Maram, a 23 year-old surrealist artist, is deeply passionate about the creative fields that allow her to think innovatively and push beyond conventional boundaries. This passion led her to pursue a degree in interior design, and she continues to seek new learning opportunities across different disciplines. Her enthusiasm for audio engineering has inspired her to embark on a new journey in podcast production. Maram has long dreamed of owning her own podcast production equipment, but instead of waiting for the right moment, she proactively began honing her skills in audio engineering. This hands-on approach opened doors to unexpected opportunities and new initiatives (ventures). Through training, she discovered her problem-solving abilities, gaining greater self-awareness and the confidence to confront challenges with resilience. By continuing to practice audio engineering, Maram launched an Instagram channel to share her experiences and insights with others. Reflecting on her progress, she says, “Before the training, I didn’t know how to produce a complete podcast—from scripting to delivery to audio engineering. After the training, I gained a wealth of knowledge and skills that significantly improved the quality of my podcast production, especially in audio engineering.” Maram said, “My goal is to create genuine communication with others, which enhances their enrichment with knowledge and skills ." The "Yemen SOUT" project is funded by the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF2023) and in partnership with PASS Foundation – Peace for sustainable Societies, implemented by a group of graduates from the cultural exchange program “YES.”

In the heart of the vibrant city of Aden, Layla Murad resides in Mualla district. She is 21 years old and she is a third-year student at the College of Media, University of Aden. Layla is Like other young people striving to improve their skills, knowledge, and self-awareness, she decided to take a bold step toward achieving her dream of becoming an influential media personality. She chose the world of podcasting as a platform to amplify her voice, showcase her talent, and enhance her growth opportunities in her professional field.Driven by her robust desire for growth and learning, Layla joined a specialized training program in podcast production, where she gained the skills and knowledge needed to embark on this unique journey. She found in this training the motivation she had been missing to begin her journey in the world of podcasting.The encouragement from her family, who instilled in her the values of patience and perseverance, played a significant role. After completing the podcast production training, which equipped her with the tools needed to pursue her journey with passion and determination, Layla continued her journey in podcasting. She was Capable to overcome the challenges and obstacles she encountered from the very beginning of her journey."One voice to thousands of listeners" is the phrase that captures Layla’s success story.Currently, Layla is working on producing podcast episodes titled "The Hidden Pearl of Yafea."Layla is a role model for ambitious Yemeni youth striving to achieving their dreams despite difficult circumstances. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that determination and persistence are the keys of success and that young people are capable of great accomplishments if given the right opportunities.The Yemen SOUT project is funded by the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF2023), in partnership with PASS Foundation- Peace for Sustainable Societies, and implemented by a group of youth graduates from the cultural exchange program "YES."

Improving working conditions to enhance women's role in the police The Police Centers in Khormaksar, Al-Arish, and Mualla faced unsuitable working conditions, which directly impacted the ability of female archivists and investigators to perform their duties efficiently. There was a clear lack of basic facilities, such as sanitary services and office spaces, making it difficult for women to work in a supportive environment. This situation called for comprehensive changes to ensure a conducive work environment that would enable them to carry out their tasks effectively.In response to these challenges, "PASS," foundation in collaboration with the Aden Security Department, conducted a comprehensive needs assessment at the targeted police Centers. Based on the findings, concrete steps were taken to improve the infrastructure. These steps included renovating restrooms, installing sunshades to provide comfort for staff, and setting up solar energy systems in the women's police departments. Additionally, air conditioners, computers, and printers were installed to facilitate the work of the documentation officers and enhance their efficiency.These improvements were essential to ensure a healthy and safe working environment that reflects the importance of supporting women in security institutions. The project was systematically implemented, starting with the provision of necessary materials and the hiring of qualified workers to complete the renovation and upgrades. Efforts focused on creating a comfortable and safe environment that enables women to perform their duties professionally and effectively.As a result of these changes, significant positive impacts were observed on the performance of female archivists and investigators. The work environment improved notably, leading to higher morale and increased productivity. This project reflects a genuine commitment to improving working conditions and enhancing the role of women in the police force.If these efforts continue, they are expected to further strengthen women's rights and their vital role in security institutions, contributing to a more inclusive and effective working environment.

The police Centers in the districts of Khormaksar, Mualla, and Al-Arish were in urgent need of improving the skills and capacities of their personnel, particularly in handling gender-based issues. These issues required special attention, but the lack of knowledge and skills among police officers posed a significant barrier to providing effective support in this area. The three targeted police centers — Khormaksar, Al-Arish, and Mualla — had 21 representatives, consisting of seven soldiers and officers from each Center, who lacked sufficient training in critical areas such as forensic techniques, criminal code, code of conduct, and principles for addressing gender-based issues. This deficiency affected their ability to offer effective community support, leaving gender-related cases without proper resolution.In response to these needs, a six-day training workshop was organized during July and August, with the participation of 21 representatives from the three police Centers. The training covered essential topics, including forensic techniques, criminal code, code of conduct, police law, duties of judicial officers, criminal procedure law, and penal law. These efforts were closely coordinated with the Aden Security Department, and participant lists, including trainees, archivists, and female investigators, were prepared within the first two weeks of July to ensure the involvement of the most suitable candidates.Trainers were carefully selected to ensure the effective delivery of the training content, tailored to the trainees' needs to enhance their practical capabilities. This initiative was driven by a strong desire to improve overall police performance and increase public trust in the security services. The impact of the training became evident immediately after the workshop, as police officers gained the skills needed to address gender-based issues more efficiently, contributing to greater community trust in the police.This workshop represents a significant step toward improving police capabilities in Aden and promoting inclusivity and justice. Continued programs like this are expected to bring about sustainable improvements in how police handle sensitive issues, ultimately contributing to creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all.

The city of Aden, particularly its police Centers, had long suffered from a lack of female investigators to handle cases involving women, such as domestic violence, rape, and physical assault. Instead, men conducted these investigations, making women who came to police Centers feel unsafe and uncomfortable, often filled with fear during questioning by male officers. This situation changed dramatically after the intervention of PASS Foundation - Peace for Sustainable Societies and Yemen Support Fund -YSF.PASS and YSF, in partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor and in collaboration with Aden's Security Administration, implemented the United Nations Women, Peace, and Security Agenda 1325 -WPS. The project involved renovating police centers by building and refurbishing investigation rooms and female-only restrooms, as well as providing computers, printers, and necessary tools. They also trained over 25 individuals, including officers, female investigators, and archivists, to equip them with the knowledge and skills to make police centers more gender-sensitive and responsive.This initiative led to a remarkable shift in the culture surrounding women's cases. Now, female investigators handle cases from the initial investigation to their submission to the public prosecutor's office, thanks to the joint efforts and ongoing coordination between all relevant parties. The responsiveness of police Centers to gender-related issues, reflecting their commitment to implementing the WPS 1325 agenda, enhances safety and justice for marginalized groups, such as the "Marginalize People" and internally displaced people, fostering a more just and equal society.Through collective efforts and teamwork, we have succeeded in creating a safer environment that prioritizes women's rights, contributing to the promotion of justice and equality in society. This experience is not just an achievement but a step toward a brighter future, where the rights of all individuals are respected, and sustainable development is achieved.