The Arab Political Forum (APF) held a workshop on Yemeni women’s political participation in the city of Marib on September 11, 2025.

The workshop was titled “Yemeni Women’s Political Participation: Challenges and Solutions.” It was jointly organized by the Arab Political Forum and the National Women’s Committee – Marib Branch, with diverse attendance that included representatives of political parties, research centers, local officials, specialized academics, as well as media activists and civil society organizations. The event was also attended by Mr. Ali Al-Fatimi, First Deputy Governor of Marib Governorate.

The workshop commenced in an interactive atmosphere reflecting the importance of the topic, particularly in light of the limited effective presence of Yemeni women within official institutions and decision-making centers. The sessions were characterized by open discussions and active engagement among participants, during which multiple perspectives and practical solutions were presented.

The workshop was organized into four main sessions following the opening session:

The first session reviewed the gap between international and national legal frameworks that guarantee women’s political rights and the reality of their implementation in Yemen.

The second session discussed the main obstacles preventing women from effectively participating in political life.

The third session highlighted opportunities and areas that could be utilized to development women’s presence in the political sphere.

The concluding session presented a set of recommendations, most notably the need to politically empower women and develop qualified female cadres capable of bridging the existing gap and participating in decision-making processes.

The workshop concluded that achieving genuine political participation for Yemeni women requires serious political will and close cooperation between the state, political parties, and civil society in order to support women’s empowerment and strengthen their role in public life.

To read the full report of the workshop’s outcomes and recommendations (PDF), please download: