The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in Rabat, hosted, on Monday, April 29, 2024, a cultural lecture themed “Cultural Scene of Women in Yemeni Civilization,” organized by ICESCO in cooperation with the Yemen Embassy in Rabat and the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco. Dr. Amida Sholan, Professor of Archaeology and Ancient Arabic Scripts at Sana’a University delivered a lecture on women’s contributions to shaping the cultural, intellectual, and civilizational scene throughout Yemen’s history.
The Lecture witnessed high-level participation of ambassadors, experts and public figures.

The opening session initiated with the address of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO Culture and Communication Sector, which asserted the historical, cultural, and civilizational richness of Yemen and the distinguished role of women throughout eras, not only in governance and ruling but also in shaping the Yemeni cultural, intellectual, and civilizational landscape.

Dr. AlMalik reiterated ICESCO’s pride in women and their role, noting the Organization’s championing of the rights of women in the fields of education, science, and culture. This commitment is reflected in numerous programs and initiatives implemented in collaboration with Member States, including ICESCO’s supervision of the “Girl Dropout Reintegration Project,” which benefited 21,500 girls in Yemen, funded by Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief).

For her part, Ms. Rania Shobaki, Chairwoman of the Group, exhibited Dr. Amida Sholan’s distinguished academic career and commended ICESCO’s efforts and hosting of this cultural event as part of the ongoing cooperation and joint event between the two sides to strengthen the presence of women amid growing challenges.

In his speech, H.E. Dr. Ezzedine Al-Asbahi, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen to the Kingdom of Morocco, said that Yemen cannot be independent and a pioneer unless its women are empowered. He stressed that Yemen is going through critical moments, but its unwavering pillar remains women, creators of stability and peace, who have played a leading role in Yemen’s progress throughout history.

During the Lecture, moderated by H.E. Dr. Ezzedine, Dr. Amida Sholan reviewed the outstanding presence of Yemeni women in their society through various archaeological inscriptions. Dr. Amida highlighted the high status of women, which reflected the high status of social and economic life in Yemen at that era, and demonstrated the empowerment of women and their freedom to manage their property.

The cultural lecture was followed by a discussion session in which Dr. Amida Sholan answered several questions from the audience, which further enriched the discussion.