The Impact of Youth Emigration on Yemeni Women’s Lives and Situations

Afrah Borji – Sawt Al-Amal (Voice of Hope)

Yemeni women are significantly impacted psychologically, socially, and physically when their husbands or primary caregivers emigrate, especially given the country’s difficult circumstances. Women experience loneliness and the prolonged wait for their husband’s or family member’s return, creating constant worry and stress about their safety and well-being abroad. These impacts have both negative and positive aspects and affect their lives in various ways.

On the other hand, there are potential positive effects for women, including increased independence. In some cases, women become better at managing life alone, boosting their self-confidence and independence. They’re also forced to make important decisions affecting their lives and their families’, strengthening their ability to take responsibility and develop new skills.

Women in Moments of Farewell

Asmahan Yahya, a Yemeni mother, recounts her family’s struggles after her husband and eldest son emigrated seeking better work and education opportunities. The departure of her breadwinner, she says, left a huge void in her and her younger children’s lives, leaving her alone to battle strict societal traditions.

Asmahan says, “I never imagined their absence would have such a profound impact. Suddenly, I found myself shouldering the responsibilities of both the man and the woman of the house – going to the hospital alone, shopping for groceries, all in a society that forbids women from going out alone.”

Bitterly, she adds, “We were a close-knit family, but emigration scattered us. We became the talk of the town, nicknamed ‘the family without a man,’ all because of harsh economic conditions that forced my husband and son to leave to pursue their dreams.”

Asmahan wonders, “Should I have chosen between my family’s stability and my children’s dreams?” She emphasizes her deep sadness at being left to face these challenges alone.

True Stories

The family once lived a peaceful and stable life in Yemen. The father and mother worked for the government, and the children played in the neighborhood streets. However, with the outbreak of conflict, everything changed. The father lost his job, debts piled up, and suffering increased daily. The children, once accustomed to play and fun, suffered the psychological consequences of the conflict and witnessed horrific, unforgettable scenes.

After much deliberation, the father made the difficult decision to emigrate to another country seeking a better life for his family. The goal was to escape the hell of conflict and provide a decent life for his children. But emigration wasn’t easy. They faced many difficulties and challenges in a new country with a different language, customs, and traditions.

Initially, the father emigrated to Saudi Arabia, his first destination, seeking better job opportunities. He spent two years there doing odd jobs, working hard to save enough money to bring his children to Saudi Arabia to live with him. However, as the father stated, changes in laws regarding foreign workers in Saudi Arabia—increased residency fees for foreigners—made things much harder for immigrant families.

As a result of this change, the father realized bringing his children to Saudi Arabia was no longer financially or practically feasible. He decided to change his emigration plans and move to another country, hoping to find better opportunities to provide a decent life for his family in a less expensive and more stable place.

A Second Journey: Happiness That Remains Incomplete

After a while working in Saudi Arabia, the father decided to move to Egypt. Finally, the family was reunited, and life started to improve after the father rejoined his wife and children. Things became more stable; his oldest daughter started university, while the younger children finished elementary school and began middle school. However, family expenses rose sharply due to education costs and other necessities. The joy of reunion turned into the pressures of life, particularly because of the recent increase in residency fees for foreigners (Yemenis) in Egypt.

The oldest daughter talked about the family’s financial struggles, especially given the deteriorating economic conditions and rising fees. She noted that residency fees and increased university tuition heavily impacted their lives. For example, previously, proving her student status was enough to renew her residency for 200 Egyptian pounds, but now the university demands $50. Additionally, they now have to pay $100 for a university ID card—an unexpected expense.

These new costs and decisions burdened the family, weighing heavily on the oldest daughter’s heart. She dreamed of completing her studies and achieving her academic goals but now faces financial challenges that could hinder those dreams.

She added that residency fees have also increased significantly; they were $70 before, but are now $150, even for children and seniors previously exempt. She expressed her frustration that the new residency fees were applied retroactively, with penalties for the time they were exempt—an extra burden on families who had lived in Egypt for years without these costs.

The Social Impacts

Raghad Al-Samir, a sociologist, points out that emigration increases the household burden on Yemeni women. They become solely responsible for managing the household and caring for the children in their husbands’ absence. This added burden directly impacts their social and professional lives, affecting their job opportunities and participation in public life.

She added that youth emigration can alter women’s social roles. They’re forced to take on roles traditionally reserved for men, such as becoming the family’s financial provider or making crucial decisions that previously depended on the husband or male head of household. This shift negatively impacts women’s mental health, as these new roles may exceed their traditional capabilities and emotional and mental resources.

The sociologist noted that youth emigration might push some families to marry off their daughters at a young age—a preventative measure to avoid social problems a woman might face as a widow or divorcee.

She explained that the absence of male protection can lead to domestic or societal violence against women. Without a husband, brother, or primary caregiver, women are more vulnerable to exploitation or abuse, both within the family and the wider community. This violence can be psychological or physical.

The Psychological Impacts

Clinical psychologist Wafaa Salih explains that the psychological effects of young men emigrating become gradually apparent over time. Initially, the impact might not be obvious, but as the emigration period lengthens and the man—son, husband, or father—is absent for a long time, the psychological effects become clearer.

She points out that women find themselves having to take on the male role within the household and in dealing with family problems. These new responsibilities lead to a gradual withdrawal from their primary roles as mothers, wives, or sisters, as they navigate a new realm of unfamiliar responsibilities.

Wafaa continues, “No matter how strong a woman is, she can’t fully and effectively play the man’s role. She may appear strong when facing life’s challenges, but inwardly she suffers, her rights eroded as she experiences psychological pressures affecting her physical and emotional health.”

She adds, “‘Your body has rights over you’,” highlighting that bearing excessive burdens without considering a woman’s mental and physical health can lead to the erosion of her inherent rights and constant exhaustion.

The problem is particularly acute when there are teenagers in the family. A father’s absence during this critical period disrupts the family structure. Teenagers need consistent guidance and emotional support, as adolescence is a period of intense mood swings marking the transition from childhood to adulthood. A father’s presence is vital in providing guidance, support, and help in dealing with the psychological and social challenges teens face. Without this support, the mother might struggle to cope with these changes, increasing pressure on the entire family.

Wafaa notes that a father’s return after a long absence creates a rift within a family accustomed to a certain lifestyle during his absence. Upon his return, the household routine changes, and problems arise. Many people interviewed said they sometimes wished the father hadn’t returned, as the situation became more complicated.

Wafaa concludes, her distress evident, “Emigration is a plague on every family.” It disrupts family systems and the distribution of roles. While a man may achieve economic success through emigration, he pays a heavy psychological price, both for himself and his family.

Women’s Emigration for Freedom

Engineer Safaa Al-Shara’abi says, “Women’s emigration from Yemen stems from several key factors, including the conflict, the primary reason for many women emigrating. Emigration has become a way to seek safety from the ongoing conflict. In addition, the deteriorating economic situation has forced women to seek work opportunities outside of Yemen, as life at home has become extremely difficult.”

She pointed out that the pursuit of education was also a motivator for emigration, especially given the poor educational conditions in Yemen. Opportunities for further education are scarce, leading many women to seek education abroad. Some women emigrate to seek asylum, with increased asylum opportunities in several countries. Moreover, emigrant women seek greater freedom to pursue their rights, especially in conflict-affected areas where freely expressing views and working are challenging.

Al-Shara’abi concludes, “Crises, conflicts, and oppression, among other reasons, have driven women to leave in search of safety, freedom, and independence.”

In general, the emigration of young Yemeni men has significantly impacted the lives of Yemeni women, presenting them with new economic, social, and psychological challenges. However, through community cooperation, government support, and the development of social programs, the effects of this emigration can be mitigated, creating greater stability for women and their families.