MEPI in Yemen
Completed MEPI Programs
The following provides descriptions of completed programs in Yemen, as well as a list of completed Regional Programs in which Yemeni organizations or individuals participated.
Yemen Programs
The Human Rights Information and Training Center
Capacity building for the upcoming UAE Civil Society Parallel Forum” - This project built on the outcomes of the Sanaa Parallel Forum with a primary focus on building partnerships with UAE civil society leaders, in order to support their efforts towards this year’s Forum for the Future, and ensure that it builds on the progress and momentum of previous years. Through planning workshops and consultation meetings offered to UAE and BMENA civil society leaders, and organized by the Yemeni Human Rights Information and Training Center (HRITC), the knowledge and experience enabled civil society participants to shape their efforts with knowledge of past progress. HRITC produced and distributed 500 copies of the book on the outcomes of the four previous parallel civil society meetings, including substantive topics discussed at the meetings and the tangible outcomes. A website to include documents and materials related to civil society’s role in the Forum process was created.
Women Journalists without Chains
Journalists against Corruption - In 2006, Yemen passed a new Anti-Corruption Law, and in 2007 established a National Anti-Corruption Committee. This project empowered the press as a watchdog to ensure the new law and committee translate into actual progress against corruption. To accomplish this, WJWC formed a committee of journalists and editors; made them experts on the Anti-Corruption Law and the Anti-Corruption Committee; and empowered them with investigative reporting knowledge and skills. The members of the “Journalists Against Corruption Committee” (JACC), wrote and published investigative articles on corruption and/or anti-corruption efforts. WJWC helped the JACC produce and publicize a summary report and analysis of anti-corruption efforts since passage of the Anti-corruption Law and Anti-Corruption Committee, and presented its findings to Parliament and the Government. In addition to the report, the project produced a “Journalists Against Corruption Handbook” and an “Investigative Reporting Manual” for the on-going use and reference of the JACC and all Yemeni journalists.
SOUL
Strengthening Women’s NGO Advocacy and Operations in the Governorate of Marib- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should not only serve community social, economic, and educational needs, they should also organize and empower citizens to seek governmental support, services, and policies that are responsive to those needs. NGOs should not just serve citizens, they should mobilize them. Through this two-phase project, SOUL strengthened the ability of 15 women NGOs in the governorate of Marib to mobilize citizens, engage government, and advocate for the needs and rights of the people of their communities: Phase one provided participant NGOs training and resources essential to strengthening their operations and capacity. Phase two provided training on effective advocacy campaigns; including effective lobbying of municipal councils and government institutions, and how to garner public support. Both phases included examples of best practices from other Yemeni NGOs.
Democracy School
Democracy and Human Rights Training for Yemen’s Future Judges and Lawyers - For Democracy to function as intended, the laws passed by elected legislators must be respected and independently upheld by the judiciary; by judges who apply and interpret laws without violating universal human rights. Further, as advocates for individuals citizens, lawyers must understand their clients’ rights and ensure they are respected in the judicial process. This project provided instruction to ground the functions of future Yemeni judges and lawyers in democracy and its requisite respect for universal human rights. The Democracy School led interactive training workshops and mock trials for future lawyers studying at the Sharia and Law College, and for future judges studying at the Higher Judicial Institute. The Democracy School conveyed the key components of democracy and international human rights standards to students from both institutions. Instructors from both institutions also participated in the sessions. The training content and materials were compiled into an instructional booklet for the participants’ future reference, and for the instructors’ future use with subsequent classes of students.
National Organization for Developing Sodiety (NODS)
Democracy Training for Sanaa Imams and Women Preachers - Through this project, the National Organization for Developing Society (NODS) targeted a group of imams and women preachers in Sanaa through a series of workshops and training modules that examined and conveyed concepts of democracy, human rights and rule of law, and these values were later incorporated in their widely influential teachings. This project expanded on NODS’ successful work delivering democracy and human rights training to Imams and women preachers in the city of Taiz.
Modern Youth Society
Empowering Women Constituents in Yemen through Awareness and Activism - The project strengthened the ability of Yemeni women in the governorates of Shabwa, Ma’reb and Abeen to participate in political life as well-informed, active constituents. Participants lobbied elected local officials and held them accountable for addressing key issues of local concern. The Modern Youth Society drew upon leading women in the three governorates to form committees that were responsible for identifying issues of concern, raising the awareness of local women, and lobbying and monitoring their respective Local Councils on current and future development issues, projects and services.
The National Organization for Defending Rights and Freedoms (HOOD)
Reform of The Judicial Authority Law - Yemen’s constitution provided for the judiciary’s independence, but the Judicial Authority Law, which defines how the judiciary is managed and operated, included some provisions that infringe upon the constitutional safeguards of judicial independence. Amendments were made to the law of Judicial Authority, but despite these recent changes the Judicial Authority remains susceptible to interference from the executive branch. Through this project, a committee of legal experts evaluated the effectiveness of the amendments made to the law of Judicial Authority, and identified and drafted further amendments necessary to safeguard judicial independence. The committee presented its proposed, draft amendment language to MPs, Yemen's Bar Associations, and the public for input. An advocacy action plan for gaining wide public and parliamentary support for the draft amendments was completed at a workshop for selected MPs and lawyers.
National Organization for Developing Society (NODS)
Democracy and Human Rights Training for Imams - NODS brought together a group of Imams to educate them about the values of democracy and human rights. Over the course of 10 workshop sessions, Imams learnt to research issues from international sources on the internet, and participated in discussion and debates on human rights and democracy. Upon completion of the program, a booklet summarizing main points and lessons learned was formulated and distributed widely to other Imams to incorporate these concepts, ideas, and values into their influential teachings in their communities.
Al-Aghabera & Al-Arouq Charitable Society
Creating Dynamic Community Libraries - AACS trained 4 librarians, 40 teachers, 40 parents and 50 students as trainers. They in turn trained a total of 2000 peers at four community libraries on how to use library and internet resources. Community Library Clubs were created in each community, through which future library users would receive training and resource materials.
Youth Leadership Development Foundation (YLDF)
Youth Leadership Program - YLDF taught male and female Yemeni youth to develop business and entrepreneurial skills that enable them to enter the market as small business entrepreneurs or professional employees to help vitalize Yemen’s private sector. The one-year program, Youth Business Professionals Program (YBPP), consisted of four training modules, and included placement and referral support to its graduates.
Yemen Polling Center
Political Participation and Governance: Public Attitudes and Perceptions - Yemen Polling Center staff were trained and supported by an expert consultant to carry out effective and accurate polling. Four separate polls were conducted across four different governorates in advance of Yemen's municipal council and presidential elections. Results were distributed to Yemeni media, political parties, and civil society institutions.
Democracy School
Qualifying Young Lawyers in Human Rights - The project trained one hundred and sixty Sharia and Law faculty students on the concept of Human Rights. Students from third and fourth year were primary particpants in this project. The project also enabled students to legal research on the international conventions on Human Rights and the international protocols of the addendum conventions.
Al-Rahma Foundation
Business and Marketing Skills for Women - This program trained and encouraged female youth of Dar Al-Rahma to produce high-quality handicrafts such as woven rugs for domestic and international markets. It promoted and expanded productivity and profitability of female youth which helped them gain skills to start their own business and improve their economic opportunity. The products of the project were marketed through networking and agreements with selected Trade Centers in the major tourist sites in Yemen.
SOUL
Community Based Integrated Development Program: Expanding Employment Opportunities in the Hadhramout - A series of workshops included the following topics: "Shop for a Job", "Sell Yourself", and "Role Playing". This program was a pilot initiative. If proven successful, the implementer proposed a permanent employment assistance center to provide employment services to the community.
Partners for Democratic Change
Yemeni Consensus Building Program - This program develops and sustains local capacity with Yemeni civil society for cooperative decision-making and conflict resolution through the strengthening of the Yemeni Civic Democratic Support Foundation.
Parliamentary Election Monitoring Program - This grant provided funding for a group to monitor the April 2003 Yemeni parliamentary elections.
Building Business Aptitude of Youth - This grant builds business aptitude and provides economic opportunities for at-risk youth, especially young women, by developing skills, business ideas, and career paths.
Regional Programs
Yemeni individuals or groups participated in the following completed programs, which took place in two or more countries in the region (Click Here to see descriptions of regional programs). MEPI reform pillars are listed in parentheses.
FSVC – Partnership for Financial Excellence Part I [Economic]
Bahrain
Yemen
