Increased activities of Yemeni businesswomen [Archives:2006/929/Business & Economy]

By: Mahyoub Al-Kamali
Yemeni women's activities in economic areas have increased despite challenges they face in a conservative society that looks at women through their housework in raising children and some light activities. Nevertheless, laws encourage women to practice trade and investment work in the free market based on economic openness and attracting capital to operate available economic projects by Yemenis, Arabs and foreigners.

Positive indicators have emerged regarding increased numbers of Yemeni businesswomen registering their commercial activities. There are 232 women in three governorates – 200 in Aden, 12 in Taiz and 20 in Sana'a – who operate commercial businesses.

A study mentioned that the above figures do not reflect actual numbers of Yemeni businesswomen, as most prefer not to register their businesses with the Ministry of Trade or Chambers of Commerce to avoid paying taxes. According to the study, businesswomen prefer managing social characteristic projects gaining quick profit with low cost through opening pharmacies, medical laboratories and private schools. Despite strong competition prevailing in the free market, recent years have witnessed dozens of women operating businesses in Yemen, particularly in Sana'a, Aden and Taiz governorates.

However, the study also mentioned certain hindrances facing businesswomen. Among impediments are not enough encouragement and care, society's unfriendly view and the investment environment, adding that some problems businesswomen encounter are gender-related. Taiz businesswomen mentioned they were exposed to family and societal pressure when they began projects like coiffeur shops. Other hindrances in initiating projects include difficulties in financing, marketing, obtaining licenses and weak skills and abilities.

The study also revealed the Chambers of Commerce role in boosting social gender equality, indicating that most sources of capital are from the businesswomen with very little support coming from husbands, family or friends. It also proved that a majority of businesswomen invest in the services sector, such as coiffeur shops, sewing workshops and hotels. Very limited numbers of women work in non-traditional sectors such as selling ironmongery, cartoon film distribution, the energy sector and real estate.
——
[archive-e:929-v:14-y:2006-d:2006-03-16-p:b&e]