Yemen is witnessing a complex crisis characterized by a devastating war that has left deep social and humanitarian impacts, especially on the status of women and their ability to participate politically and socially. Amid these challenges, national women's voices have emerged aiming to protect human rights, empower women, and correct the true image of the situation in Yemen before the international community.
In this context, Dr. Wissam Bassandwa, head of the National Coalition of Independent Women in Yemen, occupies a pioneering position in defending Yemeni women's issues through ongoing struggle and strong informal feminine diplomacy at the international level. The coalition she leads is the largest political women's assembly in Yemen, uniting women from multiple provinces, including those under the control of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia.
This interview with the coalition representative comes at a critical time, where the National Coalition highlights systematic human rights violations in Yemen and its continued efforts to raise international awareness about the real Yemeni issue, away from incorrect classifications that attempt to depict the conflict as merely a civil war or a dispute between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Dr. Wissam affirms that the coalition uses innovative diplomatic tools known as "backdoor diplomacy" or "backstage diplomacy," which allows it to operate freely without partisan or official constraints, bringing the voice of Yemeni women to the largest decision-making platforms.
The Political Women's Coalition: The Voice of Yemeni Women Facing Challenges
Dr. Wissam Bassandwa emphasized that the National Coalition of Independent Women is not just a women's group concerned with traditional women's issues but a comprehensive political coalition working on empowering women and contributing actively to Yemeni public life. The coalition includes women from various Yemeni provinces, including those controlled by the Houthi militia, where its members work in complete secrecy to protect themselves from security pressures and attacks.
Dr. Wissam explained that the coalition is not limited to women's issues only, but works as a political and human rights party expressing the concerns of all Yemenis, reflecting the depth of challenges faced by women in a politically tense and conflict-ridden environment.
Backdoor Diplomacy: Freedom and Influence Beyond Official Frameworks
Backdoor diplomacy led by the National Coalition of Independent Women is an effective tool influencing international decision-makers. Dr. Wissam clarified that the coalition is not part of any governmental or partisan institution, granting it broader freedom to negotiate with international figures and organizations without traditional protocol restrictions.
This flexible diplomacy enabled the coalition to build trust relationships with parliamentary institutions and international human rights organizations, giving it high credibility to present Yemen's issues objectively and professionally, away from partisan political agendas.
Documenting Violations: A Report Exposing Houthi Militia Terrorist Crimes
One of the coalition’s most significant achievements is issuing a comprehensive report documenting violations committed by the Houthi militia during a full year (from March 2024 to March 2025). The report documents over 8,000 systematic human rights violations targeting journalists, human rights defenders, and especially women.
The monitoring team faced significant security and political difficulties, particularly in areas under militia control, where they had to hide their identities for fear of Houthi targeting. Nevertheless, they managed to cover most provinces and record violations with high accuracy.
Security Challenges and Monitoring Policy in Houthi Areas
Dr. Wissam confirmed that field monitoring of violations in Houthi-controlled areas faces huge obstacles, including fear of arrest and pressure, making the coalition’s mission more complex and risky. However, the coalition succeeds in providing accurate data that makes a difference in international awareness and raises the level of diplomatic efforts. This realistic approach to a difficult environment reflects the coalition’s strong determination and professional work despite all conditions.
United Nations Platform: Presenting Violation Reports and Supporting Fact-Finding Committees
In sessions of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the coalition presented its thoroughly verified reports amid broad international presence. The coalition highlighted Houthi violations that closely resemble the repressive practices of the Iranian regime and ISIS, reinforcing calls to classify the Houthis as a terrorist group.
Work in the United States and Europe: Enhancing Yemeni Political and Human Rights Presence
During visits and events in the United States and the European Parliament, the coalition worked to meet decision-makers and human rights organizations to clarify the extent of crimes committed by the Houthi militia and support international decisions that contain Houthi terrorism. This international work contributed to increasing awareness among American and European actors and public opinion about the importance of supporting peace and empowering Yemeni women as part of the solution.
The Necessity of Classifying Houthis as a Terrorist Group and Its Impact on the Yemeni Crisis
Dr. Wissam clearly asserted that classifying the Houthis as a terrorist group is crucial for cutting off their funding and stopping their movements, which is a fundamental principle to end the war in Yemen. The economic and political funding reaching the Houthis keeps the fire burning, fueling displacement, poverty, and violence crises in the region, especially with its threat to international peace and security. The coalition’s comparison between the Houthis and Hezbollah and other externally supported armed groups underscores the need for strong, unified international stances.
Houthi Economic Funding: A Threat to Regional and International Security
Dr. Wissam pointed out that commercial projects run by the Houthis, used for money laundering, pose a threat not only to Yemen’s security but to the region and the world as a whole. Therefore, cutting these resources is the most effective way to achieve lasting peace, protect human rights, and build a better future for Yemen and Yemeni women in particular.
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