Their dedication was evident as some traveled up to 3 hours to reach the session's location

My journey to Yemen was an unforgettable and life-changing experience. Before my visit, I had heard about the country's difficult situation, but only upon arrival did I truly grasp the extent of the challenges faced by its people.

My expedition began with a flight to Egypt, the only airport connecting to Yemen. Taking the Yemeni airline was not easy as the unsettling sounds in the aircraft made me doubt my decision to come. Despite this, I pressed on, eager to discover the mysteries that awaited me.

As I arrived, I saw that all women were wearing full burqas, so I respectfully followed the local customs and wore one that was provided to me. This was the beginning of an incredible adventure ahead.

Hamza, our Yemeni partner's representative, was waiting for me and dropped me off at a nearby hotel for the night. The next day, we embarked on a 7-hour car journey to El Mukalla. It was during this road trip that I truly began to discover Hadramout. The scorching heat during the hottest days of the year and the impoverished scenes on sandy roads deeply impacted me, highlighting the daily struggles faced by many.

During my time in Mukalla, I had the privilege of working with 15 extraordinary women who came from different regions in Yemen. Despite their diverse cultural practices and traditions, it became evident that they all shared common experiences, facing persistent challenges related to gender inequality, and limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The women quickly formed an incredibly effective and cohesive group.

Their dedication was evident as some traveled up to 3 hours to reach the session's location. The sessions I conducted spanned over 7 days, during which I witnessed the transformation and camaraderie among the participants. The girls showed remarkable enthusiasm and perseverance. They enjoyed every moment, having fun while playing, dancing, and taking much-needed time for themselves.

Throughout the sessions, we also engaged in discussions about the mission of the CAPE project (Creative Arts for Peace and Equality) and wrote down notes about some activities that we discovered during our time together. These exercise materials are intended for participants to take back and apply to their different communities.

I had a lot of unforgettable moments with the group, but my favorite moment was when the women collectively took the time to teach me the right way to wear the hijab. The precious moment, captured in an amusing video, symbolizes the bond we formed and the cultural exchange during our time together.

After my departure, the sessions continued for 7 more days. I was delighted to receive updates that the following sessions had succeeded, and the women were enthusiastic and perseverant. The news filled my heart with joy and reinforced the belief that CAPE can truly make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

On the last day of my travels, I visited the historic town of Shibam, known for its clay houses, and immersed myself in its rich cultural heritage. This experience deepened my appreciation for Yemen's history and its people's tenacity to preserve their traditions amidst challenging circumstances.

My travels to Yemen were life-changing. The country's beauty, challenges, and above all, the generosity and strength of its people left an indelible mark on my heart. The trip taught me the value of embracing diverse cultures and the importance of resilience and love in the face of adversity. Yemen and especially its women will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I will cherish the lessons and experiences gained throughout this remarkable journey.

About the situation in Yemen: A crisis for girls and women
After nine years of war, Yemen remains the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. An estimated 4.5 million people – 14 percent of the population—are currently displaced, most of whom have been displaced multiple times over a number of years. Two-thirds of the population of Yemen—21.6 million people are in dire need of humanitarian assistance and protection services as 80 percent of the country struggles to put food on the table and access essential services. Violence against women and girls, already high before the conflict, has worsened, with displaced women and girls, female-headed households, and those with disabilities, particularly at risk. Girls are increasingly vulnerable to child marriage, human trafficking, and child labour.

About CAPE – Creative Arts for Peace and Equality
Creative Arts for Peace and Equality (CAPE) is a program Clowns Without Borders Sweden founded with the aim to strengthen girls and women affected by war and conflict, minority groups, groups in vulnerable economic situations, and girls and women exposed to violence. Together with local organizations and artists in different countries around the Middle East, we arrange weekly sessions for the girls and women where they get to try different creative methods – arts and crafts, clowning, circus etc. The importance of creativity is the ability to express all your feelings through it. This creates the feeling of freedom in general, and psychological freedom in particular, and gives the participants strength and confidence. The CAPE project is financed by Folke Bernadotte Academy – Swedish agency for peace, security and development, Swedish Institute Creative Force, ForumCiv, and Radiohjälpen.