Saudi-backed government forces clash with Houthi fighters in Taiz

In the southwestern Yemeni city of Taiz, a fierce battle is raging between Saudi-backed government forces and Houthi fighters, backed by Iran. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with civilians caught in the crossfire.

As fighting intensified in early September, women in Taiz began organizing relief efforts for soldiers defending their city. Initially, they focused on baking cookies for front-line fighters, but soon expanded their initiatives to raise funds for buying weapons and ammunition.

The cookie-making campaign drew widespread participation from women volunteers, who shared their efforts on social media platforms. This community-driven initiative coincided with a broader effort to supply fighters with essential supplies, including food and other necessities.

According to Amira al-Saghir, an activist involved in the campaign, the goal was to strengthen ties between civilians and government forces defending Taiz. The city is under constant threat of invasion, with daily shelling by Houthi fighters.

In a conservative country like Yemen, where the majority of women do not engage in active combat, these initiatives offer a unique opportunity for them to contribute to their city's defense. By supporting soldiers on the front lines, women are playing a vital role in the battle against an invading force.

The women's efforts have garnered significant attention and support from across Taiz governorate, with people contributing resources from various districts and villages.

Fighting has escalated in western Taiz, with Houthi forces capturing strategic territory along Yemen's Red Sea coast and expanding their presence around the Bab al-Mandeb strait. The Houthis' rapid advance began in early September, following a brief period of relative calm after a UN-brokered truce in April 2022.

The group has since taken control of key routes into Taiz governorate, effectively surrounding the provincial capital and sparking intense fighting with government forces. Control of some areas remains contested as both sides launch counteroffensives.

The renewed siege has severely restricted movement and access to essential supplies, triggering shortages of food, fuel, and medicine in the city. The impact on civilians is significant, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.

Women's initiatives have been instrumental in responding to the crisis, with efforts expanding beyond baking cookies and organizing food convoys. These initiatives now include buying ammunition for fighters, a shift driven by donors who are making contributions conditional on part of the funds being used for this purpose.

The women involved in these initiatives say they feel compelled to act due to the risk of their city falling under Houthi control.

The shift in focus from humanitarian aid to military equipment was reportedly encouraged by social media campaigns highlighting the government fighters' shortage of ammunition.

As a result, more women joined initiatives aimed at supporting the army's defense of Taiz and its surrounding areas.

Among them is Huriya Wabel, a prominent humanitarian activist who has been actively involved in organizing relief efforts for civilians affected by the conflict.

Wabel explained that the group felt compelled to take a more proactive role after witnessing the devastating impact of the Houthi militia's siege on Taiz and its residents.

She emphasized that the decision to provide military equipment was motivated by a desire to support the army, not just with basic necessities like food and clothing, but also with the means to defend themselves against the enemy.

Khadija al-Majidi echoed Wabel's sentiments, stating that the threat facing Taiz has become too great for civilians to ignore.

The women's department of Taiz's Supreme Council for Popular Resistance has launched a fundraising campaign to equip 10,000 pro-government fighters with rifles and ammunition.

The initiative, which began on October 8, aims to mobilize contributions from Yemenis both at home and abroad to support the effort. The council is calling on individuals to donate whatever they can, as the military and humanitarian situation in Taiz continues to deteriorate.

The city has been under siege for an extended period, with government forces facing daily attacks from Houthi rebels. Despite these challenges, civilians are finding ways to contribute to the defense of their city. Many residents are making personal sacrifices to support the cause.

In addition to fundraising efforts, women like Khadija al-Majidi are taking on roles in delivering military supplies and other essential items to frontline fighters. Al-Majidi has made repeated trips to active battlefronts, including a recent visit to Jabal Sabir, where she delivered ammunition and winter clothing worth $3,000.

The resilience of civilians like al-Majidi is a testament to the determination of those fighting for control of Taiz. Despite living through more than 10 years of war, they remain committed to supporting their city's defense efforts.

Women in Taiz have been finding creative ways to support their city's defense efforts despite years of war. One such example is a woman who donated her wedding ring to help fund the army.

A woman arriving at Al-Majidi's home brought envelopes containing Yemeni and Saudi currency, with a message written on them: "God willing, we will win. Buy ammunition for the heroes with this."