Samar Al-qadi is a medical doctor and promotes access to reproductive health services for women in Yemen. She works for Yamaan Foundation. “Many women came to our hospital after getting beaten up by their husbands.”
“Since my PhD and throughout my whole professional life, I have been trying to make things better for women. While working in a health centre in Sana’a city, many women approached me during pregnancy or after delivery. Most of them did not want more children but their husbands did. I often talked to the husbands. I explained the importance of their wife’s health and of her choice.
Yemen will never stand on its feet if the community continues to marginalize women and to exclude them from the political and social spheres.
Later, I was working as a resident doctor. Many women came to our hospital after getting beaten up by their husbands. I gave them medical and mental support. I drafted the medical statements needed to report cases at the police stations.
Today, I ensure that women have access to reproductive health services. I raise awareness on the issue both locally and globally. Personally, it is challenging to work in a conservative community like Yemeni society. But I pushed forward. I also financially support my sisters so they can finish university and be independent in the future.
Women play a pivotal role in bringing justice, peace, and security. In Yemen, the ongoing conflict has put women under a lot of pressure. It further limits their economic opportunities, their freedom, and access to basic services. To liberate women, it is crucial to challenge the status quo. Yemen will never stand on its feet if the community continues to marginalize women and to exclude them from the political and social spheres.”