Enhance the Role of the Female Police in Yemen in Supporting Peace and Access to Justice Penal Reform International (PRI) and between the state of Netherlands, represented by the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development reached a pivotal agreement in June 2022 to formalize a partnership for the implementation of a significant project titled "Enhance the Role of Female Police in Yemen in Supporting Peace and Access to Justice." 

The project aims to empower and elevate the role of female police officers in Yemen, recognizing their vital contribution to fostering peace and promoting justice within the country. By focusing on enhancing the participation and effectiveness of female officers, the project seeks to create a more inclusive and responsive law enforcement environment that better serves the needs of all Yemeni citizens, particularly women and vulnerable populations.

Through this partnership, PRI and between the state of Netherlands, represented by the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development to implement targeted interventions and activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of female police officers, improving their access to resources and workshop, and enhancing their ability to address issues related to gender-based violence and conflict resolution. By harnessing the expertise and resources of both parties, the project endeavors to make tangible progress in advancing peace, security, and justice in Yemen, with a specific emphasis on the empowerment of women in law enforcement.

The overall goal that the project aims to achieve is to Enhance the protection of women and their children and maintain peace and security in Yemen through the meaningful participation of Female Police Officers. 


Work towards achieving the project goal will be delivered by focusing on securing the achievement of the following main outcomes and their outputs as follow: 

Outcome I: The enabling environment within the Ministry of interior and Police Force is strengthened to prevent, respond, investigate cases and crimes that involve women through effective, all-inclusive gender-responsive mechanisms and measures that encourage women to seek justice and contribute to peace and security in Yemen. 

Outcome II: Yemeni women right to access to justice and protection from gender-based violence is enhanced.
   
The project has had a significant impact on a range of beneficiaries since its inception in June 2022, and it continues to provide its services to this day. 
Direct beneficiaries of the project include the Ministry of Interior (MOI), Ministry of Justice (MOJ), judicial authorities, female police officers employed in the South, both male and female cadets at the Police Academy, female police officers in Sanaa, and female judges. 
Furthermore, the final beneficiaries of the project encompass a broader spectrum of individuals. This includes women who encounter the legal system, victims of gender-based violence among women and girls, and children who are affected by their mothers' interactions with the police. Additionally, the project extends its impact to society at large in Yemen, as it contributes to the establishment of a more responsive justice system for women.

To achieve the project's overarching goal and specific objectives, Penal Reform International (PRI) has maintained close collaboration with relevant governmental stakeholders. This includes coordination with the Ministry of Interior, specifically the female police unit under the Family Protection Department, the Female Police Academy, and central police authorities.
Over the course of the project, significant progress has been made in achieving various project outcomes. These outcomes are outlined below, extending until the present time. 
The overall goal that the project aims to achieve is to Enhance the protection of women and their children and maintain peace and security in Yemen through the meaningful participation of Female Police Officers. 

Work towards achieving the project goal will be delivered by focusing on securing the achievement of the following main outcomes and their outputs as follow: 

Outcome I: The enabling environment within the Ministry of interior and Police Force is strengthened to prevent, respond, investigate cases and crimes that involve women through effective, all-inclusive gender-responsive mechanisms and measures that encourage women to seek justice and contribute to peace and security in Yemen. 
Outcome II: Yemeni women right to access to justice and protection from gender-based violence is enhanced.   
The project Direct beneficiaries: are MOI,  MOJ, Judicial authorities, female police officers that were hired in the South, the Police Academy ( males, females)  and female police officers in Sanaa, and Female judges.  
Project final beneficiaries: The final beneficiaries of the project are: women who come in contact with the law and women, and girls victims of gender based violence, in addition to children who are effected by their mothers indication with the police. The project will also have an impact on the  society at large in Yemen who will benefit from more responsive justice system towards women.   
To achieve the overall goal and the specific results of the project, PRI worked closely with relevant governmental stakeholders including (MOI, female police unit under the family protection department at MOI, Female Police Academy and central police).  Progress in the first Six months of the project was focusing on some project results as outlined below. Since the project's inception in June 2022 until December 31st, 2023, PRI has successfully executed the following activities:

Outcome I: The enabling environment within the Ministry of interior and Police Force is strengthened to prevent, respond, and investigate cases and crimes that involve women through effective, all-inclusive gender-responsive mechanisms and measures that encourage women to seek justice and contribute to peace and security in Yemen. 

Activity 1. Continue supporting the female police academy workshop by developing workshop programs and curriculums based on the officer’s needs. 

The implementation of this activity has been ongoing since the inception of the project. Within this activity, an internal assessment is being conducted for the workshop programs designed at the beginning of the project to identify gaps in the workshop curricula. Any other workshop needs that may arise must be covered within the context of workshop female police officers. Penal Reform International is aware that the United Nations Development Programme is in the process of reviewing the workshop program for the Police Academy in Yemen, and we will communicate with them to ensure that the planned workshop package, which will be implemented by the Female Police Academy, aligns with the overall workshop trajectory prescribed for them at the Police Academy to obtain the required certification and the appropriate police rank.

Additionally, the project is supporting existing specialized workshop courses at the Female Police Academy to reach out to affiliates in other southern governorates by organizing some technical workshops in those governorates, as some female officers may find it difficult - due to the war - to travel to Aden.

Output 1.1 assessment of the current teaching syllables is done, gaps identified and plans for overcoming them agreed (fully achieved) 
•	Eight existing curriculum subjects were reviewed, and five new subjects were developed. These materials were developed in collaboration with a number of legal experts and specialists in public administration.
-	Reviewed materials

#	Article Title
1.	Gender-based Violence Module
2.	 Updated Curriculum Module for the Prison Foundation Course
3.	Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation Module
4.	 Basics of Security Media Module
5.	 Community Policing Module
6.	 Criminal Investigation Module in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Law
7.	 Crime Scene and Physical Evidence Module
8.	 Controlled Substance Identification Module

-	New prepared materials:

#	Article Title
1.	 Module on UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security
2.	 Module on Criminal Law and Punishment
3.	 Module on Criminal Psychology and its Relation to Gender-based Violence
4.	 Module on Cybercrime
5.	 Module on Administrative, Secretarial, and Computer Skills


Output 1.2 at least 5 to 8 new teaching courses are developed as part of the female police academy teaching syllables.  (Fully achieved) 

Penal Reform International in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior (General Directorate of Family Protection), organized Six workshop workshops across targeted governorates from January 1 to December 31, 2023. These workshops were hosted at the Female Police Academy in Aden with the objective of enhancing the capacities and skills of female police officers from Aden Governorate. A total of 180 female police officers were targeted, trained, and empowered during the year 2023. The workshop workshops held at the Female Police Academy in Aden focused on the following topics:

1.	12-16 March 2023:	Workshop on Developing Skills in Dealing with Gender-Based Violence Issues	30 female police officers	-	
2.	20-24 May 2023: Special Workshop: "How to Handle Female Prisoners According to Bangkok Rules and Nelson Mandela Rules"	30 female police officers	
3.	22- 26 July 2023"	Workshop on "Investigating Family Cases"	30 female police officers	-	

4.	13- 17 August 2023	Developing women's police skills in the field of administrative and computer skills	30 female police officers	-	

5.	3-7 September 2023	 Workshop on Enhancing Women's Role in Security and Peace in accordance with United Nations Resolution 1325	30 female police officers	

6.	29 October – 2 November 2023	Developing Skills for Female Police Officers in Collecting Evidence and Investigating Cybercrimes and Drug Cases	30 female police officers	

Total Participants	180 female police officers	

Participant feedback on the workshop program was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees expressing appreciation for the expertise and professionalism of the trainers, as well as the comprehensive content covered throughout the sessions. Attendees affirmed that the workshop provided valuable insights that will enhance their effectiveness in their respective roles.

Many participants highlighted the practical nature of the training sessions and the interactive exercises, which offered them hands-on opportunities to apply the knowledge gained during the workshop. They also noted that the training equipped them with effective strategies for addressing various challenges encountered in their daily responsibilities, particularly in responding to the needs of vulnerable individuals and families.

In general, attendees regarded the workshop as extremely advantageous, allowing them to enhance their abilities and expand their comprehension of psychological and social support methodologies. As a result, they wholeheartedly endorsed the continuation of comparable workshop endeavors in the future. The assessment findings have uncovered noticeable disparities between the pre- and post-assessments, with positive outcomes favoring the training and its advantages.

Selected participant comments include:

1. "The workshop will significantly improve our ability to handle referrals and related procedures."
2. "We extend our gratitude to the trainers, PRI, and Donor for organizing this impactful workshop."
3. "Thank you for facilitating this interactive workshop, which acknowledges and leverages our existing skills and capabilities."
4. "The workshop was engaging, insightful, practical, and enjoyable."


Output 1.3: at least six workshop courses are organized by the academy in different governorates targeting at least 180 female officers. (180 female police officers trained inside the academy in Aden and 60 female officers trained in the other governorates ‘Al-Mahra + Abyan & Lahj”) 

PRI implemented, for Al-Mahrah , Abyan and Lahj regions, throughout the project period from January 1 to December 31, 2023, two training workshops. These workshops were conducted in coordination with the Female Police Academy in Yemen. The first workshop was held in Al Mahrah Governorate for female police officers from Al Mahrah, while the second workshop was conducted for female police officers from Lahj and Abyan Governorates, which took place in Aden (it was not possible to hold it in Abyan or Lahij due to the security situation). The workshops aimed at capacity building and skill development in handling gender-sensitive issues reported by women, including gender-based violence, for female police officers.

The objectives of the two workshops were to train and enhance the capacities and skills of 60 female police officers from Al Mahrah Governorate, Lahij, and Abyan Governorates during the year 2023. This included 30 female police officers from Al Mahrah Governorate, 15 from Lahij Governorate, and 15 from Abyan Governorate. The conducted workshops in the governorates were as follows:

#	Workshop date	Workshop Title	Number of participants	News Links
1.	27-29 August 2023	Workshop on Developing Skills in Dealing with Gender-Based Violence Issues	30 female police officers	-	

2.	8-12 October 2023	 Developing women's police skills in the field of administrative and computer skills	30 female police officers (15 from Abyan, 15 from Lahij)	-	

Total Participants	60 female police officers	


Participants in the workshops experienced significant gains and benefits from the training sessions. These workshops were meticulously designed to enhance the capabilities of female police officers in addressing gender-based violence and improving their administrative and computer skills.

During the training sessions, participants were provided with comprehensive insights and practical techniques for effectively handling various forms of gender-based violence. They learned about the underlying dynamics of such violence, how to identify and assess cases, and the appropriate response mechanisms. Additionally, the training equipped them with communication strategies and de-escalation techniques to better support victims and manage sensitive situations.

Moreover, the workshops focused on enhancing the administrative and computer skills of female police officers, recognizing the importance of these skills in their day-to-day responsibilities. Participants received training on office management, document handling, record-keeping, and utilizing various software applications essential for police work. Through hands-on exercises and interactive learning activities, participants gained proficiency in tasks such as data entry, report generation, and digital communication.

The effectiveness of these workshops was evident from the post-assessment results, which highlighted substantial improvements in participants' knowledge and practical abilities. They demonstrated a better understanding of gender-based violence issues and showed increased confidence in applying the acquired skills in their professional roles. Overall, the training sessions contributed significantly to the capacity building and skill development of female police officers, empowering them to better serve their communities and contribute to promoting peace and security.

Activity 2: Support the Practical and field workshop at the Female police Academy. 

Practical field training is just as crucial as theoretical training for law enforcement officers. Therefore, the project, which has been ongoing since its inception, will focus on establishing a criminal investigation lab to assist female officers in learning how to examine and collect evidence. Additionally, a lab for investigating cybercrimes will be created to train officers on investigation methods and tracking techniques in the realm of cybercrimes.

Furthermore, some renovations will be made to the training framework at the academy through collaboration and coordination with the United Nations Development Programme to establish a shooting range as part of weapons training for police officers.

Output 2.1: A workshop criminal investigation lab is established at the academy and used in the workshop.

•	The Criminal Evidence Training Lab at the Female Police Academy underwent renovation, rehabilitation, and was furnished with essential equipment and supplies. However, it has not been opened yet as no training courses have been conducted, and qualified trainers are needed to facilitate the training operations. The lab is anticipated to commence its operations in 2024.
•	Five individuals were trained in a Train-the-Trainer course in Jordan during the period of November 26th to 30th, 2023. The training was delivered by the Jordanian Public Security staff who have the experience in the aspects of criminal investigation, evidence collection, crime scene management, and writing technical report. The workshop includes a practical training and a field visit to the Forensic laboratories at the Jordanian PSD. 

   
Output 2.2: Cybercrime investigation lab is established, and a workshop course is developed.
•	A comprehensive plan and study have been prepared for the establishment of a cybercrime training laboratory and unit. 
•	A list of equipment and supplies required to furnish the cybercrime training laboratory has been prepared.
•	Eight employees of the Ministry of Interior underwent a Train the Trainer course on cybercrimes in Jordan from November 26 to 30, 2023. The workshop introduced them to the concept of cybercrime and its tools and types, technical and legislative solutions in Combating Cybercrime, Investigating Cybercrime Cases. The workshop followed by a visit to the Criminal Investigation Department and the Cybercrime Unit where they learned in the field how police officers deal with cases. 
   


The closing of the workshops in Jordan was attended by the Dutch Ambassador to Yemen.
 
Output 2.3: Field workshop infrastructure is enhanced through coordination with UNDP. (Not achieved yet)
Due to the delay in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) intended rehabilitation of some of the academy facilities, including the playgrounds, it has not been completed yet.
Activity 3: Create a confidential female-led complaint service at the police level for reporting cybercrimes. 

This endeavour is tied to the completion of the cybercrime lab setup.

PRI had several consultation meetings with experts and specialists in the field of cybercrime in which they discussed the best mechanism for establishing confidential female-led complaint service including the needs for establishing the unit where the female police officers will receive the complains of blackmailing women and girls, unit’s goal, tasks, the organizational structure, work mechanism, technical needs, referral mechanisms, and challenges that might face women victims and the police in responding to the cases. 

At the end of 2023 in Amman and after the field visit to the Jordanian Public Security Directorate during the TOT training, the management of the MOI met with the experts form the cybersecurity department and discussed the suitable system working in Yemen. 

The IT company in the process of providing the needed service, which will be ready in 2024. 


Output 3.1: a specialized service for reporting cybercrimes and blackmailing crimes against women is developed and functioning (Partially achieved)  


Activity 6: Create more gender-sensitive working spaces for female police officers, at the level of Al-wadeah port and the criminal investigation department, and some other locations at the targeted governorates. 

This activity is aimed at addressing some of the challenges encountered by female police officers while carrying out their duties in the field. One of the primary hurdles faced by female officers in Yemen is the inadequacy of workplace facilities, including police stations, checkpoints, and prisons, which fail to meet their specific needs and provide the necessary amenities to uphold their dignity, such as suitable restroom and rest areas, particularly during night shifts. Consequently, the project seeks to establish a series of pilot sites tailored to the initial requirements of female police officers, with the objective of fostering a conducive working environment at their designated locations. Drawing upon the success and positive outcomes achieved through the implementation of similar activities in the preceding phase of the project, the current stage aims to establish eight pilot sites in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Senior Police Command, following consultations with female police officers actively engaged in fieldwork.

PRI has continued its efforts to develop several pilot sites designed to address the initial needs of female police officers, with the goal of enhancing the working environment at their duty locations. Two gender-sensitive spaces have been established in 2022 for female police officers, one at the Aden Police Department, where 30 female officers work in shifts. The inauguration of this facility took place in December 2022, with the participation of the Aden Police General Director, who confirmed the appointment of six female officers to senior management positions within the Aden police districts, with an additional six female officers set to be appointed to management roles in 2023.

The second location was established at the AL-Mukalla Police Department in 2022, which employs 15 female police officers.

In 2023, another two gender-sensitive work sites in Marib and Abyan were established, renovated, and equipped to create a suitable working environment for female police officers, facilitating their tasks. 

These sites benefited 90 female police officers who work at these locations. 

Details of the renovation, rehabilitation, and equipping of these sites are provided in Table below:
-	Gender-sensitive workplaces

#	location	Number of female policewomen working on site	Governorate	Works done
1.	Family Protection and Women's Police Department Building 	20 policewomen	Marib Governorate	Refurbishment, restoration and rehabilitation of the preparation of a sleeping room, toilets, kitchen, office and installation of a solar energy system.
2.	Headquarters of the Department of Family Protection and Women's Police Security Department 	20 policewomen	Abyan Governorate	Equipping the building, as the building included the Family Protection Department, Women and Child Protection, the Women's Police Department, Public Relations, Secretarial and Archives
3.	Family Protection and Female Police Department building in Aden Governorate	35 female officers	Aden Governorate	Refurbishment, restoration and rehabilitation of the preparation of a sleeping room, toilets, kitchen
4.	Family Protection and Female Police Department building in Hadhramaut Governorate (Al-Mukalla)	15 female officers.
	Hadhramaut governorates	Refurbishment, restoration and rehabilitation of the preparation of a sleeping room, toilets, kitchen 


The refurbishment, restoration, and rehabilitation efforts focused on various aspects of the building to enhance its functionality and suitability for the officers' needs:

-	Sleeping Room: The sleeping room was prepared to provide a comfortable resting space for officers during their shifts, ensuring they can rest adequately to perform their duties effectively.

-	Toilets: The renovation included the refurbishment of the toilets to ensure they are clean, functional, and accessible, providing essential facilities for the officers' hygiene and comfort.

-	Kitchen: The kitchen area was equipped to facilitate meal preparation and dining for the officers, allowing them to have nutritious meals while on duty.

-	Office: An office space was established within the building to serve as a workspace for administrative tasks, meetings, and coordination among the different departments.

-	Solar Energy System: The installation of a solar energy system aimed to provide sustainable and reliable power supply to the building, reducing dependence on traditional energy sources and ensuring continuous operation, especially in areas with limited access to electricity.

-	Equipping the Building: The building was equipped with necessary furniture, fixtures, and equipment to support the functions of various departments housed within it. This included furniture for offices, meeting rooms, and common areas, as well as specialized equipment required for specific tasks.

Overall, these preparations significantly improved the working conditions for officers and contributed to enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness in addressing gender-sensitive issues within their communities.


Output 6.1: Eight gender sensitive working locations are created to lift the practical barriers facing female police officers (4 locations created)


Activity 7: Work with the top management of the police force to increase the number of female officers at police station levels, especially those assigned investigating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. 

Output 7.1: at least 10 advocacy meetings are organized in the North and the South with top management of the police (More than 15 advocacy meetings in Aden)

Since the signing of the contract, PRI has been actively engaging in consultations and meetings with various stakeholders and senior officials from the Ministry of Interior and the Police Academy management.

There is a general inclination among people to place their trust in female police officers, particularly in matters concerning sexual violence and gender-based violence. Women tend to confide in female officers when it comes to probing cases related to gender-based violence, streamlining the process of attaining justice. Hence, the project will partner with the senior police command to implement a strategy aimed at augmenting the number of female officers stationed at police precincts, particularly in regions witnessing elevated rates of violence against women. This endeavour will, in turn, contribute to realizing the objectives outlined in the National Action Plan, specifically pertaining to Resolution 1325 concerning the police force.

In September 2022, a comprehensive series of meetings took place in Aden with the management of the Ministry of Interior to finalize the project plan and activities. These meetings involved in-depth discussions with key figures such as the Deputy Minister for Police Affairs, the General Director of the Family Protection Department, the Director of the Female Police, the Director of Workshop and Rehabilitation, the Director of the Human Rights Department, as well as the Aden Police Director and the Hadhramaut Police Director.

Moreover, PRI has held more than 10 meetings with senior management throughout the year 2022. As a result of these engagements, 6 female officers have been appointed as Director Assistants, as outlined in annex 6. Additionally, 3 female police officers have been selected to serve as directors of police departments in Lahij, Al-Mukalla, and Al-Mahra.

In addition, advocacy meetings will be convened in the future to advocate for this activity, which will include focus group discussions to outline the deployment plan.

In 2023, five meetings were held with the Inspector General at the Ministry of Interior, along with deputies and governors' security directors. It is expected to hold a meeting with the Minister of Interior during the first quarter of 2024. 

An advocacy mission for four from the top management at the Ministry of Interior in Aden including the General Inspector at MOI, Acting Director of the Police Academy, Aden Police Director and the Director of the Female Police and Family Protection Department at MOI, took place to Amman – Jordan in November 2023 to learn about the Jordanian experience in the field of female policing, police training, criminal investigation and cybercrime. 
The aim of these meetings was to increase the appointment of female police officers and empower them to enhance their role within the Ministry of Interior's departments, institutions, and police stations, and to encourage the Ministry of Interior's leadership to support the activities of the organization's project. 
One of the prominent outcomes of these meetings was reaching an agreement with the ministry's leadership to issue regulations for establishing a Women's Police School and allocating financial provisions for the school within the ministry's budget.

Additionally, as a result of these meetings, there was responsiveness from the ministry's leadership and governors' security directors to appoint several female police officers to positions within the ministry and governorates. 
A total of 51 policewomen were appointed to leadership positions, as indicated in the Table below.

Policewomen appointed to leadership positions within the organs and institutions of the Ministry of Interior

#	Governorate	Number of Policewomen 	Note’s
1.	Aden	30	Work in the ministry and some of its security institutions and police stations in Aden
2.	Abyan	4	
3.	Marib	8	
4.	Taiz	6	
5.	Hadhramaut	1	
6.	Lahij	1	
7.	Al-Mahra	1	
	Total	51	

The appointment of 51 policewomen to leadership positions within the Ministry of Interior marks a significant milestone towards gender equality and inclusivity in law enforcement. By elevating women to these key roles, the ministry not only enhances diversity within its ranks but also benefits from a broader range of perspectives, experiences, and skills. This move fosters a more inclusive and representative leadership structure, which can lead to more effective decision-making, improved community relations, and enhanced trust in law enforcement agencies. Additionally, it serves as a powerful symbol of progress towards gender parity and empowerment, inspiring other women to pursue leadership positions within the ministry and beyond. Overall, the appointment of these policewomen in leadership positions reflects a commitment to equality, diversity, and excellence within the Ministry of Interior.

See Annex (1) a table showing the names of the policewomen and their assigned leadership positions within the framework of the Ministry of Interior's institutions and police stations in the governorate.

Output 7.2: one roundtable is organized in the South to discuss female police officer deployment plan and measures that should be taken.

The workshop, held from June 19th to June 21st, 2023, convened 25 participants, including general directors and leaders from the Ministry of Interior, representatives from related entities such as the Ministry of Justice and the National Women's Committee, and female police branch directors from the governorate of Aden, Taiz, Lahij, Abyan, and Hadhramaut.

Its primary objective was to stimulate and encourage the involvement of female police officers within the Ministry of Interior's institutions, fostering their integration and empowerment to work effectively in police stations across various governorate.

Throughout the workshop sessions, attendees engaged in discussions, presentations, and interactive activities aimed at identifying challenges, sharing best practices, and exploring strategies to enhance the role of female police officers.

The workshop concluded with a series of recommendations and proposals outlining concrete steps to support and empower female police officers, including initiatives to increase their representation and involvement in law enforcement activities.

Additionally, an initial plan was formulated to determine the proposed number of policewomen to be allocated to police stations in the five governorates, laying the groundwork for future efforts to strengthen the presence and effectiveness of female police officers in Yemen's law enforcement agencies.

Output 7.3: a deployment plan for female police officers to work at all police departments is agreed. 
A deployment plan for female police officers to work at all police departments has been finalized through consultations with relevant authorities within the Ministry of Interior. The plan proposes the distribution of 973 police officers across police stations in five governorates. Attached is a draft detailing the proposed distribution of officers, marking a significant step towards enhancing the presence and effectiveness of female police officers within law enforcement agencies.

Activity 8: Draft Standards operating procedures (SOPs) and investigative guidelines at the police level that is specific for dealing with cases that involve gender-based violence based on international standards and best practice  

The consultants were assigned the task to develop the SOPs and they will be ready at the beginning of 2024. 

Output 8.1: Two Standard operation procedures and investigation guidelines are developed and adopted by the police in the North and South

Activity 9: Work with the Police Academy and the Female Police Academy to develop a teaching curriculum on gender-responsive policing and the treatment of women who come in contact with the law and another teaching curriculum on investigating and dealing with cases of gender-based violence based on international standards and best practices to be taught at the police academy as part of their teaching syllables.

The consultants were assigned the task to develop the teaching curriculum and they will be ready by the beginning of 2024. 

Output 9.1: One teaching curriculum is developed and adopted by the police academy as part of their teaching syllables  

Activity 10: Organise 9 workshops in targeted governorates in partnership with the female police academy and police academy that focus on gender-sensitive handling cases reported by women, including gender-based violence. 

This activity will be organized in 2024 after the adoption of the guidelines.

Output 10.1: 270 police officers (Males and Females) received training in dealing with gender-based violence cases.   

Activity 11: Organize one workshop for the senior management of the police force, introducing them to the National Action plan on Res 1325 on women’s peace and security and their role in its implementation. 

Output 11.1: 30 top management police officers are aware of the police force obligations under the NAP on Res 1325

During November 11 – 13, 2023, a workshop was held to discuss the National Action Plan on Resolution 1325 regarding Women, Peace, and Security and their role within the framework of the Ministry of Interior, with the participation of 30 leaders and officials from the ministry and relevant entities.
The workshop aimed to address the challenges, reasons, and the state's responsibility in enhancing the role of police leadership in implementing the National Action Plan on Resolution 1325 regarding Women, Peace, and Security.
The workshop reviewed the activities carried out by the ministry with various entities, highlighting the ministry's commitments outlined in the National Action Plan regarding the role of women and their enhancement within the framework of the Ministry of Interior's institutions, including:
	Establishing the General Directorate for Family Protection and Women's Police and its branches in 7 governorates.
	Establishing a specialized school for the training and qualification of female police officers.
	Appointing several female police officers to various positions within the Ministry of Interior's institutions and police stations in Aden and other governorate.
	Involving female police leaders and personnel in several national committees concerned with enhancing women's participation, such as the National Women's Committee, the Children's Justice Committee, and some specialized committees within the ministry.

Activity 12:  Map out the work and measures done by police to achieve the outputs of NAP  

The consultant was assigned the task to develop the first draft of the report the document all efforts made by the police about engaging female officers more proactively in the management and decision-making process within the force, the steps taken to guarantee the implementation of the gender strategy implementation and the development of the gender-responsive system and services towards women, especially women victims of gender-based violence. 
The report will be shared and reviewed by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Social Affairs and labor. 
The final report will be ready in 2024. 

Output 12.1: A report that maps out progress towards achieving NAP on Res 1325 indicators by the police is produced.  


Outcome II: Yemeni women’s right to access to justice and protection from gender-based violence is enhanced   

Activity 13: Pilot the creation of gender-segregated spaces at police stations to increase women’s safety in accessing policing services that provide privacy and are suitable and friendly for the children who, in many cases, accompany their mothers to the stations. 
One of the main barriers that women face when they visit a police station is that these stations are not responsive to their needs. Usually, these stations do not provide privacy for women to speak about sensitive matters, women find themselves obliged to talk in front of unknown crowds, they lack dedicated toilets for women and no appropriate place that is suitable and friendly for the children who in many cases accompany their mothers to the stations. 

To address the needs of women who come in contact with the law and their children, PRI established three gender-segregated spaces within the police departments for female police officers: two in Al-Mu'alla and Khormaksar police stations in Aden governorate, and one in the Republican Police Station in Taiz governorate.


The establishment of these paces is part of enhancing women's security services at police stations and supporting the General Directorate of Family Protection in resolving social issues, especially those related to violence and child-related issues. It aims to contribute to resolving and reducing their prevalence and combating all forms of violence. 
Additionally, the establishment of these spaces aims to activate the role of female security personnel in community activities, particularly concerning protecting women from domestic or criminal violence. It also aims to enhance the capabilities of female police officers, providing them with the skills and tools needed to receive reports and handle cases of violence in ways that respect both the law and societal customs.

In addition, significant interventions were made in terms of refurbishing, renovating, and equipping the facilities to operate effectively. These interventions played a crucial role in creating a safe and welcoming environment for women visiting the police stations seeking assistance and support. Renovations included improving infrastructure, ensuring privacy for consultations, installing security measures, and providing necessary amenities. By investing in these upgrades, the women's police stations were better equipped to handle cases of violence against women and children, fostering a conducive atmosphere for reporting and seeking help. 
Moreover, the refurbishments aimed to enhance the overall functionality and efficiency of the stations, enabling them to deliver quality services and support to women in need within their communities. 

Details of the centers' equipment are provided in the table below:

#	name of the office	Location	Opening Date	Number of female policewomen working on site
1.	Women's Police Office at Khormaksar Police Station	Aden	27 July 2023	10
2.	Women's Police Office at Al-Mualla Police Station	Aden	27 July 2023	10
3.	Women's Police Office at Republican Police Station 	Taiz	12 September 2023	10

Women's police stations have addressed a total of 622 cases and issues across five governorates, namely Aden, Hadhramaut Al-Sahel, Abyan, Taiz, and Lahij. Despite this, many women have shown reluctance to visit these stations and report the challenges they have encountered.

In these governorates, women's police stations have proven to be effective and welcoming, with trained female officers providing support to women who have survived physical violence through initiatives that prioritize women's needs. Female police officers have handled a diverse range of cases, totaling 622 across Aden (350 cases), Hadhramaut Al-Sahel (61 cases), Abyan (15 cases), Taiz (155 cases), and Lahij (41 cases), including incidents of social and moral violence as well as complaints related to violence.

The cases addressed by women's police stations encompass various issues, such as murder, theft, rape, sexual exploitation of children, fraud, cyber extortion, domestic violence, verbal abuse, neglect, marital and family disputes, breach of trust, political issues (in Taiz), and suspicion.

Moreover, women's police stations in these governorates offer assistance and support from female officers, including medical treatment, psychological support, legal aid, and specialized care for abused women. Collaboration with civil society organizations like the Yemeni Women's Union facilitates the reintegration of released women into other governorates. However, the available assistance is often insufficient and constrained by limited resources.
Number of cases in the five governorates (Aden – Hadramout – Abyan – Taiz – Lahij):

#	governorates	Number of cases
1.	Aden	350
2.	Hadramout	61
3.	Abyan	15
4.	Taiz	155
5.	Lahij	41
Total	622

Kindly see Annex No. (2): a detailed list of cases and cases in women's police stations

Output 13.1: Nine gender-sensitive, child-friendly spaces are created at police stations (3 created)
Activity 14: Promote the gender-responsive role of the police and services provided for women victims of GBV.  
In 2022, a media plan that includes posters, short videos, leaflets, social media campaign, and TV and radio programmes with the messages that will be used, was developed in order to promote the role of female police and services provided by them. 

An awareness campaign on gender-sensitive approaches and the significance of women's police work within the Ministry of Interior's agencies and institutions was conducted nationwide in 2023. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the role of women's police, the gender perspective they bring, the services they provide, and the complaint processing system for responding to gender-based violence cases.

The campaign included various activities such as disseminating awareness messages through TV interviews and distributing of 20,000 posters and leaflets in streets, public markets, shopping centers, hospitals, schools, universities, medical centers, police departments, and community centers. 

Approximately 50,000 individuals (approximately) in the targeted provinces of Aden, Abyan, and Al-Mahra saw the posters and news, contributing to raising awareness.

Furthermore, television interviews were conducted to explain the roles of women's police stations in the provinces as part of the gender awareness campaign. The project continued to disseminate information about the gender-sensitive approach through various media outlets, with a total of 15,396 views on news, media, publications, and media coverage of project activities across various platforms such as websites, TV channels, and others.

An Overview of the Awareness Campaign:

Prior to the campaign's execution, a media consultant was hired to develop the awareness plan and its activities. The campaign was executed from September to December 2023 and managed by the International Organization for Criminal Justice Reform, the Family Protection Directorate, and women's police within the Ministry of Interior, with support from the Ministry's leadership and the security directors of the targeted provinces.

The campaign objectives included achieving higher levels of awareness about the gender-sensitive approach, raising awareness about the importance of the role of women's police, reducing cases of violence, and enhancing the current services provided by women's police in this field.

Campaign Activities Details:

The campaign adopted a simple and effective visual style based on the concept of the gender-sensitive approach, using a mix of photography and step-by-step graphics to create a clear link between positive steps and their corresponding benefits. Activities included printing posters and stickers and distributing them in targeted areas and provinces. The estimated number of individuals who saw the posters exceeded approximately 50,000.

outlining the results of the campaign:

1. Increased Awareness: The campaign successfully raised awareness about the gender-sensitive approach and the role of women's police stations among the public, with approximately 50,000 individuals reached through posters and news coverage.

2. Improved Understanding: Television interviews and other media outreach efforts helped improve understanding about the roles and responsibilities of women's police stations in various provinces.

3. Enhanced Visibility: The campaign increased visibility of women's police stations and their services in targeted areas, contributing to a better understanding of available support mechanisms for victims of gender-based violence.

4. Strengthened Partnerships: Collaboration between the International Organization for Criminal Justice Reform, the Family Protection Directorate, and women's police departments fostered stronger partnerships in addressing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.

5. Empowerment of Women: By informing women about their rights and available support services, the campaign empowered them to seek assistance and report incidents of violence without fear of judgment or reprisal.

6. Improved Community Relations: The campaign helped build trust between law enforcement agencies and communities by demonstrating a commitment to addressing gender-based violence and promoting public safety.

Overall, the campaign yielded positive results in raising awareness, empowering women, and strengthening efforts to combat gender-based violence.

Output 14.1: A national Campaign through social media is organized (partially achieved)

Activity15:  Establish a case management system for cases of women and children at the police level and case reports that can be shared with relevant service providers when referring cases.   
The consultant was assigned the task to develop a case management that will be used by police stations for cases of women and children. 
The system will be ready in 2024.  

Output 15.1: a case management system is developed at the level of police stations to standardize and organized the dealing with cases. 


Activity 16: map out all services provided for women and children at each governorate and distribute the list of these services to all police stations in each governate. 
This activity will take place in 2024.

Output 16.1: services provided for women and children victims of gender-based violence are mapped out at the level of each governorate. 
Output 16.2: a list of available services is distributed at all police stations. 


Activity 17: work on involving female police officers at the assigned task force that coordinates local efforts for providing support to women and children at each governorate. 
PRI is coordinating with the UNFPA which is leading of violence against women task force. PRI will be a member of the GBV cluster and will liaison with UNFPA to engage more officers in the meetings that are organized monthly and refer cases between the Female police and UNFPA in the governorates that they work. 

In response to the pressing need for enhanced protection of women from violence, collaborative efforts between the PRI and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have led to significant strides in establishing specialized clusters. These clusters aim to address the specific challenges faced by women, particularly in conflict-affected regions. Through a series of meetings and coordination efforts, key stakeholders have worked towards integrating the PRI and its staff into these clusters, thereby bolstering initiatives for women's protection. This collaborative endeavor underscores the importance of partnership and collective action in addressing gender-based violence and promoting the safety and well-being of women in vulnerable communities.
- A series of meetings were held with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to incorporate the PRI and its staff into the special sub-cluster for women's protection. Consequently, the PRI became part of the main cluster for women's protection from violence in Sana'a and part of the sub-cluster in Aden.

- Additionally, the Women's Police Department was included in the special sub-cluster for women's protection from violence in Aden.

- Three coordination meetings were held with experts from the UNFPA Women's Protection Program. Copies of the Case Management Guide and the Unified Operating Procedures for Women's Protection from Violence, developed by the Fund with governmental partners, were obtained.

The inclusion of the PRI and the Women's Police Department in specialized sub-clusters for women's protection marks a pivotal step towards strengthening efforts to combat gender-based violence. By leveraging expertise and resources through collaboration with the UNFPA, these initiatives have the potential to enhance the effectiveness of response mechanisms and support services for women in need. Moving forward, continued coordination and cooperation among stakeholders will be essential in sustaining and expanding these efforts to create safer environments and empower women to lead lives free from violence and discrimination.

Output 17.1: Female police officers are actively engaged and participate at the violence against women task forces organized by UNFPA 

Activity 18: Organize one workshop in each governorate to agree on the referral system  
This activity will take place in the coming years. 

Output 18.1 referral system modules between the police and the service providers are agreed in each governorate. 

Activity 19: Providing technical support to police stations on developing and establishing the referral system,
This activity will take place later during the project duration. 

Output 19.1 referral systems are in place and used by the police.  

   
Activity 20: Organize two workshop workshops to build the capacity of female judges in adjudicating gender-based violence cases. 

After successfully targeting 30 female participants working in the justice sector in 2022, the International Organization for Criminal Justice Reform proceeded to organize the second capacity-building workshop specifically designed for female judges and justice workers. This workshop aimed to enhance their skills in effectively handling cases related to violence. Held on November 14-16, 2023, in Aden, Yemen, the workshop was tailored to meet the needs of 30 female judges and justice workers, providing them with comprehensive training and practical insights into addressing violence-related issues within the justice system.
Participants greatly benefited from the training workshop, demonstrating a positive impact on their skills and practices. An evaluation conducted post-training revealed a significant improvement in their abilities, with approximately 78% of participants showing positive changes compared to their pre-training assessment. This indicates the effectiveness of the specialized workshop titled "Building Capacities of Female Judges and Justice Workers in Handling Gender-based Violence Cases."
Output 20.1 60 female judges are trained in adjudicating gender-based violence cases (60 female judges trained)