“We stand alongside women against all types of violence directed at them.”
With this statement, the Association of Abductees’ Mothers demanded justice for women and the prevention of unjust violations committed against them by all parties involved in the conflict. This protest took place in Taiz City on the evening of Saturday, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25th each year.
During the protest, a group of mothers expressed the profound absence they experienced due to the abduction of their sons. They emphasized that the deprivation of their beloved children constitutes one of the most severe violations. Holding banners with phrases like “Abducting my son is a blatant violation of my rights” and “I miss your presence with us,” they highlighted the extent of the absence of basic rights for women, represented by the absence of their family members.
The Association of Abductees’ Mothers documented the presence of 140 women who have been abducted and subjected to various violations. They affirmed that mothers and female relatives of the abductees continue to face violations at prison gates during visits to their detained loved ones. Furthermore, most women in Yemen endure verbal abuse, extortion, and unwarranted detentions at checkpoints during their movements. Notably, five women in jail face trials outside the bounds of the law.
In a statement during the protest, the Association called on all stakeholders to join them in efforts against violence towards women, ensuring the provision of necessary protection and support for every woman. They also highlighted the challenges faced by women in confronting violence and oppression.
The Association urged support for victims, providing psychological and material support for women facing all forms of violence. They called for enhancing legislation to protect women’s rights and to hold violators accountable. Additionally, they emphasized the need to enhance the justice system to facilitate women’s access to justice.
The Association also called for supporting the efforts of organizations working against violence towards women, involving women working in legal and political fields in United Nations organizations, and putting an end to the exploitation of women, whether through deception, intimidation, or using them as pawns in wars.