Ibb, Yemen – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has recently completed the construction of a new centre for women in Dar Al-Jamae, Dhi As Sufal district of Ibb Governorate. This centre is part of IOM’s broader initiative to establish safe spaces across Yemen, addressing the urgent needs of displaced communities who have been severely affected by prolonged conflict and instability.

Yemen continues to grapple with one of the world’s largest displacement crises, with over 4.5 million people currently displaced. Of these, around 80 per cent are women and children, who endure severe living conditions, including overcrowded shelters, limited access to basic services, and a decline in livelihoods. The lack of safe communal spaces further exacerbates these challenges, leaving many isolated and vulnerable.

The new centre will serve as a crucial hub for women engagement, social activities, and access to essential services, providing a safe haven and support network for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. By focusing on creating inclusive and supportive environments, IOM aims to foster resilience and improve the well-being of vulnerable populations in one of the most challenging humanitarian crises globally.

IOM now operates 23 community centres, including women dedicated spaces, across Ibb, Ta’iz, Ma’rib, and the West Coast, reaching over 66,0000 people. These centres are designed to enhance social interaction, improve access to essential services, and strengthen community resilience. By working closely with site committees and community members, IOM aims to foster a sense of ownership and inclusivity, particularly for marginalized groups, including women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.

“We understand the importance of creating spaces where people can not only access essential services but also connect, learn, and grow together,” said Matt Huber, IOM’s Acting Chief of Mission in Yemen. “Our approach has been to involve local communities at every stage – from planning to implementation – to ensure these centres truly meet the diverse needs of those they serve. This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing the specific needs of displaced communities and ensuring long-term sustainability through strong local ownership.”

Recognizing the unique needs of women within displacement sites, IOM has established dedicated women’s spaces across Yemen. These facilities are designed to enhance women’s participation in governance, provide platforms for voicing concerns, and offers skill training sessions, including accessory making, sewing, and other crafts, to enhance participation and economically empower those in protracted displacement. In Ma’rib alone, eight such spaces have benefited over 12,000 women.

The newly constructed centre in Dar Al-Jamae, Ibb, provides space for 80 women and girls, complementing the existing women’s space in Maslahat At Toruqat, Al Mashannah, which serves 175 women and girls. These facilities are crucial for fostering a sense of community, offering psychosocial support, and providing recreational activities. This centre will serve as a vital hub for support, awareness-raising, and capacity-building, helping displaced families build resilience and improve their well-being.

The Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) team is crucial in building and maintaining key communal infrastructure, such as these community centres, women’s spaces, distribution points, shaded meeting areas, playgrounds, and access roads. IOM’s approach to constructing these spaces is community-led, incorporating assessments, focus group discussions, and stakeholder engagement to meet the diverse needs of displaced populations.

The ongoing need for additional spaces remains critical to ensuring inclusivity and accessibility, particularly for women. IOM will continue to strengthen the capacity of community groups and local authorities to promote self-sufficiency and autonomy among displaced communities. Expanding these efforts will be essential in addressing the needs of displaced individuals and enhancing their resilience.

The community centres in Yemen are funded by EU Humanitarian Aid, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration, and USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance as part of IOM’s CCCM activities in Yemen.

For more information, please contact:

Monica Chiriac, Media and Communications Officer: mchiriac@iom.int 

IOM Yemen’s Communications Team: iomyemenmediacomm@iom.int