A recent report by the Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms has revealed alarming statistics regarding violations against women in Yemen, attributing over 5,834 incidents to the Houthi militia from January 1, 2017, to the end of 2025. The findings were published in conjunction with International Women’s Day and highlight a range of abuses across 15 governorates.
The documented violations encompass a variety of serious offenses, including killings, injuries, abductions, enforced disappearances, and both physical and psychological torture. The report indicates that the field team recorded 1,479 killings and 3,398 injuries resulting from various forms of violence, including artillery shelling, landmine explosions, and sniper attacks.
Taiz emerged as the most affected governorate, with the highest number of killings, followed by Hodeidah, Aden, and several others. The report also noted that 274 women lost their lives due to landmines planted by the Houthi militia, particularly in areas such as Taiz, Al-Jawf, and Hodeidah. Additionally, 124 women were killed by sniper fire across nine governorates, with Taiz again reporting the highest fatalities.
The report further highlights the plight of women in detention facilities, documenting 78 cases of torture in both secret and official prisons run by the Houthi militia. Survivors have reported various forms of abuse, including harassment and sexual assault. Moreover, 69 cases of enforced disappearance were recorded, with some women held for extended periods without any information about their fate.
In terms of injuries, the report reveals that 3,398 women were wounded due to Houthi shelling targeting civilian areas. The violence has resulted in permanent disabilities for 486 women, with additional injuries reported from sniper fire and direct gunfire. The findings underscore the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen, particularly the severe impact on women amid the protracted conflict.
