In the midst of ongoing conflict and economic instability, Yemen is witnessing a remarkable surge in female entrepreneurship, driven not by opportunity, but by sheer necessity. As traditional sources of income disappear, women are stepping up to become primary breadwinners, launching ventures that are critical for their families’ survival and showcasing incredible resilience in one of the world’s most challenging business environments.
According to Arwa Al-Omari, Director of the Businesswomen’s Department at the Taiz Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the transformation has been stark. “The number of women entrepreneurs in Taiz did not exceed 120 until 2015,” she noted. “The subsequent years saw a significant increase, which prompted the Chamber of Commerce to establish a special division for women entrepreneurs and productive families in 2019.”
From Necessity to Enterprise
The majority of these ventures begin within the home, starting as small-scale projects that generate a vital, albeit limited, income. These businesses often leverage traditional skills and available resources, focusing on areas like preparing light meals, crafting accessories and leather goods, and other handmade products.
However, many of these entrepreneurs are not content with staying small. Al-Omari highlights a growing trend of women successfully transitioning their home-based operations into the formal market by opening small shops and workshops. This progression signals a powerful ability to turn projects born from necessity into genuine growth opportunities, despite a profoundly unsupportive economic landscape.
Overcoming Compounded Challenges
The path for Yemen’s female entrepreneurs is fraught with obstacles that go far beyond typical startup hurdles. In Taiz, a city still grappling with a stifling siege and a near-total lack of infrastructure, these challenges are magnified.
Business owners face a volatile currency, soaring living costs, and persistent crises in basic services. The absence of a public power grid forces reliance on expensive commercial electricity, severely cutting into profit margins. This is compounded by water shortages and exorbitant rental costs, which present a significant barrier for those looking to move their business out of the home.
Furthermore, legal and bureaucratic complexities add another layer of difficulty. Entrepreneurs often face unofficial fees for licensing that far exceed the official costs, creating a dilemma between operating without a license or bearing an unsustainable financial burden.
The Digital Shift and Psychological Toll
Despite the immense physical and economic barriers, Yemeni women entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to digital tools to grow their businesses. Many have established a presence on social media platforms, learning digital marketing skills to reach new customers in an environment of restricted movement. This digital pivot represents a shift in awareness, recognizing technology as a crucial tool for expansion and security.
Alongside these business challenges, Al-Omari emphasizes the immense psychological pressure these women face. Operating as both entrepreneurs and pillars of a community traumatized by conflict takes a heavy toll, deepening feelings of fragility and a lack of security.
Building a Support Infrastructure for Growth
Amidst the difficulties, there are glimmers of hope. The establishment of the Local Economic Council is expected to provide a platform for better representation of women-led projects in the governorate’s economic development plans.
The Taiz Chamber of Commerce and Industry is also stepping up its support. Its priorities include building effective partnerships, implementing specialized training programs, and launching a “Business Clinic” to offer psychological, administrative, and legal support to female founders. These initiatives are designed to enhance the sustainability of their projects and empower them to navigate the complex challenges they face, moving from a mode of survival to a path of sustainable growth.
About The Taiz Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Taiz Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an official body dedicated to supporting and developing the business community in the Taiz governorate of Yemen. Through its dedicated Businesswomen’s Department, it actively works to empower female entrepreneurs and productive families by providing resources, training, and advocacy to help them launch, sustain, and grow their ventures in a challenging economic environment.
Source: Jinha Agency
