Aden (South24 Center)

The eighth Women’s Summit opened in the capital, Aden, on Sunday, December 7, with more than 240 participants, including civil society leaders, academics, UN representatives, and international partners. A delegation from the South24 Center also attended. The event was organized by the Wogood Foundation for Human Security.

The summit coincided with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, highlighting the growing challenges facing women in Yemen, most notably rising levels of violence and a shrinking presence of women in leadership positions.

In her opening remarks, Maha Awad, President of the Wogood Foundation for Human Security, warned of the expanding cycle of violence against women amid shifting state structures and the increasing militarization of public life. She emphasized that these conditions have created a more fragile and dangerous environment for women and for human rights defenders.

The Eighth Women’s Summit in Aden, December 7, 2025 (South24 Center)

Awad highlighted that the assassination of Iftihan al-Mashhari, Director of the Cleanliness Fund in Taiz, in September, stands as a stark example of the intersection of power, influence, and the absence of protection and accountability. She stressed the urgent need to end impunity and open serious investigations that ensure justice for victims.

She also pointed out that civil society organizations, particularly women-led groups, continue to face persistent threats and harassment, without adequate protection to safeguard their independence and the safety of their staff. Despite this, she affirmed, these organizations play a critical role in driving meaningful change and shaping pathways toward more just and peaceful societies.

Awad added that although 25 years have passed since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, women’s representation in leadership roles is declining rather than advancing, largely due to political and societal violence that blocks women from entering or remaining in decision-making positions.

Over its two-day program, the summit will address a range of thematic tracks, including political engagement and the UN Envoy’s roadmap, transitional justice, women’s protection, women-led entrepreneurship, as well as climate change, early warning mechanisms, and gender-based violence.

The Eighth Women’s Summit in Aden, December 7, 2025 (South24 Center)

The program also features interactive sessions focused on community-based peacebuilding initiatives and strategies to strengthen women’s participation in shaping public policy.

The summit called on the government and political leadership to adopt bold measures, including appointing women to executive positions, implementing interim quotas to guarantee representation, and ensuring effective protection from political violence.

The event is expected to conclude with the release of the “Aden Declaration,” which will summarize the key outcomes and recommendations and outlining the vision for advancing women’s participation in peace and security efforts.