Bushra checking the water supply in a village in Taiz. Photo: Albra’a/CARE
Bushra checking the water supply in a village in Taiz. Photo: Albra’a/CARE
In the rugged landscapes of Taiz Governorate, where access to clean water and sanitation is a daily struggle and mountains carve deep valleys, Bushra is an example of hope and resilience. As a WASH Field Assistant Engineer with CARE Yemen, she does not only construct water systems, she builds and enables opportunities for communities long deprived of such basic needs.
Bushra’s journey began in Taiz Governorate, where she first dreamed of becoming an engineer, a profession long viewed as the domain for men. In Yemeni society, particularly in rural areas, engineering is seen as physically demanding and socially unsuitable for women, who are often encouraged to pursue teaching or healthcare instead. However, Bushra was able to pursue her passion of engineering with determination. “I used to hear people say, ‘engineering is not for girls,’” Bushra recalls. “But I wanted to prove that capability has no gender.”
With that determination, she pursued her studies against the odds, navigating limited educational opportunities, societal pressure, and at times, skepticism from those around her. Her perseverance paid off when she earned her engineering degree.
Bushra’s role is both technical and deeply humanitarian. She designs and supervises water and sanitation projects, ensuring they meet both engineering standards and humanitarian principles. Her work often takes her to remote, conflict-affected villages where roads are rough, access is limited, and conditions are harsh. Yet, Bushra meets each challenge with quiet determination and compassion, guided by her sense of duty toward the families she serves.
Working as a female engineer in Yemen comes with unique challenges. Bushra often travels to sites where cultural norms make it uncommon for women to lead construction teams or interact closely with male laborers. She must navigate these sensitivities with tact, professionalism, and respect. Yet, her presence has helped communities gradually accept and appreciate women’s roles in technical and leadership positions.
In fact, Bushra’s gender gives her a special advantage: she understands the perspectives of women and girls who are most affected by water scarcity. In many Yemeni villages, it is the women who walk long distances to fetch water, often from unsafe sources. Bushra’s work ensures that these same women now have access to clean, safe water near their homes, reducing their burdens and improving their health and dignity.
“I feel proud when I see the results of our collective efforts turning into tangible outcomes that improve people’s lives,” Bushra says.
Her pride is shared by the communities she serves, especially the mothers who now have more time for their children and the girls who can attend school instead of spending hours fetching water.
Bushra stands as a role model for other young Yemeni women who dream of contributing to their country’s development, showing that determination and education can overcome even the strongest social barriers.
Her journey is also a reminder to all humanitarian actors that empowering women in the workforce, especially in rural and technical fields, is not just about equality. It’s about effectiveness, empathy, and sustainability.