Unlocking Opportunities: Empowering Youth and Women in Yemen
Through emergency employment, entrepreneurship training, and apprenticeship programmes, the joint ERRY III project has transformed the lives of vulnerable youth and women in Yemen. Six young women and men share their inspiring stories of resilience, and self-reliance through strategic support and skill development.
8 August 2024
Funded by the European Union and Government of Sweden, the Supporting Resilient Livelihoods, Food Security and Climate Adaptation in Yemen (ERRY III) Joint Programme has made significant strides in empowering vulnerable youth and women in Yemen to improve their income and livelihoods. This comprehensive programme encompasses various activities such as emergency employment, entrepreneurship training, and apprenticeship programmes. Below are some noteworthy success stories that showcase the programme's wide-reaching impact.
Reem’s Story: From Milk to Market - Dairy Entrepreneurship in Lahj
Reem received training in dairy production through the ERRY III Joint Programme’s Dairy Marketing Center and Equipment Distribution Project in Bait Eidh Village, Lahj Governorate. Using tools such as milk churns, condensers, and thermometers, Reem and her team learned how to produce and market milk efficiently. The training enabled them to start a sustainable business, significantly improving their living conditions.
Reem says, "We greatly benefitted from this project. We were trained in making milk and milk products and received machines that help us with the process."
This initiative not only provided immediate employment, but also built the capacity of participants to establish businesses within the community.
Aswan’s Business: Towards a Brighter Future with Digital Design
Aswan from Tuban District, Lahj Governorate, put her skills to work and established a profitable digital design business with a grant from the ERRY III Joint Programme. She acquired a laptop and printer, essential tools for her work in digital design and advertising.
She shares, "I benefited from the laptop and printer by creating advertisements for malls and stores and achieving tangible profits."
Her new business has allowed Aswan to contribute to her family's income and gain financial independence.
Farooq’s Journey: Harnessing the Sun as a Solar Energy Technician
Farooq, a trainee in the apprenticeship programme executed by the ERRY III Joint Programme in Tuban District, Lahj Governorate, has found a new career in solar energy. Under the guidance of his trainer Ahmed, Farooq learned to detect and solve solar energy problems, gaining skills that are in high demand in Yemen.
Ahmed noted Farooq's quick understanding and development, highlighting his inquisitiveness and practical application of skills. Farooq explains, "I benefited from this training in the field of solar energy, and it later became my profession and field of interest."
The training has opened up new opportunities for Farooq, contributing to sustainable energy solutions in his community.
Sweet Success: Abdullah’s and Zohor’s Beekeeping Ventures in Hajjah
The ERRY III Joint Programme has also empowered beekeepers in Najjra District, Hajjah Governorate. Abdullah is among many who received on-the-job training and kits to start his beekeeping business.
Abdullah expresses his aspirations for the future, saying, "I hope to become the best in beekeeping and honey production, increasing my beehives to secure my project and daily livelihood for my entire family."
Similarly, Zohor, another training participant, overcame societal expectations and now supports her family through beekeeping. She notes, "They said a woman cannot work or generate income, but now I can support my family and help my husband with household expenses."
Kamal’s Story: Reviving Up a New Business as Motorcycle Mechanic Extraordinaire
Kamal, a trainee in the ERRY III Apprenticeship Programme implemented by local partner Social Fund for Development and the International Labor Organization, has built a thriving motorcycle maintenance business in Al Ma’afer District, Taizz Governorate.
The ERRY III Joint Programme provided him with necessary skills and confidence. Kamal explains, "While I possessed some experience, it wasn't enough to confidently begin my project. However, the training course and workshops I attended proved highly beneficial and now things are going well."
Kamal’s workshop, dubbed "Motorbike Doctor," now attracts a steady stream of customers. He shares, "I repurposed an iron water tank by cutting and welding it to turn it into a motorcycle maintenance store. This transformation has enabled me to provide reliable services to my community and improve my family's living standards."
From Conflict to Cohesion: A Young Economist Becomes a Peacebuilder in Yemen
In Taiz, Abdul Rahman, an economics graduate, found his calling as a community leader through the ERRY III Joint Programme. Enrolling in the ERRY III Social Cohesion Training Programme, Abdul Rahman learned to build bridges through intergroup dialogue.
"The training on mediation and conflict included over forty per cent women participation, ensuring gender representation during communal dialogues," said Abdul Rahman. Motivated by learning new skills, he helped establish a committee of mediators to resolve local disputes, employing conflict resolution techniques and fostering social cohesion in his community.
The ERRY III Joint Programme has significantly improved the livelihoods of many youth and women in Yemen through targeted training, grants, and apprenticeship opportunities. These success stories highlight the programme's holistic approach to empowerment, offering both immediate relief and long-term sustainable solutions. By promoting entrepreneurship and skills development, the programme—jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Labour Organization (ILO), and World Food Programme (WFP), with funding from the European Union and the Government of Sweden—continues to create meaningful and lasting impacts for Yemen's vulnerable populations.
To date, 4,800 community members have been trained in business development and soft skills, including 38% women.