Saudi Arabia Launches Project to Empower Yemeni Women in Renewable Energy Sector

Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a groundbreaking project in Aden aimed at empowering Yemeni women through renewable energy initiatives.
The project focuses on establishing 375 small-scale programs to produce and market solar-powered household devices, including solar lanterns, stoves, and traditional ovens. These efforts are designed to meet the energy needs of vulnerable communities and create sustainable livelihoods for women in Yemen, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.
A key component of the project is providing vocational training for 375 women in solar energy use, life skills, and business management. The initiative also includes the development of training guides on solar lanterns and traditional ovens, equipping women with the knowledge and skills to operate these technologies and manage related businesses.
Furthermore, the project supports the supply of alternative solar energy sources, including basic lighting and household cooking devices. These products are produced by women-led businesses in Hadramout and Lahij, benefiting a total of 21,375 women across Yemen.
Alaa Ali, UNDP project manager, emphasized the project’s focus on meeting the energy needs of vulnerable communities while fostering women’s participation in solar energy businesses. He noted that the initiative aims to expand the use of renewable energy for household activities and lighting, as well as promote sustainable development in rural areas.
Ali also highlighted that the initiative would assist women in establishing market-driven projects that address local community needs, providing economic opportunities for rural women and improving the quality of life for their families.
This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to empower Yemeni women, offering them tools to generate income and strengthen their roles within society, thereby contributing to the nation’s sustainable development goals.