Yemen's War Pushes Women to the Streets
With male breadwinners either killed, displaced, or conscripted into armed groups, thousands of Yemeni women have been forced into begging to survive.
In cities like Taiz, Aden, and Hudaydah, women—many from the marginalized Muhammasheen community—can be seen on street corners, clutching infants and pleading for food or money. Their plight reflects the collapse of Yemen's social safety net and the erosion of tribal protections that once offered limited shelter from exploitation.
'The war has stripped women of dignity,' said Huda Saif, a local activist. 'Begging is no longer a choice—it's a last resort.'
According to humanitarian reports, incidents of harassment and gender-based violence against women beggars have surged, with many facing abuse from armed groups and local authorities. The lack of law enforcement and judicial oversight has created an environment of impunity, leaving victims without recourse.
A Crisis of Survival
The UN estimates that over 9.6 million women and girls in Yemen require urgent humanitarian assistance. Aid cuts and restricted access have worsened conditions, forcing many into dangerous coping mechanisms—including street begging, coerced labor, and early marriage.
'Women walk for hours under scorching heat to collect food rations,' said a spokesperson from Forgotten Women, a UK-based NGO. 'Some carry children in their arms, others return empty-handed.'
In some cases, women-led households have resorted to selling personal belongings or engaging in informal labor markets, often under exploitative conditions. The rise in begging is not only a symptom of poverty but also a reflection of Yemen's fractured social fabric.
Calls for Action
Human rights organizations are urging international donors and the Yemeni government to prioritize gender-sensitive aid programs and restore safe spaces for women. Activists stress the need for legal reforms to protect vulnerable groups and ensure accountability for abuses.
'The women of Yemen are not just victims—they are survivors,' said Dr. Miriam Tal, a regional expert on gender and conflict. 'But without urgent intervention, their resilience may not be enough.'
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