On her way to collect water. | Photo Credit: UNDP Yemen/2021[/caption]
In Yemen, there are girls deprived of education due to the burden of fetching water.
Amid conflict in Yemen, Houthi rebels weaponize water, particularly affecting women and young girls, as revealed in a recent report.
According to New Security Beat, the Houthis manipulate and restrict water access to the Yemeni populace.
“Water scarcity disproportionately impacts women in Yemen,” explains report co-author Niku Jafarnia. “The disparity is evident, especially among young girls.
“One significant consequence is girls dropping out of school to fetch water. In Aden, despite being the most stable region, girls miss out on education as they spend hours carrying heavy water loads.”
Filling jerrycans from the water tank built by YECRP in Quhal, Iyal Surayh district, Amran. | Photo Credit: UNDP Yemen/2021
“This journey is perilous. Long rural walks increase the risk of encountering landmines and gender-based violence,” Jafarnia continues. “These issues have intensified recently according to activists.
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“Globally, women manage households and are the primary caregivers, making them the last to prioritize their needs during shortages. This can have adverse effects on women’s health.”
Green Prophet has extensively covered the Houthi conflict, urging environmental organizations like Greenpeace to address threats like the FSO Safer tanker. Despite reaching out to Greenpeace regarding the Houthis’ actions in the Red Sea, no response has been received.
Yemen has faced severe water scarcity for years, with the world’s only capital without water. To support the Yemeni people, concerted efforts are needed to combat the Houthi threat, recognized as global terrorists on par with other extremist groups.
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