SANA'A, Yemen – Bushra Ahmed Al-Burai is a mother of six and – in one of the world’s most restrictive countries for women’s rights - a gender equality champion and a successful entrepreneur.
In Yemen, many women and girls face movement and labour restrictions, and when leaving the house must be accompanied by a male guardian, or mahram. “The issue of rights and violence in Yemen is extremely complex,” Bushra told UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, which is the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency. “The status of women hasn't changed much – thousands of girls still lack access to education and equal opportunity.”
It is a reality she knows all too well: Now 46, Bushra was just 14 years old when her family arranged a marriage to an older man, and a year later she was pregnant for the first time. In 2015 her husband lost his state job due to the conflict, and Bushra found herself struggling to feed, clothe or afford schooling for her children.
“Thousands of girls still lack access to education and equal opportunity” – Bushra
“We had almost nothing. So I started to look for a solution for my family,” she told UNFPA. Shortly after, she launched her own private security business – the first ever in Yemen to be run by and for women.
Supporting women through crises
For over a decade, Yemen has been repeatedly rocked by conflict, economic collapse, climate disasters and political volatility. The lack of essential services, particularly healthcare and social protection, has taken a heavy toll on the country’s women and girls.
“Where there is poverty, violence breeds, unemployment spikes, and the path to education is cut off. This leads directly to child marriage, leaving women increasingly vulnerable to exploitation and blackmail,” explained Bushra.
In 2019, Bushra sought support at a UNFPA safe space that offered programmes aimed at empowering women by helping them create livelihoods for themselves. With funding from the European Union, Iceland, Norway, and the OCHA-led Yemen Humanitarian Fund, UNFPA currently supports 27 safe spaces where survivors are given the time and services to recover from gender-based violence.
Importantly, they can also learn how to claim their right to live a fulfilling, healthy, safe life – including the ability to join the labour force of their choosing.
“Where there is poverty, violence breeds, unemployment spikes, and the path to education is cut off” – Bushra
“The safe space provided the full support and the confidence I needed to pursue my dream in this unconventional field,” said Bushra. “I started with only three women – now I employ thirty women and six men. And beyond private security, I lead a specialized team of women dedicated to coordinating, organizing, and securing events and celebrations.”
Security services in Yemen are traditionally carried out only by men, and Bushra faced significant pushback from her family and community. “I suffered greatly and received no encouragement at first – quite the opposite. I actually worked in total secrecy for more than six months.”
But Bushra’s dedication paid off, and now despite the harsh economic climate, she has faith in sustaining her company’s growth. “Imagine what would happen if we gave up? You are talking about more than 40 families that my team supports.”
Hopes for the future of Yemen’s girls
Of all her achievements, Bushra is most proud of being able to cover her children’s – and her own – education costs. “This is my crowning achievement in life,” she told UNFPA. “And while my children were pursuing their degrees, I returned to my own studies as well, despite my many responsibilities. It was a beautiful, funny sight. I would finish my work, return home, and we would sit together to study our lessons as a family.”
But as funding cuts to the international aid sector are forcing multiple programmes like UNFPA’s safe spaces to shutter and women’s and girls’ rights are being rolled back around the world, Bushra is becoming anxious about her four daughters’ future choices.
“We want girls to have the freedom of opinion and the right to make their own decisions” – Bushra
“There was a period where we began to see the seeds of change and reform,” she explained. “But now, given the recent upheavals and developments, the question haunts us: Will women be able to preserve the gains they fought so hard for over the past years? I honestly don’t know.”
Hers is a question that echoes far beyond Yemen: In 2026, women worldwide have less than two thirds of the legal rights that men hold, and while many countries have made progress in advancing the rights of women and girls, no nation has achieved true gender equality.
Bushra believes that systems, minds and people must unite for change. “This is the only way to achieve true community well-being and a total societal recovery.”
“We want every girl to have her chance at a dignified life, education, work and protection. We want girls to have the freedom of opinion and the right to make their own decisions.”
