Publication

This study seeks to understand the role of the feminist movement in advancing human rights in Yemen and the extent of its influence in the face of ongoing political, social, and sectarian challenges. By using a descriptive analytical methodology and drawing on interviews with gender experts, political activists, human rights defenders, and supporters of women’s issues—as well as relevant literature and data—the study provides valuable insights into the contributions and resilience of feminist actors within Yemen’s complex and conflict-affected context.This study was done as As part of a project led by the Peace Track Initiative (PTI), in partnership with Elbarlamaent and the TOBE Foundation for Rights and Liberties, and with funding from the European Union (EU), the Qarar Foundation. 

The policy paper entitled “Impacts of Enforced Disappearance and Arbitrary Detention on Women and Children in Yemen” was launched by the Abductees’ Mothers Association as part of a broader project led by the Peace Track Initiative (PTI), in partnership with Elbarlamaent and the TOBE Foundation for Rights and Liberties, with funding from the European Union (EU), and on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The paper represents a qualitative and necessary contribution to the protection of women human rights defenders from the violations they continue to face as a result of the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The paper highlights the gendered impacts of enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention, particularly the suffering endured by women and children whose husbands and fathers are subjected to such practices. It aims to inform practical, locally grounded solutions that reduce harm, uphold rights, and advance accountability.

In October 2020, the Peace Track Initiative published a comprehensive analysis of Yemen’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), marking a critical milestone in the country’s efforts to advance gender equality amid conflict. Developed by the Yemeni government with limited civil society input, the NAP represents a formal commitment to UNSC Resolution 1325 but falls short of addressing the urgent and intersectional needs of Yemeni women. This document traces the NAP’s evolution—from its roots in the 2016 National Agenda for WPS, led by Yemeni women leaders, to its approval in 2019—while highlighting glaring gaps: inadequate gender analysis, exclusion of civil society voices, and a lack of concrete implementation strategies. The report also showcases how women-led organizations have tirelessly filled these gaps through grassroots peacebuilding, humanitarian mediation, and advocacy, despite systemic exclusion. With actionable recommendations for the Yemeni government, donors, and international partners, this analysis serves as a roadmap to strengthen the NAP, ensuring it reflects the realities of Yemeni women and aligns with global frameworks like CEDAW and the Beijing Platform.  

An analysis of the Joint Declaration draft for ending the war in Yemen, as proposed by the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Yemen (OSESGY)   In this document, the Peace Track Initiative team seeks to conduct a comparison of the ceasefire draft proposals by the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Yemen (OSESGY) and the Houthi Group’s (Ansarullah) proposal for ending the war in Yemen, which were proposed in April, as well as, the recent draft of the joint declaration. While the analysis aims at understanding the positions of all the parties involved, the government’s position could not be underlined, as it has not announced it in detail. It is worth-mentioning that OSESGY has not held consultations on the draft of the Joint Declaration and has not officially shared it with the civil society entities, including women and youth. Instead, we have obtained the drafts in an unofficial manner from more than one reliable source. Therefore, in support of a peace process that adheres to the principles of accountability and inclusive national participation, we have decided to publish these drafts.