The Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training organized during 6-8 December, 1998, a seminar on the Right of Women to Work. The overall theme was 'Toward Greater Female Participation in the Development Process.'

Beyond the media fanfare, I want to discuss the substance to this important topic. Let me start with questions: What is society doing to involve more women in the modern sector? What are the real opportunities for career women beyond certain traditional sectors like nursing, teaching and secretarial jobs? What has the government done to empower women? How can we improve the legal and social environment for working women? What is the impact of the many projects financed by bilateral and multilateral donors in this field? How can our society break the grip of some elitist women on the whole women's movement?
Those questions and many more are the at the core of this issue. As many speakers noted, 

"It is hard for any society to make real progress if half of it is side-stepped".
One solution is the high visibility approach. The state decided to gradually appoint women to high visibility posts. So we have some half a dozen deputy ministers. The choice of jobs is also intended for the consumption of foreigners, because the ministries chosen for these women are such as Ministry of Information, Ministry of Planning and Development, etc. But the approach can work, if it were to develop roots. The high visibility women can play important role models for our younger women.

Of course, urban-based facilities such as day-care services will help. This is especially true if the laws makes such services compulsory in large establishments, companies, ministries, etc.
More public awareness is another tool. Television programs, plays, articles, radio talks and public debates will go a long way in helping create a better environment for career women. The persistent rediculing, intimidation, and slander associated with the modern work environment discourages a lot of women. The legal and cultural environment must be adjusted.

First and foremost, education for girls is the greatest tool in empowering women. That is why the few elitist donor projects are a waste of resources, while more than 65% of all young girls cannot even attend primary school. This fact alone shows how far the nation has to go!

 

By Ghassan Al-Adhal,
Yemen Times.

It is supposed to be a holy month. People are supposed to be more pious; meaning less greedy. But what is happening to the cost of living in Yemen is unbelieveable. Prices during Ramadhan shoot up. Here is the story.

There had been a visible increase in most prices of basic foodstuffs in Ramadhan. As shown by the table below, the rise in prices averaged more than 10% in just a few days until the first day of Ramadhan.
Low-income families usually find such new expenses oproblematic as they compound an already difficult situation. The higher cost of living is complicated by a high unemployment rate. Many young graduates are unable to find jobs at all, et alone in their respective fields.
The rise in price levels in Ramadhan are just the beginning of the new expenses. At the end of this month comes Eid Al-Fitr holidays which bring with them huge expenses. It is traditional for Yemeni families to buy new clothings, eat better food, and indulge in sweets, cakes and other 'luxuries' for the average family. I have noted many a bread-winner who is haunted by this upcoming requirements.

Indeed, while Ramadhan brings blessings, it is also a source of financial headaches.
Ramadhan also brings with it a new lifestuyyle, including new dishes and menus. Meals usually differ from traditional ones because of their higher content of fluids and calories.
There are usually two meals in Ramadhan. The iftar meal takes place at sunset, which is around 5:50 pm these days. At this time, people eat dates, shafoot, and porridge, along with sambousa and other delicacies. A large quantity of juices or water is also consumed. This is followed by the Maghrib (sunset) prayer. Most people go back for a full-fledged supper.
After that, it is qat time.

Sahour meal is eaten between 3:00 and 4:00 am in the early hours of the next day. Often, people planning to fast prefer large and filling dishes to sustain them the full day until the next sunset. These are basically 'aseed, fatta, khobz, and other similar dishes.


Fish meals are essential plates in coastal areas, while the mountain people eat meat more often. In Ramadhan, fruits are popular. Consumers prefer oranges, bananas, water-melons, sweet melons, papayas, apples, and other juicy fruits. Consumption of vegetables also increases which unfortunately leads to inflationary pressures on the price levels.
The many exhibitions in large cities through which producers and whole-salers directly sell to consumers have helped dampen the inflationary pressures on the price levels. Alas, even that, however, has not stopped the prices from rising.

 

The Trade Union of Yemen's Workers organized a workshop at its headquarters in Sanaa in cooperation with the American Center for International Labor Solidarity on woman's role in syndicate organizations.
The workshop, carried out during December 7-10, 1998, discussed a number of issues related to protecting the rights of career women. The participants listened to a number of speakers who many relevant issues all dealing with Yemeni women in the labor market. Special emphasis was put on women working in odd hours and night shifts.
The papers further addressed the need for women to participate in organization of syndicates. In order to enhance female participation in syndicate decisions, a committee was formed.
Other papers debated difficulties facing working females at their place of work and at home. The papers showed the double burden of career women.

Anwar Al-Sayyadi,
Yemen Times