Fatima Al-Selwi

Yemen has for long ranked poorly in gender equality. The Global Gender Gap Report, released annually by the World Economic Forum, has repeatedly ranked Yemen dead last.

Despite this, Fatima Al-Selwi, the businesswomen office director at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Sana’a’s Capital Secretariat, is optimistic things are changing.

The chamber, which serves as “the union of the private sector,” as she puts it, “gives women a chance to be under the umbrella of an organized sector.” The chamber’s mission is to strengthen the role of the private sector in improving economic development and bettering the national economy.

Speaking about women in the economy, Al-Selwi says she is confident that Yemeni businesswomen are playing an important role and their contribution is not inferior to men’s. As the businesswomen office director for the chamber, Al-Selwi coordinates training, certification, and the participation of Yemeni businesswomen in conferences inside the country and abroad. She also offers consultation to businesswomen.

Al-Selwi was born in Taiz governorate and received her bachelors in business management in Sana’a. She has worked in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for five years and was promoted to her current position in 2013.

The Yemen Times spoke to Al-Selwi about the role she believes Yemeni businesswomen are playing in the economy, how the current instability impacts their role, and why—despite the current situation and Yemen’s poor gender equality—she remains steadfast in her optimism.

It is often said that Yemeni women are marginalized. How do you evaluate women’s economic role in Yemen?
Yemeni women are playing a pioneering role in the economic situation of the country. Women, either employed in rural or urban areas, are shouldering a big responsibility, not less than men. The Yemeni woman is running the domestic affairs of the house in the absence or presence of her partner. Moreover, the Yemeni woman has grown stronger and become part of the labor market. Today, Yemeni businesswomen are working in various fields, including service-related sectors such as education, health, trade, among others. Women’s current role is greater than it used to be. Women’s jobs used to be confined only to household affairs, but nowadays they have made major strides in different walks of life.

How does the volatile situation affect the economy in general and Yemeni businesswomen in particular?
The current political situation has negatively affected the status of the national economy. There are worries, and financial capitals are receiving blows because of the insecurity. Some businesses have stopped and others have been relocated. Yemeni businesswomen are not separated from this, and thus they have felt the consequences. Their businesses are small and their capitals are not that large. So, all of them can not resist such hard times. The bottom line is that stability and prosperity are inseparable.

As the businesswomen office director in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, what assistance are you offering Yemeni businesswomen?
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry is considered the union of the private sector. The chamber gives Yemeni businesswomen a chance to be under the umbrella of an organized sector. If a businesswoman encounters a problem with some concerned authorities like customs and taxation, we take action and step in, considering that the businesswoman is registered with the chamber. We also provide Yemeni businesswomen with legal advice. In order for businessmen or businesswomen to embark on export and import businesses, the foreign parties make sure that the businesswoman or businessman is registered with the chamber. Therefore, having membership in the chamber is one’s identity for business. We are offering Yemeni businesswomen rehabilitation, training, workshops and symposiums. Also, we select Yemeni businesswomen to take part in foreign conferences.

Which businesses are Yemeni businesswomen more likely to initiate, or prefer to launch?
The Yemeni businesswoman has come to the forefront particularly in service businesses such as schools, universities, pharmacies, hospitals and contracting. Yemeni businesswomen have become present in all aspects. Yemeni businesswomen have also been running industrial businesses such as making incense, perfume and accessories.

How many Yemeni businesswomen are registered in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry?
I would like to clarify that no authority gives businesswomen or businessmen their title [of businessperson] except the chamber. Some mistakenly think that only those with handsome capitals can register in the chamber. We do care about nascent entrepreneurs more than more established ones. The former needs care and support in order to be able to compete and flourish. So, I want to say that the presence of businesswomen in the chamber gives strength to her business. Until the end of last year, the number of registered Yemeni businesswomen reached 352. Also, other businesswomen have been registered since the beginning of this year.

Do you think Yemeni businesswomen have been able to compete against Yemeni businessmen, or even outdo them in some ways?
The Yemeni businesswoman is a competitor, but she is not stronger than the Yemeni businessman. I think women’s capitals are smaller than the men’s. Also, cultural values and a patriarchal society have been among the major obstacles facing the Yemen businesswoman. The chamber is trying to make businesswomen connected to businessmen through different activities like conferences and workshops. There are some Yemeni businesswomen who have proven a shining example of woman’s positive role. It is not necessary that businesswomen compete with businessmen. The process should be interdependent.

In your view, how are women different than men when it comes to work responsibilities?
I think women are more diligent than men. I am not alone in saying this. Actual studies have proven that. Thus, Yemeni women have great abilities and can reach decision-making positions. Yemeni women have been taking on a big position in society, and have been able to overcome difficulties.

Do you think Yemen’s national economy can keep afloat without foreign aid and grants?
Generally speaking, Yemen has lots of natural resources such as tourism, oil, fishery and human resources. If these resources are appropriately exploited, the country’s economy will improve. For the time being, the country is still in need of foreign aid, and this will continue unless we see financial and administrative reforms.

What do you want to say to Yemeni businesswomen?
My advice to Yemeni women, whether a businesswoman, a housewife, or employee, is to start up their own businesses. Business begins with an idea. If she has a business idea, she can turn it into a project. There are many places that can help Yemeni women and the youth turn their ideas into real businesses. I also urge Yemeni businesswomen who work in their relatives’ shadow to go ahead and make a name for themselves. Being part of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry helps businesswomen get their voices heard.

What do you hope to see change in Yemen?
I hope that Yemen becomes a stable and secure country, and I hope that Yemenis can work hand-in-hand to defuse and resolve the crisis the country is undergoing. I hope that Yemeni people really cherish their homeland. In my opinion, what is happening today results from peoples’ unreal love for the nation. Everyone should work diligently regardless of her or his position in order to establish development. If this materializes, our situation will change for the better.