‘We must enter first’: Yemen’s female soldiers face war, danger and a changing society

Yemen's female soldiers are facing the realities of war, danger, and a society undergoing significant change. Tahani, a 36-year-old female officer, proudly walks through Taiz city's markets wearing her security uniform without a firearm. While some locals are uneasy about women in military roles, others express pride in Yemeni women serving as soldiers.

Tahani joined the women's police force in 2022 after struggling to support herself and her son after divorce. She now participates in search operations and home raids, providing vital services for her community.

Female soldiers are increasingly important in Yemen's security apparatus, with the number of women in the police force growing from 2,868 in 2014 to thousands today. These women perform tasks such as home raids, where they must enter homes with women present, due to the cultural preference for women to interact with other women. While Tahani has not yet fired at a suspect, she knows the heightened vigilance required during military escalations, with more home raids and inspections taking place.

Captain Muamer Abdulmonem, a Yemeni army officer, emphasizes the critical role female soldiers play during escalations, particularly in searching women travelers who may be involved in smuggling contraband. He also stresses the need for female volunteers to support the army in monitoring sleeper cells and unfamiliar individuals. As Yemen continues to grapple with conflict and societal changes, the role of female soldiers is becoming increasingly essential in maintaining safety and security.