RANIA ABDULLAH

 Yemen –The conflict between the Houthis and the government forces has displaced thousands of people in Yemen. The ongoing conflict and political instability in Yemen negatively affect people in all facets of life. Many Yemeni women struggle to survive amid conflict. Ruqaya Hayel (50) living in the northwest of Taiz is one of them. She has made local cheeses for 20 years.

‘I make and sell cheese’

Our only source of income is dairy products, she told NuJINHA. “However, the Houthis plant landmines everywhere. The local people cannot graze our sheep. When their sheep run towards the minefield, they cannot go after them and catch them because they are afraid. I have a cow and several goats. I milk them every morning. I make cheese and sell it in the local market.”

Ruqaya Hayel, mother of six, lost her husband in one of the clashes. “I am now the only breadwinner of my family. However, what I earn is insufficient to meet our needs. I do not have a shop to sell cheese so I sell cheese in the local market.”

‘Women’s projects should be supported’

Trainer Fatima Al-Sharaabi thinks that women living in rural areas should be supported to learn how to use agricultural techniques and combat climate change. Access to services for women living in rural areas should be facilitated and their projects should be supported. Supporting rural women will help improve their living conditions and increase their role in development.”

‘Local cheese is the highest quality cheese’

 “Local cheese is the best and highest quality cheese,” said Noura Abdo, who buys cheese every day. Speaking about “Sahawiq”, a spicy and herbaceous green Yemeni sauce Noura Abdo said, “We use cheese, garlic, green pepper, spicy pepper, mint, and a few chunks of tomato to make this sauce.”