Women in Technology programme: the story of a strong Yemeni woman
Mahliah Mohammed, 45, takes part in the Women in Technology (WIT) programme. She comes from Yarim, in Ibb, Yemen. She is married with 7 children: 4 girls and 3 boys.
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Married after sixth grade
Mahliah was married when she finished the 6th grade. Her husband's family did not let her finish school, because they believed that education and work are not for women. They kept her at home doing housework.
They also began looking for husbands for her daughters, so that the girls would not continue their education.
Back to learning
Despite all these obstacles, she was determined to continue her education. After 17 years of marriage, she began working at the Khadija Society as a supervisor in the handicraft training section.
She also enrolled in the Women in Technology programme to study computers. She believes that computer skills will help her follow what her children are doing.
Her children's education
Two of her daughters have married. The only thing she asked of their husbands was to let her daughters complete their education. Both have now finished university: one has a degree in chemistry and the other in medicine.
Her sons are also studying. One is in his third year of engineering, the second is in his first year of business studies, and the third is still at secondary school.
Proud of her family
Mahliah feels that she has succeeded in life and is proud of her family. She wants to start a blog to tell her story and let everyone know about her struggle.
Her father was the reason for her determination to study and work. He told her that education is like a weapon in her hand.