Benomar assures Yemeni women of UN support

UN Envoy to Yemen Jamal Benomar has said the success of the country rests on its ability to engage and empower women during all transitional stages and issues, and to draft a new constitution and decide the shape of the government. The statement from Benomar came during his meeting with female leaders and representatives participating in the NDC. At the meeting, women told Benomar their demands for participation in the constitution drafting-committee and the Consensus Committee. Benomar told the women that the sponsors of the transition understand the importance of Yemenis resolving Yemen’s issues, and not having the solutions come from outside the country. “We insisted that women should have30 percent representation in all NDC committees and the government,” he said. About 90 percent of the NDC’s tasks have been completed, Benomar said, and the UN backs all outcomes that empower women and reinforce women’s rights.