Under the patronage of the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Zauri, and the Governor of Abyan, Major General Abu Bakr Hussein Salem, and with funding from the National Democratic Institute (NDI), Abyan Youth Foundation and Abyan Women’s Alliance celebrated the conclusion of the Women’s Political Empowerment Project. This event coincided with the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and the 13th anniversary of Abyan Youth Foundation.
The ceremony was attended by the Director-General of Social Affairs and Labor in Abyan, Mr. Yahya Al-Yazidi; the Director-General of Zinjibar District, Eng. Mukhtar Al-Shaddadi; the Director-General of Khanfir District, Lawyer Mazen Al-Yousfi; the President of Abyan Youth Foundation, Mr. Hamdi Salem Mansour; the Secretary-General of the Yemeni Women’s Union in Abyan, Ms. Adeela Al-Khadr; and several other senior officials. The event was also attended by 60 community leaders from the Abyan Women’s Alliance and members of Abyan Youth Foundation.
During the ceremony, the officials commended Abyan Youth Foundation’s pioneering role in development and community service as it celebrated its 13th anniversary. The foundation, which holds ISO 2005 certification, was praised as one of the most prominent organizations in Abyan for its contributions to education, health, environmental sanitation, and capacity building.
The speakers also highlighted the impact of the Abyan Women’s Alliance in promoting women’s participation in political decision-making, political party engagement, community initiatives, and dialogue forums.
In his speech, Hamdi Salem Mansour, President of Abyan Youth Foundation, called for the formation of alliances among organizations and associations in Abyan to amplify their voices. He also proposed establishing a forum under OCHA’s sponsorship to enhance the capacities of local organizations. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of addressing climate change and environmental issues, calling for the establishment of an Abyan branch of the Green Climate Union.
Lawyer Alawi Al-Faqir, a project trainer, presented an overview of the establishment of the Abyan Women’s Alliance, its key activities, and the training sessions its members received in political negotiation, social accountability, and community engagement. He also highlighted the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which emphasizes women’s role in peacebuilding, noting that December 10 marks both Human Rights Day and International Peace Day.
Speaking on behalf of the Abyan Women’s Alliance, Ms. Nour Qaed Ahmed expressed gratitude to Abyan Youth Foundation and the NDI for their support in empowering women politically, socially, and in the media. She affirmed the alliance’s continued commitment to achieving its goal of securing five women’s participation in decision-making processes.
At the end of the ceremony, certificates of appreciation were awarded to the members of the Abyan Women’s Alliance in recognition of their contributions to the success of the Women’s Political Empowerment Project. Project trainers, Samih Othman and Lawyer Alawi Al-Faqir, were also honored, along with Abyan Youth Foundation, the Director-General of Social Affairs and Labor, and the White Hands Initiative, who received special appreciation shields.