In Yemen’s protracted conflict, another devastating crisis festers largely out of sight: the epidemic of gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls. As war continues to devastate the nation’s physical and social infrastructure, Yemeni women face increasing risks of exploitation, abuse, and neglect. This silent epidemic has become one of the conflict’s most profound and enduring legacies.
The Scale of the Problem
Gender-based violence in Yemen is pervasive. Over 6.1 million women and girls require urgent protection from GBV, with many facing physical abuse, child marriage, sexual violence, and psychological harm. The situation is particularly dire for those in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. These overcrowded and under-resourced settings strip women of their privacy and safety, leaving them vulnerable to harassment, assault, and exploitation. The daily struggle to survive is compounded by the constant threat of violence, creating a life of fear and insecurity for millions.
Conflict as a Catalyst for Violence
The war in Yemen has weaponized GBV, turning it into a deliberate tool of control and domination. Human rights organizations report that warring factions have used sexual violence to terrorize and subjugate communities. In this context, GBV is not merely a byproduct of the war but a strategic act of oppression. The trauma inflicted on women ripples through families and communities, further eroding the social fabric and silencing women’s voices.
Systemic Challenges and Barriers
Preexisting patriarchal norms in Yemen have long relegated women to subordinate roles, but the conflict has worsened their plight. The collapse of state institutions means there is little to no access to justice for survivors. Reporting violence is dangerous and often futile, as survivors fear stigma, retaliation, or inaction from authorities. In many cases, survivors are left without recourse, trapped in cycles of violence that strip them of autonomy and hope.
Child marriage is another alarming manifestation of GBV in Yemen. Economic desperation has driven many families to marry off their daughters, viewing this as a survival mechanism to reduce household expenses or secure a dowry. This practice not only robs girls of their childhood but also subjects them to early pregnancies, health risks, and lifelong cycles of abuse.
The Cost of Inaction
The long-term consequences of GBV in Yemen are profound. Survivors often grapple with physical injuries, chronic health problems, and psychological trauma, which hinder their ability to rebuild their lives or contribute to their communities. Economically, the toll of GBV prevents women from accessing education and employment, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. A recent advocacy brief highlighted that failing to address GBV undermines peacebuilding efforts, destabilizing the country’s future and prolonging suffering.
Addressing the Crisis: A Path Forward
Tackling gender-based violence in Yemen requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. Strengthening legal protections is essential, but laws must be coupled with effective enforcement mechanisms to ensure accountability. Women must feel safe to report abuse without fear of reprisal or stigma.
Community education is equally vital. Efforts to shift societal attitudes around gender roles can challenge deeply entrenched patriarchal norms that enable violence. These initiatives should empower women as leaders and decision-makers in their communities, ensuring their voices are central to the country’s recovery and governance.
Humanitarian aid must also prioritize the needs of GBV survivors. This includes providing access to safe shelters, trauma-informed counseling, and specialized healthcare. Funding and resources from the international community are critical to sustaining these efforts.
Global Responsibility and Advocacy
The international community must recognise that GBV in Yemen is not merely a side effect of war but a full-blown humanitarian crisis. Diplomatic efforts and financial investment are needed to address the root causes of GBV and support the organizations working on the ground. Global advocacy campaigns can amplify the voices of Yemeni women, ensuring their stories are heard and their rights protected.
The end of Yemen’s conflict will not automatically end the suffering of women and girls. The trauma of GBV will linger, affecting individuals and communities long after the war’s physical destruction has been repaired. By addressing this epidemic now, the international community can help pave the way for a more just and equitable future for Yemen.
Gender-based violence is a crisis that must not be ignored. It is not only a matter of human rights but a crucial step toward rebuilding Yemen into a nation where all citizens, regardless of gender, can thrive in peace and dignity.