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Press Release from the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Chair of the National Action Plan (NAP) for the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda
Mar 14, 2025
In a step that reflects the firm commitment of the internationally recognized Yemeni government to enhancing women's role and empowering them in all fields, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Zauri, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, praised the remarkable achievements of the first generation of the National Action Plan (NAP) for the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda. This initiative has become a leading model at both local and national levels.
His Excellency called on all international and local organizations and entities to provide full support for the preparation and implementation of the second generation of the National Action Plan. The aim is to continue the journey of success, build on the accomplishments of the first generation, and expand efforts to include all liberated governorates.
Minister Al-Zauri emphasized that implementing the first generation of the plan in the capital, Aden, despite the challenging economic and humanitarian conditions in the country, demonstrates the Yemeni government's strong determination to achieve the goals of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda and uphold the principles of equality and justice.
He highlighted the pivotal importance of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which serves as an international framework for protecting women's rights and enhancing their participation in peace and security processes. He stressed that activating this resolution at the local level is crucial to achieving equality, empowering women at all levels, and bringing about tangible change on the ground.
The minister explained that through this initiative, the Ministry aims to expand the scope of work across all liberated governorates and continue implementing the National Action Plan under the leadership of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. The plan was approved by the Prime Minister's Office under Resolution No. 75 of 2019, ensuring that past achievements are preserved, sustained, and positively impactful.
His Excellency also referred to UN Security Council Resolution 1325, issued during session No. 4213, along with the nine subsequent resolutions that express the United Nations’ concern over the difficult conditions faced by women in conflict and war zones, which exacerbate civilian suffering, especially for women and children.
Minister Al-Zauri reaffirmed that the Houthi militia's coup against state institutions and the wars Yemen has witnessed in previous years have negatively impacted development, disrupted economic activities, destroyed infrastructure, increased displacement, and worsened the humanitarian crisis—where women and children form the majority of those in need of aid.
He pointed out that women are the most vulnerable to risks, bearing the heaviest psychological, health, social, and economic burdens of war and conflict, in addition to suffering from displacement, forced migration, and widowhood.
The minister noted that the first-generation National Action Plan (2022-2024) was designed to activate UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and its subsequent resolutions. Led by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, this initiative is a direct response to the region’s challenges and reflects the internationally recognized Yemeni government’s commitment to human rights, justice, equality, and partnership.
Furthermore, the plan aligns with the Security Council’s recommendations advocating for partnerships with civil society organizations to combat extremism and enhance women's participation in conflict prevention.
The National Action Plan aims to protect women during and after conflicts, promote their participation in decision-making at local, regional, and international levels, and strengthen their role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
The plan includes various programs and projects designed to achieve strategic goals, expected outcomes, and performance indicators, with clearly defined roles for each stakeholder within a set timeframe. The first phase of the plan (2022–2024) has already achieved significant progress, and the Ministry will continue working in partnership with all relevant entities to implement the second-generation programs and activities.
His Excellency stressed the importance of unifying efforts among all ministries, government sectors, and civil society organizations concerned with women’s issues. He emphasized that this open call embodies the values of partnership and civil engagement across different societal groups in all governorates, ensuring the successful achievement of the National Action Plan’s objectives.
Minister Al-Zauri expressed his appreciation for the Norwegian government’s support in funding the first generation of the plan and expressed hope for continued support in implementing its second phase. He also welcomed any contributions from donors, international agencies, and organizations.
Finally, His Excellency commended the efforts of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and all partners for their role in successfully implementing the first generation of the plan.
