BREAKING NEWS: Yemeni women call on international community to support their urgent demand for inclusion

Women in Yemen claim that international pressure is essential if their voices are to be included in decisions about the country’s future.

Figures such as Tawakkol Karman have become increasingly prominent in Yemen’s current uprisings. Women are playing a key role in mobilizing protesters and leading demands for change. However, the experience of Egypt shows that women are too often forgotten once revolutionaries have achieved their goal.

“The international community must put pressure on Yemen’s decision-makers to include women in any new administration; otherwise they will not do it,” said Nadia Al-Saqqaf, editor of the Yemen Times. “There has to be a fair recognition of the part women are playing. The international community should use a carrot and stick approach to encourage decision-makers to include women.”

The participation of civil society, youth and intellectuals in an emerging administration will be decisive for Yemen’s future, Nadia adds. She is hoping for a presidential council that will carry out the transfer of power under a clear mandate, and for extensive financial support to flow into Yemen. The country’s economy has been hit hard by the protests, and Nadia predicts that recovery will take years.
However, the protests in Yemen seem to be far from over. Over the last two days, deadly clashes in Taiz, a city in the south of Yemen, have left at least 19 dead and hundreds injured. The clashes occurred when protesters – many of them students at Taiz University - marched on the town hall, apparently in an attempt to occupy the building. Government forces stopped them, using bats, daggers and a brand of tear gas, which some have claimed is illegal under international law. Facebook has lately been inundated with videos and images of the attacks.

Opinions differ as to who was at fault in these clashes. Although many believe the government response was disproportionate, some Yemenis believe that the protesters’ actions were too aggressive, worrying that the violence will jeopardize dialogue and be used by Saleh as an excuse to stay on.

Sana’a has seen further disturbances today, with the New York Times reporting that tribesmen loyal to Saleh have clashed with soldiers who have joined the opposition, leaving three dead.

There are ongoing skirmishes and stone-throwing between government supporters and anti-government protesters in Sana’a. Some streets of the capital are in lock-down mode due to frequent clashes – shops and businesses are shut, while many residents have evacuated.

Maha*, another contact in Yemen, says that many Yemenis are “thrilled” by the increased pressure that the USA is exerting on Saleh to step down. However, many are worried that Yemen may end up in a similar position to Libya. President Saleh’s administration has agreed to attend talks with opposition leaders in Riyadh. Locals view this initiative with skepticism, believing that little progress will be made. Saleh is also expected to demand diplomatic immunity for himself and his family for the rest of his life if he is to stand down. But it is unlikely that Yemenis would accept such a compromise. “Saleh should pay for what he has done to the country,” said one Sana’a resident.

Fears are increasing that the unrest in Yemen is paving the way for radical forces to gain a stronger foothold in the country. Women, as strong advocates for dialogue, democracy and non-violence, must be included in government, in order to create a safe arena for moderate voices. Saleh has said that he wants to leave Yemen in safe hands: a responsible, accountable and stable government requires the participation of the whole of society, both male and female.

*Name has been changed

People-to-people contact and victims' stories break cycle of violence in Israel and Palestine

Robi Damelin, representative of SAVE Israel, reflects on the current situation in Israel and Palestine, highlighting the importance of people-to-people contact between the two sides. Teaching the young generation through presenting real life stories is key to initiating a sustainable reconciliation process. Incorporating reconciliation in any future peace agreement is also essential. Original article published by Common Ground News Service.

Tel Aviv - The recent violence in Israel and Gaza is threatening to spiral into yet another cycle of reprisals and counter-reprisals in this long and intractable conflict. This ceaseless reality of violence, which has engulfed Israelis and Palestinians for decades, has already caused terrible damage severely affecting the social and cultural fabric of both societies and substantially degrading the relationships between them.

I lost my beloved son David in this bloody conflict. He was pursuing a Master's degree in the Philosophy of Education. He was part of the peace movement and did not want to serve in the Occupied Territories when he was called in for reserve duty.

For me, dialoguing with students in schools about reconciliation has become the most meaningful way of commemorating his name.

I belong to a unique grassroots organisation called the Parents Circle - Families Forum (PCFF), comprised of Israelis and Palestinians who have lost immediate family members to the conflict. We come from all walks of life, with one thing in common: we share the same pain, and recognise that if we – Palestinians and Israelis who have paid the ultimate price – can understand the need for a non-violent solution to this conflict, then surely this belief can serve as an example for others.

Our long-term goal is to create a framework for a reconciliation process that would be incorporated into any future political peace agreement. Our power stems from the collaborative work of our members – now more than 600 families – half of which are Palestinian and the other half Israelis.

Our most important ongoing work on the ground is conducting dialogue meetings in schools. They allow us to reach more than 25,000 students every year. We speak to 16- and 17-year-old Palestinian and Israeli students who, for the most part, have not met anyone from the "other side". Coming into a classroom of Jewish-Israeli students with a Palestinian partner who tells his or her personal story and journey to reconciliation opens their eyes to the humanity and narrative of the other side.

For Jewish Israeli students, this may be the first opportunity to hear what the daily life of a Palestinian living under occupation is all about. For the Palestinians this may also be their first encounter with an Israeli not in an army uniform or who is not a settler.

Anyone attending a meeting with members of the Parents Circle cannot be immune to the deep sense of trust between us. They listen to Nasra from Nablus who lost two sons, together with Roni from Tel Aviv, who has also lost two sons in the conflict. Together they stand in front of hundreds, sharing their determination to prevent others from experiencing this loss. This joint, heartfelt plea must be an example to all.

One of the most important elements we feel is missing in the Arab-Israeli discourse is real human stories. For this reason we have recently introduced a programme that uses personal narratives to build trust, empathy and mutual understanding between Palestinians and Israelis, through a parallel narrative experience. The programme offers an opportunity for hundreds of Palestinians and Israelis to tell their stories, sharing the most difficult consequences of the conflict.

Our latest efforts focus on social media as a means to cross the forbidden border and create conversation between people on both sides of the conflict. Called "A crack in the wall”, this initiative allows Israelis and Palestinians to engage, tell their stories and get to know one another directly. One Palestinian speaks and 100,000 Israelis will listen; one Israeli speaks and 100,000 Palestinians will listen.

Our personal experiences have led us to a strong belief that any peace agreement achieved between the Israelis and Palestinians cannot be sustained without a substantial reconciliation process between the two peoples.

We have all watched politicians signing peace agreements on the lawn of the White House, but this has led only to a ceasefire. We understand that we must create the possibility for people to understand the needs of the “other”. We have studied many other countries and realised that without a people-to-people peace process and a framework for reconciliation that will suit the cultural needs of the two peoples, this conflict will go on forever.

In this period of uncertainty and change, we cannot afford to give up hope and wait for new leaders. We who best understand the consequences of violence will continue to work for the human dignity and freedom for all.

Yemeni Women Find Their Voices

In the traditional Yemeni culture, women are often not heard. However, many are now taking an active part in the uprisings. This article was originally published on the website of the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR), written by Afrah Nasser.

Traditionally in Yemen, women are – literally – not allowed to raise their voices. In peaceful circumstances, even calling out in the street to attract someone’s attention is considered unacceptable behaviour. But now, in the protests, it is very much welcomed and there is an amazing response when we raise our voices.

Everybody acknowledges that yes, we do have a voice, and the role of women in this uprising is increasing day by day as we enter a new time of freedom for everyone.

Women’s participation in this revolution started on a very small scale. There were only about ten women in Sana’a’s Change Square when the pro-democracy protests started. But with each day, it has been noticeable how the numbers of women grew as female protesters brought their sisters, cousins, friends. The number multiplied incredibly. Women are treated with grace and respect in the square. When I go there, I am treated like a VIP. Usually in Yemen, women get harassed all the time, but in Change Square nobody touches me. It is the safest place in Sana’a for women.

And life is indeed challenging for Yemeni women, every day. We constantly fight to claim our rights at home, in the street, at work. In any kind of field, a woman has to increase her efforts hugely to succeed. For instance, a 19-year-old cousin of mine won a scholarship to study in Germany and her brother refused to let her go. After a big fight, she had no choice but to give in.

If a man makes one per cent effort, a woman needs to make 200 per cent effort to get the same result. I work as a journalist and I am the only woman in the newsroom. Even there my colleagues find it hard to accept that I do go to places dominated by men to report.

There is some political participation by women, but it is very timid - women still live in a prison of their own fear. We are not very politically aware. It is a process and we are still at the very beginning. There are a few women politicians and about 18 months ago President Ali Abdullah Saleh instituted a 15 per cent quota of seats for women – but there aren’t enough women politicians to fill it.

But despite this women have been participating in the protests to an unbelievable extent. The female protesters come from all sectors of Yemeni society - women who do not have their faces covered, like me, and others are much more conservative. They are coming to an awareness that they have to be a huge part of building this country. We gain in confidence and women begin to think that they have to have a voice, a place in this new society - something that has never happened before.

Talking to other friends of mine, we feel we are revolting against our parents too. It’s a double revolution, inside our homes as well as in Change Square. Each one of us faces resistance from our parents, who demand to know why we think change is so important. Many of our parents are devoted to the president and the old regime, and they are opposed to us taking part in the demonstrations. So we face oppression both at home and in the public sphere.

The extremism and violence Saleh predicts will sweep Yemen without him is just propagan da. None of that will happen and I don’t see the danger of a civil war. I would like to see a peaceful transfer of power and the beginning of a new, democratic process, to have the same result here as in Egypt and Tunisia.

I am not worried that there will be violence like there is now in Libya. There is no way things will deteriorate here to that extent. The violence last week in which more than 50 people were killed won’t be repeated, I don’t think.

I am worried about what the future holds – not because of the fear of violence, but because of the uncertainty. But when I go to Change Square I see the harmony and tolerance between the different protesters, a sign that a peaceful change is possible.

Nadia Al-Saqqaf, SAVE Yemen, on PBS Newshour

Nadia Al-Saqqaf, editor of the Yemen Times and representative of SAVE Yemen appeared on PBS Newshour on March 24 to give an insight into the demands of the protestors in Yemen, and apprehensions about the future.

Watch the full episode. See more PBS NewsHour.

The Jasmine revolution has made one thing very clear: Women are today a force to reckon with.

SAVE, for the last two years has been propagating one thing: ‘Say No to Violent Extremism’- no matter who is behind it - state, clergy, extremist organizations or individuals. The Jasmine revolution has thrown up a number of female role models who prove that women are change makers that propagate this philosophy, says Archana Kapoor, SAVE India.

The Yemeni Ambassador to India, Khadija Radman Mohamed Ghanem, a woman, is one such example. On March 22, 2011, after the death of 52 Yemeni civilians at the hands of government forces, Khadija declared openly her support for the protesters. In fact the 57-year-old Kahdija, who came to India in 2010,sent a statement to the Al Arabiya TV channel saying: “We, ambassador of Yemen and Yemen’s diplomatic corps, declare our support for the peaceful youth revolution in Yemen and their demand for transition in the country after the situation worsened in a very painful manner...We cannot accept it or justify it.”

The statement also said, “We will continue our assignment as member of the diplomatic corps of Yemen,” signed by the ambassador and four of her diplomatic colleagues. Kahdija was deputy minister for women’s affairs in Yemen.

I think this is the kind of courage we need to reject violence. The Jasmine revolution has made one thing very clear: Women are today a force to reckon with. The scent of the Jasmine Revolution which spread like wild fire in the Arab world, clearly reflects the important role that women can and have played in ousting and fighting violence.

Before the revolution in Tunisia, the only reference to women was to the First Lady, Laila Al Trabelsi, and her excesses. She collected real estate, villas and bank accounts, unlike the First lady of Philippines Imelda Marcus, who only collected shoes! The protests grew with women coming out onto the streets in full force, and breaking down stereotypes. Women were on the frontlines of the protests chanting slogans like “Bread, water, and no Ben Ali”. The most popular slogan on the streets was “No to the Trabelsis who looted the budget”.

In Egypt we saw images of women moving along side men, protesting, shouting and spending nights at the Tahrir square. Women from all walks of life- poor, rich, middle class, with heads covered or uncovered, Christians and Muslims- all demanded the ouster of Hosni Mubarak. They relentlessly faced the batons of the police, the bullets and the tear gas. Postings on Facebook and Twitter only helped their cause and got more and more women on the streets.

Today Bahrain, Yemen, Syria and more countries in West Asia are going through a crisis. The women of the world need to unite and provide comfort to those whose children are being slaughtered- killed indiscriminately for asking for their rights. Today we all need to be part of this campaign...we all need to say NO to violence and extremism!!

Obeidi is standing up for her rights against taboos. We must stand with her.

Today, the international media has been reporting the disturbing news that Iman al-Obeidi is facing criminal charges in Libya. Obeidi’s sole offence appears to have been speaking out about her alleged gang rape by 15 of Gaddafi’s soldiers.

Obeidi burst into a Tripoli hotel hosting western reporters on Saturday, desperately announcing that she had been raped repeatedly by government militiamen. She held up her abaya to show injuries to her right leg.

She was immediately silenced by hotel staff and security, bundled into a car and taken hostage at a government complex. A government spokesman, Musa Ibrahim, contradicted himself continually, initially announcing that Obeidi was not to be trusted, as she was drunk and delusional. Later that day, he said she was sober and sane, but the following day called her a prostitute and a thief.

Although some reports say that she was released late on Monday, the latest stories carried by international media say that the men she accused of rape have filed a case against her.

Spokesman Ibrahim said: “The boys who she accused of rape are bringing a case because it is a very grave offense to accuse someone of a sexual crime.” This statement shows no recognition that it is in fact a greater offense to commit a sexual crime.

In Libyan culture it is unusual for a woman to speak out against sexual abuse, as any woman who is raped is considered by many to have lost her honour. Obeidi is being held up as a heroine by the opposition for breaking taboos and having the self-confidence to stand up for her rights.

Rape is too often used as a weapon in situations of conflict. Obeidi claims that the men stopped her at a road block and raped her because she is from Benghazi, which is the stronghold of the opposition. In innumerable conflicts, men have abused women of the other ethnic or political groups to express their dominance over the opposition. Women’s bodies are used as pawns, their rights disrespected and their lives scarred. Obeidi is a symbol of strength in the face of this ongoing tyranny, speaking out to show that rape cannot be tolerated or ignored.

Instead of backing claims filed against her, the Libyan government should be ensuring that Obeidi is properly medically cared for, and that a thorough investigation into this case is carried out. Additionally, in every conflict situation there should be mechanisms to ensure that cases of rape are kept to a minimum, all cases are reported and that any women subjected to rape are properly cared for. Legally-binding resolutions such as UNSCR 1820, issued by the UN Security Council, demand an end to sexual violence in situations of armed conflict. All governments, both Libyan and any intervening forces, are therefore obligated to take action to prosecute rape cases and to ensure that the appropriate measures are taken to reduce rape, such as enforcing appropriate military disciplinary measures, upholding the principle of command responsibility, debunking myths that fuel sexual violence, vetting armed and security forces to take into account past actions of rape and other forms of sexual violence, and evacuation of women and children under imminent threat of sexual violence to safety.

One of the clearest ways to prevent soldiers using rape as a weapon is to show that their actions will have consequences. Currently, the Libyan government is not reinforcing that lesson. Women without Borders condemns all forms of sexual violence. We call on the Libyan government to ensure that Obeidi is given fair treatment before the law, and to ensure that all soldiers of both sides know that sexual violence of any form and towards any individual will not be tolerated.

BREAKING NEWS: SAVE Yemen, Massive explosion kills 160

A massive explosion hit an ammunitions factory today in the town of Jaar, Abyan, among rising fears that Islamist extremism will be used as an excuse for President Saleh to stay in power. Maha* told us that 160 people have so far died due to the blast, many of them women and children. Yemeni people expect the government to announce that Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) is behind the incident, although most believe it is a plot by the government. According to people on the ground, government soldiers had left the factory, leaving it open for locals to raid. The blast took place while the civilians were inside the factory. “Yemenis think this is one of Saleh’s plays to prove to the international community that Yemen will descend into chaos if he steps down,” said Maha. “Saleh is playing the Al-Qaeda card.”

Safe hands could be a woman’s hands: protesters support Amat Al Alim Alsoswa for president

President Saleh now appears on television daily to make statements about his intentions. The latest reports show that he withdrew an offer to step down within 6 months, saying that he will only leave if he can turn the country over to “safe hands”.

Speculation that those hands could be female has increased over the last few days. Although many at first identified Tawakkol Karman as a strong option for change in Yemen, support has increased for another candidate: Amat Al Alim Alsoswa. Alsoswa is famous for being one of the only women to reach high government postings in Yemen. She was educated in Egypt and the USA, and became Yemen’s first woman undersecretary for the Ministry of Information, first woman ambassador to the Netherlands, and first woman minister for Human Rights. She is now Director of the UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States. “Alsoswa is very respected in Yemen,” said Maha. “Yemen has been ruled by queens before, and those were the best times this country knew. It would be great for us to be ruled by a woman in modern times. I doubt that it is possible, but who knows; during a revolution, miracles can happen.”

Women’s role in the protests is changing day by day. Women have begun to stay overnight in Change Square, sleeping in tents. Such practices would never normally be accepted in Yemen. Some Yemenis express their concern over Facebook: “One protester wrote on Facebook that he respects all the women who have joined the revolution, but that he does not like the fact that women are staying in the tents,” said Maha.

Discontent with international intentions

Certain segments of the Yemeni society have expressed their wish for the international community to ask Saleh to step down. After observing the revolutions in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, Yemeni youth leaders expected a stronger reaction from other governments in support of their drive for change. The revolutionaries continue to reject Saleh’s claim that the country will descend into civil war, should he step down. They emphasize that, although there are a predicted 60 million guns in Yemen, the revolution has been peaceful from the beginning.

Sandstorm increases difficulties in Sana’a as revolution drifts towards stalemate

A huge sandstorm hit Sana’a yesterday, where people are still protesting by the thousands in the streets. Young people in Change Square are wearing masks and struggling to breathe in the dust-filled air. The sandstorm began on Sunday, and is predicted to continue for three days. Maha, our contact in Yemen, says it is one of the strongest she has seen. Some schools have stopped teaching due to the sand, but protesters remain undeterred.

Other sections of the population are beginning to lose their optimism. “Yemen will collapse economically before it collapses politically,” commented one Yemeni professor. Prices have increased exponentially since the beginning of the revolution. Maha estimates that the price of gas has gone up 50%. Gas is now hardly available outside the black market. “I do not know how they are surviving,” Maha said of the large number of Yemenis who live in poverty. Many of them live on less than 1 US dollar a day.

*Name has been changed.

BREAKING NEWS: SAVE Yemen, Latest Update

Out of the uncertain situation, a solution involving civil society and youth leaders is emerging, along with the suggestion that a woman, Tawakkol Karman, could be Yemen's best choice for president.



Tawwakol Karman, Yemeni human rights
activist, journalist and politician.
Image: Khaled Abdullah/Reuters

Tomorrow will be a big day for Yemen. Opposition parties are calling for a march on the presidential palace despite President Saleh’s declaration of emergency powers banning protests. Some youth leaders are advocating for protesters to stay in Change Square, refusing the call from the political opposition parties to march. However, neither seems to be deterred by the prohibition on demonstrations, and protesters see Friday as the day that they will definitively demand Saleh’s resignation.

A solution to the power vacuum
Maha (name changed), one of our partners in Yemen, reported today that Yemenis on the ground are refusing Saleh’s announcement that civil war will ensue if he steps down. “Many are saying that that claim is ridiculous, and that Saleh is just trying to stop change happening,” said Maha.

Claims of impending civil war surround the defection of powerful military leaders to the opposition, including General Ali Mohsen Al-Ahmar, President Saleh’s half brother and military commander of Yemen’s north-western area. He has pledged his support to the protesters. “Many are skeptical about al-Ahmar’s defection to the opposition,” said Maha. “They think that this is just a way for those who are already in power to retain their positions.”

Protestors and leaders from several opposition parties have now come up with a proposal to fill the power vacuum should Saleh step down soon. They have suggested a “traditional committee” made up of leading civil society figures and youth leaders. No names have so far concretely emerged, but they are certain that they would not allow military figures to be part of the committee. Maha says that there are many qualified people in Yemeni society who would be able to fill this committee.

Women’s role in a new Yemen
Yemen has modeled much of its revolution on Egypt’s experiences. Although many women were outspoken and instrumental in Egypt’s protests, no women have so far been consulted in the process of constitutional change. “This is related to our Arabic culture,” said Maha. “It is very sad, especially because women have worked so hard, and their voices have been so powerful both in Egypt and Yemen. I do not have much hope that a committee in Yemen would have women representatives. Women are often used as a card, played when it is needed, such as during elections or revolutions, then forgotten when men have achieved what they were striving for.”

One woman whose voice is listened to by Yemenis is Tawakkol Karman. Lately, a debate has started on facebook, with many advocating for Karman to become Yemen’s president. “She had a lot of support before the revolution, and many people – both men and women – think she is the best choice. She has a vision for Yemen’s future. She is brave and has a record of social justice. Her popularity has hugely increased since she became active in the revolution. Of course, there are also many who make impolite comments and say that it is a stupid idea that a woman should rule over Yemen’s men.” So far, Karman herself does not appear to have commented on the possibility of herself taking a position in a new order. Much of the debate has taken place over Facebook, as it is a safer arena to express opinions, but Maha says there are also conversations about Karman’s future taking place in the streets.

Who is Tawakkol Karman?
Tawakkol Karman is the 32 year old chairwoman of Women Journalists Without Chains and a human rights activist. In the last elections in 2003, Karman won a seat in parliament along with 12 other female members of Islah, the main opposition party that stands for reforms. In 2005, Karman founded Women Journalists Without Chains in defense of human rights and freedom of expression including the right to public protests. She has been in the forefront in agitating against a draft amendment to the Constitution of Yemen to allow the president to remain in office for life.

Karman has already been arrested more than once this year for her activities in support of revolution. In her advocacy work she is not only a loud voice supporting women’s rights, but also addresses unemployment and corruption in Yemeni society as a whole.

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: SAVE Yemen

Our partner in Yemen has today updated us further on the situation in Sana’a, emphasizing the role women are playing in the protests and informing us about the massive protests planned for Friday.

Yemen has in the last few days witnessed a deluge of resignations. Saleh's tribespeople, who are in a very powerful position in government and military institutions, have resigned and announced that they are joining the Youth Revolution.

Yet, the resignation of Ali Mohsen AL-Ahmar, Saleh's half brother, was surprising for all Yemenis and it has stirred much debate. Many think his resignation comes late, and they condemn the 'dirty' history of Al-Ahmar and his role in the Sada'a war. They picture him as a criminal, holding him to be a member of Saleh's family that should be held accountable for a number of crimes and corruption.

Youth in "Change Square" have doubts about many of the late resignations of high-military officials who have been known for corruption and "black history". Young people are afraid that such people aim to hijack the revolution to seize power. However, some youth have welcomed such new alliances that will support the revolution, asking their peers to forget the past and start a new era.

Women and the Watan Coalition

Women are instrumental in the protests. Along with their children, they take to the streets to join protests in Change Square, and they organize sit-ins. Significantly, women stay up late (until 10 or 11pm) in the protestors' camps; something that is not common in the conservative Yemeni society. For moral support, women cook and supply food to the protesters; they write slogans and verses on the bread such as "Go out" or "People want the regime to be ousted". Significantly, women and men are mixing in the camps. "It is amazing. Here in Change Square, despite the huge number of protesters, I do not get harassed or criticized for being who I am. I am with my hair, not wearing the Yemeni Abya'a, but I feel welcomed and I feel that everybody here accepts the others. I cannot find such a thing anywhere but here in Change Square,” an-open-minded Yemeni lady excitedly said.

Yemeni women activists have established the 'Watan' Coalition'; Watan means "Nation", through which they support the protesters by all means. Apart from providing food, they are also ensuring that protestors have access to medical supplies and clinics. They have an active page on Facebook too.

Women made up a fantastic picture on Sunday when a massive (with around a million attendees) funeral for last Friday's 52 martyrs took place. Women even prayed along with men for the souls of the martyrs. One woman happily commented "It was the first time I see Yemeni women pray in public. Thank God I lived to see such a day". Although usually in the protests, women make up about 5% of the protestors, on Sunday the crowds were at least 20% women.

Despite many fears, Yemeni women are so happy to be part of the coming change and the coming "New Yemen". They believe that they, along with Yemeni men, could shape how the 'New Yemen' will look – a Yemen in which women will be an active factor.

Facebook

Like in Egypt and Tunisia, Facebook has become the most important medium of communication, and revolutionaries use it to give updates from Change Square. "Now, we do not depend so much on TV or newspapers. Instead, the Media Committee on the ground in Change Square either in Sana’a or Taiz update their compatriots with breaking news, and by uploading videos of the activities of the protesters." Maha commented.

Some think that Facebook users are few in Yemen when compared to Egypt or Tunisia. The Arab Social Media Report indicated that the percentage of Yemeni Facebookers is only 0.74% (the lowest in the Arab Region). However, the message is also being spread through traditional means, and is reaching the countryside as well as the main cities. Maha emphasizes that this revolution is supported by all social classes, not just the educated elite.

At the moment, Yemeni Youth are trying to come up with a clear vision that pictures what post-revolution Yemen would look like. It is clear that the youth groups are demanding a “civic and democratic" state. They have strongly insisted that the New Yemen will not accept a take-over by anybody from the "Al-Ahmar" family, Saleh’s tribe, or any military personalities.

As a next step, the young people are calling for a massive demonstration on this coming Friday. Protestors will march towards the Presidential Palace. All roads leading towards the Palace are currently blocked by soldiers and tanks. Maha is hopeful that this protest will not be countered with violence. She thinks it would be a huge mistake for Saleh’s regime to once again crack down on protestors, having witnessed the powerful emotional reaction to last Friday’s massacre. Leading figures of the revolution, including Tawakkol Karman, chairwoman of Women Journalists Without Chains and one of the leading voices of the revolution, have posted messages on their Facebook pages urging Yemeni citizens to take part in Friday’s demonstration.

Breaking News: SAVE Yemen

On March 21st, SAVE Global spoke with our Yemeni partner based on the outskirts of Sana’a about recent developments in the capital, how Yemeni youth view the revolution, and her hopes and fears for the coming days.

Daily Life

Maha (name changed), a university-educated woman, explained how her life has changed since this past Friday, when a bloody massacre left over 50 anti-government protesters dead. President Saleh immediately declared a state of emergency in Yemen, which has sought to restrict the movement of individuals and closed public schools and universities (private universities, including the Islamic Iman University, remain open). When she now wants to travel to Sana’a, Maha and her family must pass through a series of checkpoints, a reality she had never before experienced.

The current uprisings throughout Sana’a are beginning to take a severe toll on the Yemeni population, at least in the capital city. Yesterday, many private companies throughout Sana’a asked their employees to return home and remain indoors; as a substantial portion of Yemenis live on less than 2 dollars a day, however, the economic pressures the state of emergency is exerting on the population have led some to defy orders and seek work.

Change, But Who and How?

While hope and a fervent desire for change can be found among the revolutionary Yemeni youth, uncertainty about the future seems to be the pervasive emotion in the homes and camps throughout Sana’a. The resignation of former key government supporters, including a number of government Ministers and Ambassadors, has created a severe sense of unease among the revolutionary population. They also fear that should Saleh fall, his half-brother or another, similarly oppressive leader will seize power, such that a regime shift may occur without any true change or development on the ground.

A significant complicating factor in the Yemeni uprisings is that while the Yemeni youth desire change, they generally support neither the government nor the opposition forces. From the beginning, the opposition group has not pandered to the youth, and the youth did not pledge their support to them. Emblematic of this indecision is the growth of a youth group that calls itself ‘The Youth Group without a Political Party,’ which is currently gaining supporters throughout Sana’a. Maha fears that the majority of the young revolutionaries have no clear idea of what the desired outcome of the uprisings should look like, nor how this change should be achieved.

As in Egypt, no single young leader is emerging out of the unrest; however, unlike in Cairo, with a population of close to 20 million, many of whom are educated, only a small minority of the less than two million people who live in Sana’a are educated. This imbalance is hindering a common formulation of what post-revolution Yemen should look like; the agitation for change, without clear direction or even the present ability of an individual to emerge out of the masses and give direction, raises questions about how successful this movement can be. Maha strongly emphasized that Yemen and Egypt cannot be compared in their revolutionary paths, as Egypt’s revolutionary youths’ very poignant idea of and desire for democracy cannot be found reflected among the Yemeni youth.

Libya

In general, Yemenis support the Allied enforcement of a no-fly zone in Libya; they fear that if President Saleh is not removed, he will become a second Gaddafi. However, Yemenis are very concerned about the humanitarian consequences and are afraid that such external intervention could have a lasting effect on Libya and the Middle East in general. There are fears that the no-fly zone is the beginning of ‘a second Iraq,’ but those who are frustrated with Arab autocrats believe that there should be sacrifices in order to create change. responded that “the Yemenis feel that civilians are likely to die either way, and that it is better for civilians to die at the hands of the Allied forces than at the hands of crazy Gaddafi. They hope that Libyans will ultimately cultivate the fruits of their new revolution. ”

Western Media Focus

Western media have reported that Saleh’s tribe has rescinded his membership; when asked about how strongly this information is featured in the Yemeni media, Maha noted that it was only peripherally mentioned in the Sana’a press. Also of concern is that while the Western media have highlighted the role of Tawakkol Karman, a leading female activist who was kidnapped at the beginning of the unrest and who played a key role in the protests at the University of Sana’a, has been very quiet in recent days, even ending her text message campaign to other activists. Amal al Basha, the Executive Director of the Sisters Arab Forum, is instead slowly emerging as a very loud supporter of change.

Women

Women are playing a significant role in this uprising. They cook and supply food to the protesters, support their husbands, and also take to the streets themselves. Significantly, women and men are mixing in the camps.

Rise of Extremsim

Maha’s friend, a political analyst, yesterday identified Taliban who are beginning to infiltrate these camps. One of their first efforts is to segregate male and female protesters, claiming that the mixing of the genders is against religious law. These initial steps, combined with the Taliban’s growing presence in the camps, raises concerns about the rise of Islamist extremists to fill the vacuum being created by revolutionary agitation with no clear goal or leader.

Facebook

Facebook has become the most important medium for the youthful revolutionaries to communicate and exchange information; very few listen to or watch the news and/or read newspapers. Yesterday, a youth group began posting their demands on a Facebook page.

To read more about the situation on the ground in Yemen, visit the Yemen Times

Further up-to-date information about the uprisings in Yemen can be found on the BBC's website.