Yemen’s 8th Feminist Summit: An inclusive society is not optional — it is essential!
Despite the many challenges Yemen continues to face, the summit reflected a different reality: one shaped by the determination of Yemeni women who continue to organise, advocate and lead. Year after year, they come together to create space for their voices, to advance their rights and to influence the direction of their country. Their continued engagement demonstrates a deep commitment to rebuilding Yemen on foundations of justice, participation and equality, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Throughout the event, participants engaged in open dialogue on peace efforts, economic recovery, digital safety, human rights and the broader challenges affecting women in public life. Discussions highlighted how economic pressures, climate risks and the rise of online violence have deepened vulnerabilities, while also noting how women’s networks across Yemen are responding with creativity, solidarity and courage.
The European Union (EU) has been an active and longstanding partner in this journey. The EU Delegation to Yemen continues to support women’s participation in public, economic and community life through a broad range of programmes implemented with local partners, all of which integrate a strong gender-focused component to ensure that women’s needs, rights and leadership are central across sectors. As the Ambassador of the European Union to Yemen noted, “We cannot continue to neglect half of the population and claim to speak for all. An inclusive society is not optional or nice to have — it is essential.”
Recently, the EU has also elevated Women, Peace and Security and digital gender-based violence as core themes in its media campaigns, helping bring visibility to Yemeni women’s stories, challenges and achievements. These campaigns complement EU-supported peacebuilding efforts marking the anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, community projects led by women across governorates and initiatives strengthening digital safety, governance and access to justice. Together, these interventions reflect shared values rooted in dignity, equality and human rights.
This year’s summit further examined transitional justice and the need for accountability for human rights violations, as well as the role of Yemen’s Cybercrime Division in protecting women from online abuse. Yemeni experts and activists underscored the importance of documenting violations, supporting survivors and ensuring that women play a central role in shaping justice and security processes. The discussions also highlighted local efforts to counter violent extremism and promote social cohesion, affirming how essential women are to building long-term stability.
The summit concluded with the Aden Declaration, capturing priorities for strengthening women’s rights, expanding civic space and ensuring that women are fully included in Yemen’s peace and recovery processes. As the feminist summit marks another year, one message stands out clearly: Yemen’s feminist movement continues to grow stronger. It is not only a space for advocacy, but a national commitment to a more just, peaceful and stable future.
For Yemen — and for the world — the summit stands as a reminder that the country’s future is inseparable from gender equality. And as long as Yemeni women continue to lead, the path towards peace and resilience remains firmly within reach.
