approved were also added to these revisions. Although amending these laws is a great achievement to women's movement, yet other laws need to be amended to attain gender equality and rights. Indeed the government has the major responsibility in this respect, yet, the civil society organizations have a major role to play too. 7-9 Recommendations of the CEDAW Commission: The Advisors of CEDAW recommended 60 points on the 6th national report on the status of implementation on CEDAW. The cabinet has issued resolution No. (55) of 2009 approving CEDAW Commission recommendations and urged all line ministries and concerned parties to implement these recommendations in their area of concern and in line with the constitution, also urged WNC to coordinate with line ministries in this respect. Recommendations:

1. Eliminate all discriminatory provisions in the legislatures; 2. Wage awareness campaigns on women rights among all

community sectors; 3. Promote supporting tendencies and bring equality for women by

adopting other legal amendments at the Parliament to attain legal equality for men and women;

4. Establish trained gender units at police stations to address violence against women cases, and employ female police officers;

5. Provide gender-based statistics and data on violence cases and shelters for victims;

6. Assist institutions and organizations operating at combating violence against women field and on provision of legal assistance to female prisoners in need;

7. Promote rehabilitation programs for female prisoners to enable them to practice their normal life after their term in prison;

8. Ensure implementation of law provisions to empower women with their rights;

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9. Include women rights issues, and international conventions in this respect, in the curriculum of police and judiciary institutions.

***

8- Women and Media

Preface: Organizations and institutions operate in gender issues are striving to achieve better involvement for women at media outlets, at media decision-making, and programming posts to provide programs and information materials that combat the stereotyped image of women at audio-visual, print and electronic media outlets. Empowering women to work at media will help in changing the traditional concepts and perspectives on women and promote women capacities in active participation in social, economic and political development. 8-1 Women Participation in Media Institutions: Women are achieving quantum progress at the media outlets, yet not to the limit that might minimize the gender gap in this field. The following table provide clearer picture.

Table (42) Number of Employees at Media Institutions affiliated to the Ministry of Information

Employees Institution

Females % Males % Total

No. of Females against each 100 Males

1.TV (all channels) 188 16 1021 84 1209 18 2.Radio (centre and local

radio stations) 168 21 616 79 784 27

3.Print Media 272 20 1071 80 1343 25 4.Saba News Agency 104 13 695 87 799 15

5.Staff at the Radio and TV Corporation 82 9 812 91 894 10

6.Media Training Institute 20 42 27 58 47 74 7.Media Documentation

Center 10 19 43 81 53 23

8. Ministry of Information HQs 33 16 176 84 209 19

Total 881 20 4461 80 5342 20 Source: Ministry of Information and affiliated institutions, 2008.

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The table revels that: - women represent 20 percent of the workforce at all media

institutions; - against each 100 males at the media institutions, there are 20

females; 881 females against 4461 males; - gender equality indicator raises to 7 females against each 10 males

at the Media Training Institute, and 3 females against each 10 males at the radio stations and print media institutions;

- female workforce increased by the rate of 25 percent between year 2007 and 2008, compared to 4 percent for males;

- increase in female employment indicates to the concern to promote their participation in media institutions, however the gender gap remain valid, noticing the low number of female students at the faculty of information, with the rate of 23 percent females out of 107 students, and 5 female graduates out of 20 males at radio, TV and print media section.

8-2 Women Participation at Decision-making positions at Media Sector: Despite the notable progress in women occupation of senior posts at media sector, however media institutions are mainly led by men, as seen in the table below.

Table (43) Female at Senior Posts at Media Institutions

Deputy and Higher Asst. Deputy Director-

General Deputy Director-

General Total Rate of Participation

Media Institution

Fem

ales

Mal

es

Fem

ales

Mal

es

Fem

ales

Mal

es

Fem

ales

Mal

es

Fem

ales

Mal

es

Fem

ales

%

Mal

es%

Public corp. for

Radio and TV

- 2 - 2 1 37 - 11 1 52 2 98

Al-Thawra Corp. - 8 - 5 4 41 - - 4 54 7 93

14th Oct. Corp. - 1 - - - - - - - 1 - 100 Al-

Gumhuryah Corp.

- 2 - 1 - 9 - - - 12 - 100

Saba News Agency - - - - 1 0 2 0 3 0 - - Media

Training Institute

- - - - - - 1 1 1 1 50 50

Ministry of Information

HQs - 4 1 1 1 7 2 12 14 86

Total - 17 1 9 7 94 3 12 11 123 8 92

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Source: Ministry of Information and affiliated institutions, 2008. Saba News Agency data were estimated on the basis of 2007 data. The above table indicates that:

- rate of women participation at media senior leading posts is 8 percent only compared to 92 percent for males;

- lack of females at deputies and higher category, and only one woman as assistant deputy at the ministry;

- 10 women at director-general or deputy director-general post, at 9 percent rate;

- In general there are 11 female at the deputy director-general post or higher compared to 132 males, i.e. one woman against 10 men;

8-3 Professions of Female Employees at the TV and Radio Stations: Knowing the professions that females occupy at media institutions will lead to identify their contribution in carrying their viewpoints and visions on women issues. The following table shows the major posts that females occupy. Table (44) Number of Female Employees at TV and Radio Stations in

2008 according to profession

Institution Directors Presenters News Editors

Program Preparations Engineers total

Al-Eman and Saba Channels 16 12 10 14 5 57

Yemania Channel 19 14 18 21 15 87 Radio Stations 15 45 20 30 21 131

No. 50 71 48 65 41 275 Total % 18 26 17 24 15 100 Source: Ministry of Information and affiliated institutions, 2008.

The distribution of female staff in the above table reveals that: - 77 percent of female workforce at the TV and radio stations are

working at the five professions mentioned in the table; - Rate of female working as news presenter reaches 26 percent of the

total female workforce, most of the are working at the radio stations;

- Rate of female staff at directors, program preparations, and news editors' profession reaches around 46 percent out of the total female workforce at TV and radio stations. Such high rate might contribute to present true image of women in the two most influential media outlets; TV and radio;

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- Not clear Page 67; 8-4 Broadcasting Time Allocated for Women Issues: Time slot allocated for broadcasting women issues contributes to shape female image among the audience, so did other programs that might carry positive or negative image on women. In light of lack of statistics that classifies types of information materials related to women issues, it will not be easy to identify information materials that carry positive or negative images on women. However, Public TV and Radio Corporation provide time slots allocated for women issues, unlike print media outlets.

Table (45) Number of TV and Radio Broadcasting Hours allocated

for Women Issues and daily average in minutes on 2008

Media Outlet No, of Annual Broadcasting hours

Daily Average in Minutes

1. TVs: 1.1. Yemen and Saba 1.2. Yemania Channel

180.35 157.33 32.02

30 26 4

2. Radios: 2.1. Sana'a 2.2. Aden

1006.06 171.83 125.64

165 28 21

2.3. Local Radios: 2.3.1. Taiz

2.3.2. Mukalla 2.3.3. Hodiedah

2.3.4. Others

708.59 105.97 51.67 186.78 364.17

116 17 8

30 60

Total 1186.41 194 Source: Public Radio and TV Corp. The table illustrates that:

- total broadcasting time for women issues reached 194 minutes, equal to about 3.2 hours, 2.7 hours broadcasted at different radio stations and 1/2 hour at the TV;

- Hodiedah radio topped the list in broadcasting programs on women issues, with an average of 30 minutes, which is equal to all TV broadcasting slots, with the difference in impact that it make and the area that it covers;

- The radio and TV broadcasting time improved compared to last year, with daily increase of 28 minutes, whereas increase in other radio stations reached about 42 minutes daily;

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- TV stations added 14 minutes daily to the broadcasting of women issues programs, which is considered as significant development in favor of women, yet what really matters is the content of the information materials and how positive is the image on women these programs are presenting to the community.

8-5 Newspapers and Magazines Concerned with Women Issues: There are 5 newspapers and 3 magazines that are specialized on women issues in addition to two weekly supplements in Al-Thawra and 14th October public daily newspapers. Table (46) Newspapers, Magazines and Supplements Specialized on

Women Issues, 2008 Newspapers Magazines Supplements Total Periodicals

Public Private Public Private Weeklies - - - - 2 2 Quarterly - 1 - 2 - 3 Monthly 1 3 - 1 - 5

Total 1 4 - 3 2 10 Source: Ministry of Information The table reveals that:

- there are only two weekly publications; the two supplements (Al-Usra and Al-Mara'a) in Al-Thawar and 14th October dailies;

- there are three quarterly private publications, one newspaper and two magazines;

- there are 5 monthly publications; 4 are private and one is public (Al-Yemania) published by Women National Committee;

- it is noted that these publications – except the two weekly supplements – are published irregularly due to financial constrains, and most of the editors-in-chief are females.

Conclusions: Valid disparities between male and female media personnel in many areas, namely:

- low number of females compared to males in media institutions, in spite of increase in the rate of female employed during the last year;

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- poor participation of women at decision-making posts at media institutions, due to their limited numbers at such posts;

- women are underrepresented at influential media professions that impact women image in the community;

- increase in the broadcasting minutes allocated for women issue, yet such time is not sufficient.

Recommendations: 1. Increase interventions of media outlets in advocating gender issues through:

- train media leaders on integrating gender issues in media activities; - train editors, directors of programs on gender issues; - increase number of female students at information college and

media institutions though facilitating their admission and assist them with employment at media outlets after graduation;

- integrate gender issues in the curriculums of the faculty of information and media institutions;

2. Wage media campaigns by the government institutions and relevant organizations to raise awareness on gender issues among:

§ decision-makers at state institutions; § community in general; § students at all levels; § lawmakers, judges, and police staff;

3-monitor information materials presented to the community to ensure presentation of positive image and non-discriminatory approaches on women.

***

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9- Institutionalized Mechanisms to Advance Women To achieve equal opportunities for males and females, and analyze areas of gender-based discrimination, the government, and NGOs joined efforts to eliminate gender-based discrimination and work to create conducive environment to integrate women at all aspects of life and liberate them from traditional constrains. 9-1.1 Government Institutionalized Mechanisms: Many governmental institutions were established to implement the state vision on women issues, starting from policy-making on women affairs, and ending with assessing the impact at the national level. Major institutionalized mechanisms in this area are; Women Supreme Council, Women National Committee and women directorates at the governments, ministries and public institutions. 9-1.2 Women Supreme Council: The WSC, established before 9 years, is the supreme government body that operates in women issues, and is headed by the prime minister and includes line ministers in addition to prominent personalities, the chairwoman of the WNC and heads of WNC in the governorates, in its membership. The WNC is mandated with integrating gender issues in the policies to improve women's political, economic, social and cultural status. 9-1.3 Women National Committee: WNC was established in 1996 and restructured in year 2000. WNC is the executive and administrative body to the WSC, and is mandated with drafting women political, social, economic and cultural development policies and plans. Under such capacity WNC faced the social and cultural challenges in the community with limited resources. The Committee managed to achieve many activities in 2008, mainly (63) activities as follows:

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Table (47) Major Activities Implemented by the WNC in 2008

Srl. Area of Activity Implemented Activities Remarks

01 Reports and Studies 8 reports 02 Training Manuals 2 manuals

03 Planning, Assessment, Auditing Reports 6

04 Legal activities 3

05 Information and Publications 5

06 Institutional Building 7 07 National Meetings 2

08 Regional and International Meetings 7

09 Training Workshops 18 Attended by 460

participants; 180 females (39%), 280 males

The Committee also supervises 9 projects related to gender issues, and implement other projects in cooperation with other organizations, such as National Coalition for Safe Motherhood, participation on Impact of FGM study, field survey on the budget that respond to gender and so on. WNC also contributed to build the capacities of women directorates at line ministries, particularly on planning, programming, and budgeting from gender perspective, also participated in monitoring and assessing implementation mechanisms relevant to the Five Year Plan from gender perspective. Further the WNC promote partnerships with local and international partners on women development issues. 9-2.1WNC Branches at the Governorates: 1. WNC: Hadhramout WNC, Hadhramout branch has implemented many activities in year 2008, mainly: 1. Implemented Supporting Economic Opportunities project with following major activities:

- establish database on planning, programming and the future mechanism to provide sustainable employment for women;

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- organized 3 training workshops on analyzing development plans from gender perspective, one training workshop on assessment of plans from gender perspective, and two on advocacy;

- study on obstacles to women labor at private and public sectors; - media activities and meetings including, news, interviews,

coverage, and flashes.. 2. Prepared for establishing Businesswomen organization in the governorate;

3. Participated at many events and raised funds for women NGOs and societies.

4. Implemented training sessions that targeted 152 people, including 80 females. These trainings covered five major areas; follow-up, assessment and analyze of development plans from gender perspective, and gender responding budgets, and advocacy for women employment in Mukalla and Seyun towns.

5. Implemented 4 workshops and 2 consultative meetings on development plans, population and reproductive health issues attended by 252 participants including 133 females. 6. Drafted development plan that responds to males' and females' needs in Mukalla and Al-Quton districts. 7. Formed youth teams on population awareness and education activities. 8. Participated in good governance project on education theme to assess spread of education services in the governorate. 9. Organized the concluding ceremony of Promoting Health, Environment and Population Education project in cooperation with Education Bureau. The project included 4 training sessions, targeted 127 participants, 18 presentations attended by 2150 people, including 300 mothers. 10. Organized HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns in cooperation with local council in Mukalla and Burom, targeted 671 people including 432 females.

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11. Networking with CSOs and international organizations to promote and support women role in the executive bodies in the governorate. 12. Participated at many local and central activities and meetings relevant to the branch activities. 13. WNC, Hadhramout is pursuing construction of the branch premises and women sport hall in the governorate. 2. WNC: Sa'da: Major activities implemented by WNC, Sa'da in 2008:

- survey on dropouts among male and female students; - facilitating displaced students education; - open literacy centers in cooperation with Sa'da Women Society and

Yemeni Women Federation; - awareness campaigns on vaccination, reproductive health,

particularly among displaced camps in cooperation with Health Bureau;

- providing poor and displaced with aids; - facilitate women access to elections registration centers, and

awareness raising at schools and gatherings on women registration; - providing assistance to female prisoners in cooperation with the

Society and YWF; - including more than 30 female trainees in the first aid training

provided by an international organization; - participation in AIDS awareness workshop; - participation in workshop to handle Sa'da displaced issue in

cooperation with YWF; - participation in conflict resolution training organized by Islamic

Relief; - participation in gender integration and sensitive budgeting.

The abovementioned are examples of activities conducted by WNC branches, at various aspects of life, including planning, follow-up, monitoring and evaluation and others to advance women status and improve their living conditions.

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9-3 Non-Governmental Institutionalized Mechanisms: 9-3.1 Yemeni Women Federation: Established in 1990 and has branches in all governorates. It is mandated with training and educating women. YWF also coordinate with relevant organizations in providing financial and technical assistance to develop and improve health, legal and political awareness of women, and tackles violence against women issue. Major activities implemented by YWF in 2008:

- defending and advocating women victims of violence; - empower women and poor households with income generating

projects; - awareness raising on girls' education for 60 thousands women in

three governorates; Sana'a, Abyan and Lahej; - advocate for safe marriage age; - support to women devastated by Sa'da conflict; - advocate for Arab and Palestinian women issues; - establish 23 advocacy committees and voluntary legal assistance

committee included 175 male and female lawyers. 9-3.2 SHIMA Network: Yemeni Network to Combat Violence against Women "SHIMA" established in 2003 and includes 16 NGOs in addition to WNC and Gender Studies Center. SHIMA aims at elimination of all forms against women and provision of protection to women from violence. SHIMA implemented many activities in 2008, mainly: - awareness campaign on gender-based violence, and forms of violence perpetuated against women in local communities. The campaign targeted social leaders, members of local councils, public gatherings, CSOs in 12 districts at 6 governorates. - production of Mass Communication Materials: posters on the right on education, preserve of women dignity, women right of inheritance, right of disabled women, early marriage and on sexual assault; - publication of two issues of SHIMA magazine; - upload 14 legal, social and information studies, 20 news articles, 12 reports and 6 publications on SHIMA website. - organized meetings and workshops targeted MPs to discuss identification of marriage age at the amendment proposed to the relevant law.

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Table (48) Comparison of Yemeni Women Status with Arab

Women's Status Comparison Table

Rate of Males and Females in the Workforce

Literacy Rates 2008 Women at Parliament Country

Males Females Males Females Gender Gap

Total Seats

Women seats

Women rights in

legislations Jordan 64.4 14.7 4.8 11.6 7.5 110 7 1674 UAE - - - - - - - NA Bahrain 68.1 31.9 7.5 17 9.5 80 12 1973 Tunis 72.7 27.3 12.6 28.5 15.9 185 42 1957-1959 Algeria 73 17 16.5 28.7 12.2 389 27 1962 Djibouti - - - - - - - 1946 KSA 6.5 20 17.76 10.16 1.74 120 0 NA Sudan - - - - - - - 1964 Syria 83.9 26.6 7.5 21.5 13.7 250 30 1949-1953 Somalia - - - - - - - NA Iraq 60 40 - 72.4 12.3 275 55 1980 Oman 82.5 17.5 - 29.4 - - - NA Qumor Republic

- - - - - - - 1956

Kuwait 57 43 1.61 8.64 7.03 50 0 2006 Lebanon 79.5 20.5 5.6 11.8 - 128 6 1952 Libya 64 36 6.3 16.9 10.6 468 164 1964 Egypt 76 24 25.44 43.62 - - - 1956 Morocco 76.1 27.1 9.8 9.8 - 325 34 1963 Mauritania - - - - - - - 1961 Yemen 87.95 12.05 21 60 39 301 1 1967

PDRY, 1970 ROY

Source: Women Department, Arab League

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Final Recommendations: - Enhance public and private communication channels to develop

awareness with gender issues; - Propose national scheme to train high schools female graduates to

enable them access labor market and generate incomes to alleviate poverty;

- Conduct in-house and field studies on gender issues and information where not available;

- Formation of gender advocacy groups among Ulamas "scholars", Imams, MPs, Shura Council, media, human rights organizations/activists, governmental and non-governmental institutions, CSOs, political parties, unions, to empower women participation at decision-making process, political participation and enhance positive strands in favor of women;

- Adopt mechanism to integrate gender when assessing the Five Year Plan;

- Comprehensive revision to statistics system and independent statistics systems at ministries to obtain accurate information on gender issues, and ensure coherence of concepts used with gender conception also integrate gender in the annual assessment to the Five Year Plan;

- Adopt system to measure the impact of implemented activities from gender perspective at major sectors;

- Adopt real amendments to ensure women representation in the Parliament, Shura, and local councils, and improve status of women at senior leading posts in state institutions, and monitor employment procedures with respect to gender issue;

- Provide financial and human resources to implement gender policies and programs to advance women status at all life aspects;

- Ensure gender responding budgets; - Enhance training and rehabilitation programs for females; - Provision of gender data to monitor gaps and facilitate enacting

policies and programs to bridge these gaps at all aspect.

--==*END*==--