Training on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

In southern Yemen, women and girls face severe marginalization due to years of conflict, political fragmentation, and entrenched patriarchal norms. Access to education, healthcare, livelihoods, and political participation remains extremely limited, with marginalized groups such as the Muhamasheen and internally displaced women particularly vulnerable.

Despite these challenges, women have shown resilience, taking on roles as heads of households, income earners, peacebuilders, and community leaders. In areas like Aden and Hadramout, women-led organizations continue to support communities and advocate for rights, though shrinking civic space and low trust between state and society hinder progress.

The rise of internet and social media use—around 3.6 million users by January 2024—has opened new opportunities for connection and engagement, but also exposed women to technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), including online harassment, threats, and defamation. Low digital literacy, lack of cybercrime laws, and patriarchal norms exacerbate these risks, leaving many women unable or unwilling to seek help.

There is an urgent need to raise awareness of TFGBV and implement protective, context-sensitive measures that empower women and girls online and offline. Strengthening women’s networks and agency will enable greater participation in society at district and governorate levels.

The project “Supporting Participation and Dialogue in Yemen” (ParticiLogue), implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), aims to improve societal conditions for peaceful coexistence in Aden, Taiz, and Hadramout. Years of conflict, political fragmentation, and limited civic participation have created mistrust between the state, civil society, and local communities, weakening the foundations for peace.

ParticiLogue strengthens local governance by training civil society actors and public institutions in transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation. A key focus is empowering women and women’s networks, combining individual skill-building with organizational support to enhance their role in decision-making processes. Male allies are included to promote gender equality and support women’s participation.

The project also engages youth as agents of change, building skills in non-violent communication, conflict transformation, and media literacy. Through safe spaces for dialogue—both online and offline—young people gain confidence to contribute to peacebuilding and co-create visions for positive societal change.

Our training is implemented as part of this project.