In southern Yemen, Fatima’s life changed dramatically when her husband lost his job.
“Our life was joyful and comfortable,” she recalls. “But after my husband became unemployed, our circumstances deteriorated. I had no choice but to take my children out of school to save what little money we had for food.”
Fatima’s experience reflects a wider crisis in Yemen. After more than a decade of conflict, economic shocks and deteriorating basic services, millions of people across Yemen continue to face deepening vulnerability. Women, particularly in rural areas, often have limited access to paid work and financial security.
Through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office-funded BRIGHTLY programme, CARE and its partners are supporting communities to strengthen resilience and rebuild livelihoods. A key part of this approach is the establishment of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) - small, self-managed groups that enable members to save money, access loans and invest in income-generating activities.
A small loan becomes a step to resilience
There are 12 VSLAs now active across Abyan. These groups are helping women like Fatima regain stability and plan for the future.
With training and a small loan from her savings group, Fatima started a poultry business.
“I decided to raise chickens and sell eggs locally,” she explains. “They are in high demand. The income now helps cover our daily needs and allowed me to send my children back to school.”
Other women in the community are seeing similar results.
Maryam, a mother of two, joined VSLA training on financial management and small business development.
The training opened my eyes. I had no idea I could save this much and start a business.”
Using her loan, Maryam purchased livestock. Her small flock has since grown, providing both food for her family and income from sales within the community.
Supporting the entire community with access to basic goods
For Nour, the savings group has enabled collective action beyond individual businesses. Living in an isolated area with limited services, she and other women identified a critical gap: access to basic goods.
“Our children had to travel long distances just to buy food,” she explains.
Together, the women used their savings and loans to build a small grocery store using locally available materials.
The shop now serves the entire village, improving access to essentials while generating income for the women who run it.
The impact of VSLAs extends further than just financial gains. These groups are strengthening social connections, increasing confidence, and giving women greater control over decisions that affect their lives.
By combining financial inclusion with skills training and community leadership, the BRIGHTLY programme is helping women across Southern Yemen not only meet immediate needs, but also build more resilient and self-reliant futures.
