This is a unique and inspiring success story of a young Yemeni woman in her thirties who defied the odds and whose disability did not prevent her from becoming self-reliant and contributing to society and the economy, despite the abuse she has suffered since childhood.

This is the story of Shaima – a pseudonym for privacy and protection – who is deaf and mute and lives in Al-Wadi District, Marib Governorate. A sign language teacher was consulted to write her success story, which reflects a bright aspect of a project providing livelihood services to the most vulnerable women and girls in Yemen.

Disability, Orphanhood, and Violence

Shaima lived a three-dimensional tragedy. In her childhood, she was bullied because of her disability, and her father, who had always stood by her, passed away prematurely. As she grew older, she was subjected to violence rooted in social dynamics.

Yemen is among the countries experiencing high levels of violence against women, resulting from social, cultural, economic, and other factors. This serious phenomenon has been exacerbated by the humanitarian crisis the country is experiencing due to the conflict.

Shaima, 23, found herself isolated from society as her mental health deteriorated. However, like many others who are deaf and mute, she possesses a sharp intellect and keen insight, a gift from God to compensate for her hearing and speech impairments.

According to her conversation with a sign language interpreter, she noticed several women and girls frequenting a safe space run by HUMAN ACCESS association in Marib Al-Wadi. This space is part of a project providing livelihood services to the most vulnerable women and girls in Yemen, funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Shaima sensed, with genuine conviction, that this place was dedicated to supporting and protecting women. She decided to go there seeking safety and care. The women staff at the safe space recognized the young woman's story of hardship, and with the help of a sign language interpreter, they were able to understand her struggles and aspirations.

The safe space for women and girls immediately began playing a vital role in her rehabilitation and empowerment. Despite the numerous challenges, Shaima's story has become a success story and an inspiration to many others.

Psychological Support and Vocational Rehabilitation

Due to a life of deprivation, domestic violence, and societal neglect, Shaima desperately needed psychological support to overcome her trauma and rebuild her life. Therefore, providing psychological support was the first priority.

After assessing her talents and abilities, she received training in sewing to set her on a path to success and contribution. Her trainer gave her special attention, and because of Shaima's quick wit, she was able to acquire the skills of this craft, which is in high demand in the local job market.

Following her vocational training, she was provided with a sewing machine and its accessories to work from home and earn a living. To further enhance her skills, she was enrolled in an additional training course in October 2025.

Now, Shaima sews clothes with great passion and showcases her creative and professional products. She has been able to provide for herself, her mother, and her two sisters, who also have disabilities.

A beacon of hope emerged thanks to a project providing livelihood services to the most vulnerable women and girls in Yemen. This project, rooted in principles of social responsibility, empowers people with disabilities, improving their lives and facilitating their social integration, thus contributing to a more inclusive society in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Commenting on this humanitarian support, Shaima told the sign language interpreter that she now loves life. She added that she no longer needs help from others and is no longer as afraid as before. She aspires to own a large sewing workshop and expressed her willingness to train any woman facing similar challenges in the art of sewing.