The Abductees Mothers Association, with support from the DT Institute under the SPARK project, has launched the first activities of its Analytical Consultative Sessions Program, aimed at formulating a unified feminist position. The sessions brought together a select group of activists, human rights defenders, and women leaders in Taiz Governorate.
*From “Reaction” to “Organized Response”*
The in-person sessions, held over two days and attended by 30 participants representing civil society organizations and women’s collectives, sought to create a strategic shift in human rights work, from spontaneous, individual efforts to a model of organized collective response. This approach focuses on coordinating efforts and unifying human rights discourse to more effectively confront violations.
*Deconstructing Threats and Shaping an Alternative Narrative*
The sessions featured in-depth discussions that focused on:
– Analyzing the threat landscape by monitoring and assessing escalating incitement campaigns and hate speech targeting women activists under the guise of religion or social norms.
– Unifying the feminist narrative and agreeing on a shared message affirming that women’s civic and human rights work is essential to peacebuilding, not contrary to societal values.
– Setting priorities by developing a list of legal, institutional, and social protection measures needed to empower women in the public sphere.
*National Expansion and a Unified Position Paper*
In a special statement, initiative coordinator Yousef Ali explained that the program will not be limited to Taiz. Two virtual sessions will be held via Zoom in the coming days, targeting 60 participants from other governorates.
*“The final outcomes of these sessions will be consolidated into a strategic position paper that reflects a unified collective vision, defining negotiation demands and protection priorities. This will establish a solid foundation before engaging in national or international advocacy pathways,”* — Yousef Ali.
*A Forward-Looking Vision*
This initiative represents a key step toward protecting women human rights defenders and strengthening the role of women as a central driver of social justice. It aims to produce reference documents that articulate women’s aspirations in confronting current challenges.
