A Comprehensive Overview of the Phenomenon of Spinsterhood in Yemen

Haneen Al-Wahsh – Women in Development and Peace

This issue of “Women in Development and Peace” newspaper is dedicated to discussing the phenomenon of spinsterhood in Yemen, which has become one of the most impactful social issues in light of the economic and social challenges facing the country. The newspaper delves into a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon through 19 different topics, highlighting the roots of this problem and its intertwined repercussions on society.

The issue also reviews the efforts made by various institutions to address this phenomenon and discusses the role of these institutions in attempting to reduce the effects of spinsterhood on individuals and society as a whole. In addition, it examines society’s view of this issue and the social changes that may occur among the groups affected by this phenomenon, while attempting to understand the economic, cultural, and educational factors that contribute to the spread of this problem.

This issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of spinsterhood in Yemen and its repercussions on the psychological, economic, and social health of women, as well as to highlight initiatives that may contribute to changing this situation, in the current circumstances.

The current issue of “Women in Development and Peace” newspaper features an in-depth analysis of the reality of spinsterhood in Yemen, reviewing the viewpoints of experts and specialists in this field. The issue also discusses the figures and statistics that reveal the increasing percentage of unmarried women in older age groups, reflecting the significant challenges women face in obtaining marriage opportunities. It emphasizes that spinsterhood is not merely a result of delayed marriage, but rather a reflection of societal, economic, and cultural complexities intertwined with many factors.

The issue also addresses the role of child marriage in exacerbating the problem of spinsterhood; marrying girls at a young age to alleviate economic burdens or comply with traditions is considered a major reason for the increase in unsustainable marriages, which often lead to early divorce and forced marriage problems. This, in turn, creates a class of divorced women who face greater difficulties in remarrying, leading to a widening circle of spinsterhood and a doubling of the social and psychological burdens on women in Yemeni society.

The issue also dedicates significant space to examining the various factors fueling the phenomenon of spinsterhood, including the deteriorating economic conditions, the high cost of marriage, rising unemployment among young men, the weak purchasing power of families, social factors, the complexities of tribal customs, the influence of large family units that put pressure on marriage decisions, cultural factors, negative societal perceptions of women that delay marriage, and the tendency of some to prefer marrying foreign women.

Furthermore, the newspaper highlights the importance of media in shedding light on the phenomenon, whether through reports or stories that objectively discuss the issue. However, the issue points to shortcomings in some cases in addressing this issue radically and questions the media’s ability to change societal perceptions and challenge stereotypes associated with spinsterhood.

Amidst the ongoing conflicts in Yemen, the economic and social situation has worsened, directly affecting marriage decisions. The conflict has also caused significant human losses among men, particularly young men, leading to a decrease in marriage opportunities. Increased internal migration and displacement have further complicated the phenomenon; priorities are now focused on providing basic necessities instead of seeking family stability.

The issue also highlights the efforts of local and international organizations in raising awareness about the causes and consequences of spinsterhood and emphasizes the positive roles of women’s organizations in providing psychological and social support to unmarried women, as well as promoting their economic empowerment. The issue also touches upon the challenges in coordinating these efforts and reaching all areas, especially rural ones.

The issue includes a future vision for combating spinsterhood in Yemen that is comprehensive and sustainable, through creating sustainable job opportunities for young men, promoting group marriage initiatives to reduce the exorbitant costs of marriage, establishing special funding mechanisms that provide easy loans to cover marriage expenses, addressing social customs, supporting women and promoting their education, and building a new societal awareness.

The issue also presented a series of recommendations aimed at addressing the phenomenon, including the need for the state to adopt economic and social policies that enhance young people’s ability to marry, launching awareness-raising media programs that challenge customs and negative perceptions associated with spinsterhood, supporting community organizations to improve the status of women, especially in remote areas, and providing legal mechanisms that prevent child marriage and enhance the opportunities for divorced and widowed women to reintegrate into society.

This issue of “Women in Development and Peace” newspaper emphasizes in its message that spinsterhood is not merely a women’s issue, but a societal problem that requires the concerted efforts of all parties to solve. Through its in-depth analysis and diverse topics, the issue highlights the importance of addressing the roots of the phenomenon, not just dealing with its symptoms. It calls for building a more just society that provides everyone with equal opportunities to live with dignity and stability.