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.