This story was submitted by Yemen Women Union as part of the Regional Action Forum's IDGC 2025 Campaign
In the village of Dhahyan, located in the district of Ayal Sarih in Amran Governorate, Aya—a 17-year-old girl—lived in a small rented house with her parents, siblings, and her brother’s wife. But behind those modest walls lay a painful story of violence and deprivation, starring a girl who was denied the right to choose, and even the chance to dream.
Her older brother, suffering from severe psychological disorders, inflicted harsh physical and emotional abuse on Aya and her younger sister Wafa. He deprived them of education and forced them to work long hours in agricultural fields from dawn until dusk, harvesting potatoes under a scorching sun and fading hope. As his mental health deteriorated and the family couldn’t afford treatment, his violence escalated—culminating in his decision to marry Aya off to a neighbor, despite her repeated refusals.
Aya’s resistance wasn’t enough to protect her. Each “no” was met with beatings. She sank into deep depression, cried silently, isolated herself, and even deprived herself of food, hoping her brother would reconsider. Aya recalls:
“I hated myself and my entire family. I felt like every door was closed as long as my brother was in my life.”
Amid this darkness, a glimmer of hope appeared. During a community awareness campaign, Aya’s mother met the coordinator of the Rural Girls Empowerment Program run by Yemen Women Union (YWU) with the support of UNFPA. Upon learning about a free educational class in the area (REFLCT Methodology Classes), she rushed to enrol Aya and Wafa, hoping education would be their escape from oppression.
From the very first day, the coordinator noticed Aya’s distant gaze and deep silence. She sat with her, listened to her story, and Aya broke down in tears. She was referred to a psychiatrist and began a six-month treatment journey, fully supported by the Union, which provided medication and transportation. Gradually, Aya began to transform—becoming one of the most active and outstanding students.
In the educational class, Aya learned to read, write, and do basic math. She began helping teach new students and gained remarkable confidence. Later, she joined an economic empowerment training in crochet and wool crafts, where she showed exceptional creativity—designing makeup boxes wrapped in wool and colourful water bottle covers, which boosted her sales in the village.
Thanks to the Union’s support, Aya received economic empowerment and began producing and selling her crafts, sending them to her sister in Sa’ada Governorate to be sold. Over time, she was able to afford treatment for her brother, and their family life began to stabilize. After his recovery, he moved to a separate home with his wife and children, started showing empathy toward Aya, and eventually broke off her engagement to the neighbour she never wanted to marry.
Today, Aya is not just a girl who survived early marriage and domestic violence—she is a symbol of empowerment and transformation. She says:
“Thank you, YWU. You were part of my success, my transformation, and the realization of my dreams. You gave me access to education and work, and helped my family. Without you, I couldn’t have done anything.”
Aya’s story is more than just a tale of one girl—it’s a living testament that the right support, at the right time, can save a life and rebuild a future.
This story was submitted by Yemen Women Union as part of the Regional Action Forum's IDGC 2025 Campaign
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