The Second Yemeni Economic Conference
Sana'a  18 - 20 April, 1998

Abstract 31

The implementation of the Economic Reform Program requires a wide public participation, as well as the effort of all groups of society. Hence, this paper focuses on the importance of invigorating the role of the Yemeni woman in order to enable her to participate effectively in the implementation of the Economic Reform Program.

The starting point, therefore, lies in analyzing women’s current situation, which is considered very disturbing reflecting the very hard conditions encircling a large segment of the society. Those conditions can be witnessed in the deteriorating standards of living, the wide spread illiteracy, and the low level of health care, etc.

Overall, women in Yemen lack the qualification and training based on scientific grounds. Thus, women participation in economic activity is still very limited. While participation exists in certain fields, it nonetheless, takes a traditional scope and a marginal role. Hence, its influence in practical life, in expressing oneself, and in decision making remains very partial.

A crucial condition for the success of the Economic Reform Program rests on diverting more attention and care towards the female sector. The sector needs to be developed and to be given just and equal opportunities vis-a-vis other sectors of the society. The female sector possesses great potentials and energies which have not been exploited optimally. Therefore, the paper concludes by offering a set of recommendations to stimulate a greater role for the Yemeni women in the Economic Reform Program.