“In the nineties, women in Yemen were underrepresented in the labour market, but in particular in the banking sector. Since then, women have continued to struggle to obtain highly skilled and stable jobs,” says Marrakesh.

“The rapid global development in various fields, including the banking field, require a commitment to innovation and modernization in all aspects of work,” she explains. But this commitment requires on-going training and formal education, something many displaced and rural women have limited access to.

“At my bank, we seek to include women in all of our projects. This helps to set an example and demonstrate the benefit of equal access to employment and productive resources. Women’s representation also helps to create an enabling environment for women’s economic empowerment – including access to banking services such as loans. I seek to promote women's economic empowerment to allow them to support their families and communities.”

Although women’s participation in Yemen’s labour market is one of the world’s lowest, the conflict has shifted some of the barriers that traditionally held women back. Now women have additional roles and responsibilities to support their families, requiring them to seek out training and skills development to find sustainable incomes whether through establishing small businesses or finding a stable job.

“Many women in Yemen have become the main breadwinner for their families. I believe they can work and succeed in all kinds of fields,” concludes Marrakesh.