It is impossible to get anything done without a man's help. In the US, I grew up to be a very independent person, doing my things without the help of anyone. I took care of myself for many years, paid my bills and went where I wanted. Basically, I was the ruler of my life. In Yemen, I need my father's or my husband's consent for a job, even though I'm a grown woman.
Women play a very small role in Yemen, usually only as mothers or wives.
Although, there are a few exceptions. I also have very few rights since women's lives are ruled by men. That is one aspect that I have never been able to accept or adjust to. I have found that Yemeni men can be extremely rude. When in public, they always stare at women, especially if they are not veiled.