His Excellency the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Mukhtar Al-Yafei, met today in the capital, Aden, with a select group of influential women in civil society. This meeting aligns with the Ministry's directives aimed at unifying national efforts and visions, and enhancing institutional partnership with civil society organizations to contribute to building an integrated and sustainable developmental path.

The meeting reviewed the pioneering roles of women in civil society, which have emerged in recent years as a potent force in humanitarian, developmental, and human rights fields. This is in addition to their contributions to founding and managing numerous community organizations and initiatives in response to the exceptional circumstances the country is undergoing.

During the meeting, His Excellency Minister Al-Yafei affirmed that women represent a fundamental pillar on the path to development and a true partner in the project of advancing society. He noted that the current phase necessitates an integrated developmental project where women actively contribute to building stability, enhancing social cohesion, and driving sustainable development forward.

His Excellency the Minister also outlined the Ministry's operational directions and visions for the upcoming period, as well as its plans within the labor sector. He stressed the importance of transforming civil society organizations into effective partners in serving the community and local development. This is to be achieved through implementing projects targeting deserving and most in-need groups, and working to shift relief efforts from an emergency footing towards long-term sustainability and development pathways.

His Excellency the Minister emphasized the importance of women assuming their leadership role during this critical stage as leaders and influential activists in civil society. He affirmed his keenness to listen to the challenges they face and work to address them through practical solutions. He pointed out that all observations and ideas put forward are of interest to the Ministry and will be taken into consideration within its work program for the upcoming phase.

For their part, the participants expressed their appreciation for the meeting, which reflects the Ministry's commitment to building a participatory work environment with active civil society organizations. They highlighted the roles women play in the fields of relief, peacebuilding, awareness efforts on health, education, and human rights issues, in addition to promoting a culture of community dialogue.