Yemenis are thrilled as five Taiz policewomen been given critical security duties

 In the southern Yemeni city of Taiz, five policewomen were appointed to important security positions for the first time, generating excitement among those who support gender equality and the media.

As part of security revamps that saw the appointment of 12 new security heads, the five were given jobs at locations and police stations in the Taiz Security Department, according to local officials.

The selections were made in an effort to advance women in security positions and put an end to the turmoil and lawlessness that have long plagued Taiz.

According to Second Lt. Amera Al-Bukaili, who was recently promoted to the position of Taiz security's deputy director of training, the effort for gender equality and advancement in top positions has finally paid off.

"I am really happy today. A chunk of our rights has been restored thanks to the appointments, which she claimed ought to have happened a long time ago.

Al-Bukaili has approximately two decades of expertise in the security industry and a master's degree in social science. In 2019, she was promoted to second lieutenant while her male competitors with comparable backgrounds in training and education were given better positions, she added.

"Women will be able to influence and invent when they are in positions of authority. This is a chance to increase your rights.

Both men and women who have long fought for the elevation of women to positions of authority in the nation have praised the nominations.

The appointments were described as "special milestones" toward allowing women greater rights by Taiz-based human rights activist Sara Qassem, who also urged other Yemeni provinces to follow suit by nominating women to critical positions.

"We praise this action, which is in reaction to attempts to empower women in politics, human rights, security, and other areas," Qassem said to Arab News, noting that the measure will enhance security in Taiz at a time when the city is on the verge of anarchy and is under a fresh Houthi blockade.

According to journalist Zakaria Al-Sharabi, placing policewomen in crucial security posts will allow for operations in places that are off-limits to men due to social restrictions. The new hires will aid in the fight against other crimes against women as well as sexual harassment.

Without a sure, having women on the force is important since many police tasks and services, especially those involving women, kids, harassment offenses, and child protection, require the presence of women, according to Zakaria.

Women's rights in Yemen have allegedly been violated and abandoned during the country's civil conflict, notably in areas controlled by the Houthis, where the militia limits women's freedom of movement and other rights.

Observers in Sanaa claim that the Houthis have made it illegal for women to go between Yemeni cities without a male companion or mahram.