News

31 December 2024

365 Days Campaign to Combat Violence Against Women

PASS Foundation– Peace for Sustainable Societies and Medalah Foundation inaugurated the Open Day event for the "365 Days Campaign to Combat Violence Against Women" under the slogan Together Towards a Full Year of Combating Violence Against Women. The one-day event, held via Zoom, featured women who have made a significant impact in their communities, discussing the histories and realities of Syria, Lebanon, and Sudan. It also included the participation of influential young activists and a distinguished group of female leaders from civil society organizations in Aden Governorate. The campaign, led by the teams of the two organizations, included: Ms. Bahia Hassan Al-Sakkaf, Chairwoman of PASS Foundation – Peace for Sustainable Societies Ms. Athar Ali Mohammed, CEO of PASS Foundation. Eng. Mohammed Yassalam, Program Manager representing Medalah Foundation. Ms.  Bahia Al-Sakkaf emphasized the importance of inauguration the "365 Days Campaign to Combat Violence Against Women" under the slogan Together Towards a Full Year because violence is not confined to a specific time frame. She pointed out that women in the region suffer from the ongoing effects of violence, displacement, and annihilation throughout the year. She highlighted the need for sustainable and continuous efforts to raise awareness and support women's rights.   She added that violence against women is a global crisis affecting humanity, with statistics showing that one in three women worldwide has experienced violence at some point in her life. She noted that the suffering of women in the Arab region is compounded by the ravages of war and conflict, as seen in Palestine, Lebanon, and Sudan, where women bear the brunt of these crises. She concluded by saying, “Sixteen days of activism against gender-based violence are not enough; we need 365 days to support and bring about the change women in the Arab region are waiting for amid the current circumstances.” Contributions from Regional Voices via Zoom Ms. Naamat Koko (Sudan): A researcher in development issues and alternative policies, and a gender expert. She spoke about the impacts of regional and international interventions in Sudan’s wars and conflicts. Koko emphasized the need for solidarity in ensuring that perpetrators of violence during wars and conflicts are held accountable and brought to justice. Ms. Hanan Osman (Lebanon): Head of the Women’s Committee at the Nowruz Cultural and Social Association in Beirut. She highlighted the severe consequences of war on women, noting that the number of female fatalities had reached half a million. She also addressed how systematic and creative uses of violence as a weapon of war have been employed to intimidate and oppress women in Lebanon. Ms. Nuha Al-Eryani (Yemen): A human rights defender, stressed the importance of the 365 Days Campaign, stating that the voice of advocacy for women should not be limited to specific periods. She saw the campaign as a form of resistance for women to assert their presence and defend their rights, especially since women constitute nearly 50% of the population and seek their basic rights. Ms. Bushra Ali (Syria): General Coordinator of the NADA Regional Alliance, discussed the plight of Kurdish women and the violence they face. She called for solidarity and collective efforts to address and curb the widespread violations against women through coordinated action across countries. Ms. Rawan Ehab Abbas: Representing PASS Foundation -Peace for Sustainable Societies. she Foucesd on the reality of violence against women in Yemen. She detailed the various forms of violence—verbal, physical, and psychological—and emphasized the importance of enhancing women’s value in society. She invoked historical examples, such as Queen Arwa and Balqis, to highlight the significance of empowering women. Presentation and Discussions The event included discussions, interventions, and a film presentation that illustrated the reality of violence against women and strategies for advocacy. It also underscored the importance of breaking the silence around any violation against women by reporting incidents through a hotline, preventing them from escalating into more severe criminal acts. Artistic and Cultural Segment In a festive atmosphere, the campaign featured segments of songs and showcased four artistic forms: design, painting, photography, and short stories. Attendees voted on the best pieces, under the supervision of a judging panel: Ms. Khawla Al-Yamani: Painting Committee. Mr. Amr Al-Eryani: Short Story Committee. Mr. Ali Najeeb: Photography Committee. Mr. Osama Naaman: Design Committee. The winners in each category were announced and awarded certificates of appreciation and cash prizes. Closing Remarks The winners expressed their gratitude to PASS and Medalah for their encouragement and moral support in showcasing their work, which raised awareness of the importance of combating violence against women. The event closed with a group photo to commemorate the occasion.
17 October 2024

Outcome Harvest of "Yemen SOUT" Project - Cohort 03

As part of “Yemen SOUT” project, implemented by a group of young Alumni of cultural exchange programs in partnership with PASS Foundation - Peace for Sustainable Societies and funded by the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF2023), Cohort 03 of the training program "Yalla Podcast" has ended an intensive training journey for (60 hours), for Adeni artists from different fields (Drawing and Design, Literature and Writing, Public Speaking, Audio Engineering...), the Training Program's journey focused on all the preparation, design, production, industry and audio engineering needs of podcast makers to create a Podcast Episode, and the training concentrated on 4 main topics: (Ethics of Journalistic Work and Research Methodology, Visual Identity Design, Script Writing, Audio Engineering).Each group of artists in Cohort 03 - with a total of 4 groups - have produced their own podcast episode under the supervision of the trainers, starting from creating the concept, to searching for supporting resources, writing and reviewing scripts and scenarios, designing visual identity, in addition to recording and editing the audios of the podcasts. The Output of the production phase is that 4 podcasts are now created and produced in Adeni accent made by the participants with concepts and backgrounds from the Adeni art and culture, entitled (Dozan, 26, Hadaka, Haraaf) Podcasts.
17 October 2024

Closing the Gender Sensitive Foundational Training target...

Led by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour and Local Authority in #Aden, supported by UNDP Yemen , Under the Supervision of the National Planning, Coordination and Follow-up Team of the NAP National Plan for the Women, Peace and Security Agenda WPS, and implement the NAP by the Governorate's Action Group (Aden), #PASS_foundation- Peace for Sustainable Societies and Collaborating with Security Dept Aden are Closing the third batch  and the last training for 19 individual / Officer from Varies #Aden_Governorate's Police Centers on( Police Corps Act - Criminal and Penal Code - Code of Criminal Procedure: Duties of police officers, inferences Stage - gender-based violence - communication skills - code of professional conduct - Explanation of the police man and Criminal and Penal Code) to empowering Police Staff from Male and Female knowledge, Skills and Policing Responsive Directions to #Gender_Intersectionality "Men, Women, Children".
05 September 2024

Ms. Bahia Al-Sakkaf `s Meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Ah...

Ms. Bahia Al-Sakkaf, Chairwoman of PASS - Peace for Sustainable Societies, discussed with Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak, in the presence of women leaders, a number of issues related to civil and feminist work in Yemen, at a recent meeting. During the meeting, Al-Sakkaf focused on the effects of the detention and closure of civil society organizations' offices in Sana 'a by Ansar Allah group, noting that their media narrative casts a negative shadow on the work of organizations throughout the country. Al-Sakkaf called on the need to facilitate the movement of civil society organizations from Sana 'a to Aden and provide them with the necessary protection and facilities, stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation and partnership between the various parties to counter any harassment that may confront civil work, whether official government institutions or local and international civil society organizations. From his side, the Prime Minister heard a detailed explanation of the challenges faced by Yemen's civil work and promised to study the proposals made and provide the necessary support to the organizations working in this area.
24 July 2024

Start the Gender Sensitive Foundational Training targetin...

Sponsored by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour and Local Authority in #Aden, supported by UNDP Yemen , Under the Supervision of the National Planning, Coordination and Follow-up Team of the NAP National Plan for the Women, Peace and Security Agenda WPS, and implement the NAP by the Governorate's Action Group (Aden), #PASS_foundation-Peace for Sustainable Societies and Collaborating with Security Dept Aden are Conducting training for 22 individual / Officer from Varies #Aden_Governorate's Police Centers on(Criminal Technology - Penal Code - Code of Conduct - Police Manual – Gender) to empowering Police Staff from Male and Female knowledge, Skills and Policing Responsive Directions to #Gender_Intersectionality "Men, Women, Children".
13 June 2024

Outcome Harvest of "Yemen SOUT" Project - Cohort 02

As part of “Yemen SOUT” project, implemented by a group of young Alumni of cultural exchange programs in partnership with PASS Foundation - Peace for Sustainable Societies and funded by the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF2023), Cohort 02 of the training program "Yalla Podcast" has ended an intensive training journey for (60 hours), for Adeni artists from different fields (Drawing and Design, Literature and Writing, Public Speaking, Audio Engineering...), the Training Program's journey focused on all the preparation, design, production, industry and audio engineering needs of podcast makers to create a Podcast Episode, and the training concentrated on 4 main topics: (Ethics of Journalistic Work and Research Methodology, Visual Identity Design, Script Writing, Audio Engineering). Each group of artists in Cohort 02 - with a total of 4 groups - have produced their own podcast episode under the supervision of the trainers, starting from creating the concept, to searching for supporting resources, writing and reviewing scripts and scenarios, designing visual identity, in addition to recording and editing the audios of the podcasts. The Output of the production phase is that 4 podcasts are now created and produced in Adeni accent made by the participants with concepts and backgrounds from the Adeni art and culture, entitled (Yawayh!, Jdr, Tanheedah and Amen) podcasts. #ExchangeAlumni #AEIF2023
13 June 2024

Civil Society Organizations Affirm the Legitimacy, Lawful...

Press Release Civil Society Organizations Affirm the Legitimacy, Lawfulness, and Independence of Their Operation Call for the Release of Detainees and an End to Defamation Campaigns Against Them Wednesday, June 12, 2024 Civil Society Organizations Affirm the Legitimacy, Lawfulness, and Independence of Their Operation  Tweet Share on Facebook Share on Facebook Share on Facebook Since early June, security forces affiliated with the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group authorities have raided the homes and offices of employees working for various international and local organizations. They have confiscated and searched their phones and electronic devices without disclosing any charges against them. These surprise raids occurred at different times during the night, with the homes and offices surrounded beforehand. The whereabouts and status of the detainees have remained unknown since their arrest, and they have been denied contact with lawyers or family members, constituting enforced disappearances and violating legal norms. On the evening of Monday, June 10, 2024, a statement by the Houthi Security and Intelligence Service announced the discovery of an alleged American-Israeli spy ring. Following this, Al Masirah TV, the Houthi-affiliated channel, broadcasted a video featuring what were described as confessions from a group of detainees who were employees of the U.S. Embassy in Sana'a, which has been closed for nearly a decade. This broadcast was part of a major media campaign filled with serious and unsubstantiated accusations against humanitarian organizations and their staff. The undersigned civil society organizations, working across various sectors and regions of Yemen, hereby assert: Commitment to Non-Harm Principle: Our operations are guided by the principle of causing no harm to individuals, communities, and states. This principle underpins all our interventions and activities, aimed primarily at creating positive impacts for millions of civilians. We uphold this as an ethical and institutional commitment, requiring heightened professional and ethical sensitivity among our humanitarian and development workers. Adherence to International and National Laws: All our activities and programs comply with international charters, principles, and Yemeni national laws, ensuring the humanitarian and developmental goals that serve millions of Yemenis are met transparently, honestly, and independently. Full Compliance with Yemeni Laws and Judicial Authority: We operate in full compliance with Yemeni laws and judicial authority under all circumstances. Willingness to Address Legal Complaints: We are prepared to respond to any legal complaints against our staff and to be accountable for any proven violations through a fair judicial process. Categorical rejection and clear condemnation of any attempts to utilize its operations, programs, and activities for the benefit of any foreign state or any political actor, and for any illegal acts, and for any acts that affect the integrity of Yemen, as a state and society. Integration with Yemeni Society: Our staff are integral members of Yemeni society, motivated by deeply-rooted Yemeni values of cooperation, aiding the vulnerable, and promoting good. Necessity of Dialogue: We emphasize the importance of dialogue with all authorities and parties as the best means to exchange views, clarify any misunderstandings regarding our activities and programs, and explore ways to improve the functioning, freedom, independence, efficiency, and integrity of our operations. Non-Adversarial Stance: We do not see ourselves in absolute opposition to any party and strive to foster cooperation with all to alleviate the war’s impact on millions of civilians. Significant Contributions: We highlight our substantial contributions in assisting millions of civilians during the war and stress the urgent need for our continued work and programs for the benefit of these populations. Adherence to Rights and Protections: We assert all rights guaranteed by the Yemeni Constitution and laws for our staff, particularly protection from abuse of power, presumption of innocence, protection from enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, mistreatment, the right to freedom and dignity, procedural justice, protection from defamation, and the right to a fair trial, including the right to legal representation and appeals. Regulated Donor Relations: Our relationships with donors are governed by written project agreements subject to oversight, evaluation, and auditing, in line with the principles of unconditional, non-directed support for humanitarian, developmental, and human rights programs. Finally, the undersigned civil society organizations call for: * Immediate release of all detainees. * An end to defamation, incitement, and unfounded accusations, and the need to stop these practices immediately. * Opening and enhancing channels for dialogue to address any issues and misunderstandings. * Recourse to the regular judiciary for accountability regarding any legal transgressions. The undersigned civil society organizations call on all civil society institutions and their staff to unite in facing these risks and challenges, to enhance the independence and freedom of civil society work, and to improve the quality and impact of their programs and operations. Signatories: 1- Mwatana for Human Rights 2- Association of Mothers of Abductees 3- Dameer Foundation for Rights and Freedoms 4- Mussala for human rights 5- PASS Foundation - Peace for Sustainable Communities 6- Foundation for the Protection of Law and the Promotion of Social Peace 8- Peace and Building Foundation 9- Adalah Foundation for Legal Development 10- Together We Rise Foundation for Women and Children Care 11- Yemen Center for Human Rights Studies 12- Resonate Yemen Foundation 13- Rowad Foundation for Development 14- Percent Foundation for Opinion Research andTransparency Promotion 15- Waai Foundation 16- Maali Foundation for Development 17- Droop Alamal Foundation 18 - Youth Without Borders Organization for Development 19 - Marib Dam Foundation for Community Development 20- Yemen Without Conflict Foundation 21- Siaq Organization for Youth and Development 22 - Wasl Peace Organization 23 - National Organization for Community Development 24- Develop your community organization 25 - Shahid Bin Habrish Development Foundation 26 - Aden Foundation for Rights and Development 27 - Democratic Youth Foundation 28- Watan Foundation for Development and Training 29-Ruaa Foundation for Development 30-Al-Amal Women’s Social Foundation 31-Joud Foundation for Sustainable Development 32-Watan Foundation for Development and Training 33-University Youth Foundation 34-Inqaz Foundation for Development
28 May 2024

A Gender Analysis Meeting for Projects

Within the third Output of "Peace-Building from the Ground Up A-Z" Project, NOON feminist Coalition is conducted A Gender Analysis meeting for the projects of Peace and Development coalition – PDC and Local Peace Councils - LPCs, in partnership with PASS Foundation - Peace for Sustainable Societies and SAFERWORLD Organization between the period 25-26 May 2024. Bahia Hassan Al-Sakkaf, the Project Manager, stressed during the meeting the importance of including gender in all projects submitted by the Peace and Development Coalition the Local Peace Councils, maltepe escort and indicated that the number of projects taksim escort five from Aden Governorate. The NOON Feminist Coalition was keen to provide consultations and feedback to the participants to adapt their submitted projects according to the gender analysis tool. The facilitator divided the participants into work groups, and the projects were reviewed and the context was analyzed in terms of gender, potential risks, community contribution, the role of women and men in the project, and awareness of the importance şişli escort of ensuring sustainability.