Private sector ranks high in employing women [Archives:2008/1119/Local News]

By: Fatima Al-Ajel
SANA'A , January, 5 ) The latest study done by the Women's National Committee in 2006 found that, generally, women comprise 23 percent of the Yemeni labor market.

The private sector had a high percentage regarding employing women in various fields, with 28 percent of women working in the private and non-governmental sectors, as compared to the official sector, which had 9.3 percent.

According to the study, 85 percent of rural Yemeni women participate in their areas' economic activities, compared to 15 percent in urban areas. WNC general director Hana Hoiadai notes that there's a small increase in women's involvement in the Yemeni labor market, adding that her committee is about to prepare its report for 2007.

In this regard, the Women and Children's Circle within the General Union of Yemeni Labor Syndicates, in cooperation with the Norwegian Labor Union, organized a workshop this month for some 30 female participants from Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Tunisia.

The workshop sought to discuss how to develop the skills of women involved in labor syndicate activities, as well as raise awareness about their rights and international agreements protecting the rights of both male and female workers.

A study last year by Hassina Al-Khadery, head of Sana'a University's Women's Center, found that lack of government jobs, poor economic circumstances at home and the desire to own and operate an independent project are the main reasons Yemeni women break into the labor market and operate their own businesses.

Finding that most Yemeni businesswomen are between age 20 and 40, the study noted that not all such businesswomen register with the Chamber of Commerce; thus, the number of businesswomen registered doesn't reflect the actual number of businesswomen operating in the Yemeni market. According to the study, most Yemeni businesswomen don't register so as to avoid taxes, as well as for social reasons. Al-Khadery's study further disclosed that Yemeni businesswomen invest in various sectors, including services, education, agriculture, banking and entrepreneurial ventures.

Concluding recommendations from the WNC's third national women's conference in March 2006 included increasing women's participation in the Yemeni workforce to at least 30 percent of the labor market, in addition to providing them economic opportunities and adequate vocational and technical training, as well as improving the working environment and infrastructure.
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