Training Imams in Seiyun on gender and economic empowerment

SEIYUN, Dec. 06 (Saba)-
A training workshop for Imams in Seiyun city was concluded on Monday.
The three-day workshop was in partnership between the UNDP, represented by the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)'s Gender and Economic Empowerment
project (GEE),
and the Department of Guidance and Endowment in Hadramout Governorate.
The training helped in coaching a selected number of Imams on UNDP GEE objectives,
gender concepts and gender dimensions in economic life.
In addition, the training aimed to strengthen the Imams' professional competence to
convey gender sensitive messages to the public, including women and youth, and
promote
advocacy and awareness raising in the communities.
The workshop outlined the role that religious leaders plays to influence positive
change in the communities apart from their customary role.
Given their standing and important role in society, they can make a tremendous
difference in local communities by raising public awareness on gender concepts and
in particular
on gender in the economic sphere. They can facilitate greater citizen participation
and understanding on the role of women and youth in economic development.
In the closing ceremony, Ms. Randa Aboul-Hosn, UNDP Yemen Country Director, said:
"The United Nations Development Programme is committed to work with all segments of
the
society in order to achieve economic empowerment for all vulnerable groups,
including women and youth".
By the end of the training, religious leaders prepared a follow up plan to benefit
from the learning they received on their districts level.
The closing ceremony was attended by the Assistant Deputy Governor of Hadramout,
Mr. Fahd Al Aajam, officials from Government, Civil Society Organizations, UNDP,
and others.
The UNDP GEE is a community based initiative covering four districts, Al Soum, Sah,
Seiyun, and Tareem in Wadi Hadramout Governorate.
The project is an integral part of the UNDP Country Office Gender Strategy. It
contributes to the economic and social empowerment of women and youth, improved
livelihoods,
rights, and gender sensitive policy support.
YA