Supporting Yemeni women’s right to get a passport without male approval
Overview
The “My Passport Without Guardianship” campaign took place in Taiz, Yemen, from 2021 to 2023. It was led by Yemeni activists through their own efforts and funding. The goal was to help women get passports without needing a male guardian’s approval, as the law already allows. The activists pushed the Ministry of Interior and the Passport Authority to follow Law No. 7 of 1990, which gives every Yemeni citizen over 16 the right to a passport. The campaign stressed the importance of women’s freedom to travel and make their own choices.
About the Campaign
This campaign started as a youth feminist initiative. It came in response to the daily struggles of women who were blocked from getting passports without a man’s consent. The team worked with passion and professionalism to build women’s leadership skills. They wanted every woman involved to become a leader who could run future campaigns.
The main demand was that the Ministry of Interior issue a clear order ending restrictions on women. By late 2022, this order was put in place. The campaign became an inspiring example of community action that gave women and youth a strong voice. It partnered with feminists, civil society, media, and decision-makers, gaining wide support in Yemen and even reaching the UN Security Council.
Background
For many years, women in Yemen needed male approval to get a passport. This was based on tradition, not law. It stopped women from studying, seeking medical care, visiting family, or traveling for other needs. Yet, Law No. 7 of 1990 says all citizens over 16 can get a passport. To fight this unfair practice, activists in Taiz launched the campaign to defend women’s right to apply for passports alone.
Challenges
The campaign faced strong pushback from religious and community leaders. Activists were attacked online and in person, which created fear and caused some supporters to withdraw. Women in the campaign also faced threats from family members. Inside the team, activists struggled to stay organized and had to learn quickly how to manage advocacy in very hard conditions.
Activities
The campaign used many tactics to spread its message:
- Reviewed Yemeni laws and collected women’s stories.
- Organized discussions with women and men.
- Held workshops and produced a short film about women’s struggles.
- Shared stories on social media.
- On February 1, 2022, organized a protest in front of the Passport Office in Taiz.
- Met with leaders such as the National Women’s Committee, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Legal Affairs.
Results
In March 2022, the campaign won a major victory. The Prime Minister ordered the Ministry of Interior to allow women to get passports without male approval. The National Women’s Committee also supported this change. The campaign received wide media coverage, sparked a national debate and was praised by the UN Special Envoy to Yemen in a report to the Security Council.
