UNDP Yemen: Water for peace: A woman leader in rural Yemen supports conflict resolution

Across Yemen, protracted conflict had disrupted essential services — including access to water. This has resulted in competition over resources and exacerbated tensions among communities, fracturing the social fabric and hindering development. 

Unfortunately, this was the harsh reality in Bani Amer Village, Tuban District, Lahj Governorate, as shared access to water was a communal issue, until Faten, a woman committed to improving her community, stepped in. Driven by compassion and armed with training in mediation, she embarked on a remarkable journey to bridge divides and bring widespread water access back to her community. 

“I participated in resolving the conflict, so water reaches every home, shaping a better life for my village,” explains Faten. 

Faten’s journey as a mediator has been by no means smooth. Faten grew up in a rural community and faced challenges common to many women in her region. Despite limited opportunities, she pursued her education and completed high school, a significant achievement managed by only a few women in her village. Driven by her passion to help those in need, Faten led thirty humanitarian initiatives within her village, earning the trust of community members, who elected her to the local cooperative council. 

"I'm dedicated to empowering women in my village through education. I teach them about disease prevention and breastfeeding,” Faten shares. 

Faten was also selected to train as an insider mediator as a part of the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) ERRY III Joint Programme, “Supporting Resilient Livelihoods, Food Security and Climate Adaptation in Yemen,” co-funded by the European Union and Government of Sweden. 

Faten’s path, however, wasn't without hurdles. In a society where women are typically seen in more traditional roles, Faten faced initial resistance. "Despite facing doubts from community members, I persevered and focused on my work." 

However, with great support from her family and male committee members, she persevered. She has left a profound impact on her community and continues to demonstrate the value of collaboration over conflict.

“Giving women the right to participate in such projects means pushing them to improve their communities, especially in difficult environments,” Faten remarks.

Building on her experience in community mobilization, Faten was trained in mediation and conflict resolution. She passionately participated in training sessions on communication strategies, negotiation tactics, active listening, consensus-building techniques, and effective management of local disputes, with thanks to UNDP’s local partner, the Social Fund for Development (SFD).

“I was shy and hesitant to speak, even in front of women, but with training and practice, I gained the skills to communicate, negotiate, and build cohesion across dividing lines,” Faten explains, expressing the transformative impact of the training she received.

Faten, alongside fellow mediators, facilitated constructive community dialogues that brought conflicting parties to the same table for discussions. These dialogues served as a safe space for open communication and understanding.  

“My participation as a mediator will help overcome any social stereotypes and empower other women in my village,” she states. 

As the dialogue sessions progressed, barriers that once seemed insurmountable started to crumble, making way for common ground and shared aspirations: WATER FOR ALL.

The dialogue sessions helped to identify key issues with access to the local water supply. The agreed upon solution, a solar energy system, was installed by a community member to pump water and supply it to all residents, provided through the ERRY JP III Joint Programme. 

“By securing water access for all, children in my village will go to school every day. Not only that, but women shall no longer endure the burden of fetching water from distant places day after day; they can pursue hobbies that secure a sustainable source of income that can positively transform their lives and the well-being of their families,” Faten declares, highlighting the impact of mediation in resolving disputes.

Faten's success showcases the impact of womens’ leadership in conflict resolution. Overcoming numerous barriers, she proved that collaboration, not conflict, paves the way for lasting solutions. Her story echoes the impact of initiatives like the ERRY JP III Programme, which has empowered hundreds of women like her to support peacebuilding in their communities.  

Through the ERRY JPIII Programme, the European Union and Government of Sweden have supported 346 insider mediators, including 33 women, to lead constructive dialogues in their communities to foster peacebuilding in Yemen.