The protracted conflict in Yemen, now entering its eleventh year, has unleashed a cascade of devastating consequences, plunging the nation into one of the most severe humanitarian crises of the twenty-first century. Beyond the harrowing scenes of widespread violence, displacement, and food insecurity, the conflict has incited a silent revolution within Yemeni households, fundamentally altering traditional gender roles. Amid the chaos and turmoil, women have emerged as unexpected agents of change, shouldering the responsibility of providing for their families in unprecedented ways.

This article delves into the intricate ramifications of this seismic shift in socioeconomic gender dynamics precipitated by Yemen’s conflict by reviewing relevant existing studies and interviewing seven women from diverse social backgrounds and diverse levels of expertise, including one lawyer and one women-empowerment activist. All interviews were conducted in Arabic. While this sample is not exhaustive and the findings may not be significantly representative, my observations, as well...

You do not currently have access to this content.