Women in Yemen's Taiz Begin Buying Weapons for Pro-Government Forces

Women in Taiz, Yemen, began buying weapons and ammunition for pro-government forces in early October 2026, shifting from their previous role of providing humanitarian aid[4][10][11]. This change follows a Houthi blockade and a major ground assault in September 2026, which ended a four-year truce[4][6]. By October 23, 2026, more than 800,000 people in Taiz were cut off from aid[4][10][11].

This development shows the desperate measures civilians are taking to defend their city against ongoing conflict and a humanitarian blockade. The actions of these women highlight the difficult situation and resilience within besieged Taiz, demonstrating the wider impact of prolonged war on civilian populations.

What the records show

Records show that women in Taiz initially provided humanitarian support by baking goods for frontline combatants[4][14]. By October 2026, their efforts shifted to purchasing firearms and ammunition, a response to the city's encirclement[4][10][11]. The Women's Department of the Supreme Council for Popular Resistance in Taiz Governorate launched the "Equipment for Liberation and Dignity" campaign on October 8, 2026[4][14]. This campaign seeks to gather 10,000 Kalashnikovs and 10 million rounds of ammunition for 10,000 fighters[4][10][11]. The initiative is described as a "national duty" and is supported by donations from local residents and Yemeni expatriates[4][10][11]. Some donations have included personal items like wedding rings[4][10][11].

The timeline

A four-year truce ended in September 2026 with a Houthi ground assault[4][6]. This attack led to a blockade of Taiz[4][6][7]. Houthi forces completed the encirclement of Taiz City in early October 2026, severing the last ground line of communication by October 6[7][9]. The "Equipment for Liberation and Dignity" campaign started on October 8, 2026[4][14]. By October 23, 2026, over 800,000 Taiz residents were cut off from aid[4][10][11]. Aid workers warned by October 21, 2026, that the city was running out of water, fuel, and fresh food[8].

What changed and for whom

The role of women in Taiz has changed significantly from traditional support roles to direct material contributions for military operations[4][10][11]. This change was prompted by the city's increasing isolation and severe humanitarian crisis[4][6][7]. The population of Taiz faced critical shortages of essential supplies[4][8]. Nayef al-Bakri, Yemen's Minister of Youth and Sports, praised the "exceptional resilience and loyalty" of Taiz's people, including women, acknowledging their sacrifices[5].

What the subject has said publicly

Yemeni government officials have publicly recognized and commended these contributions from women in Taiz[4][10][11]. Nayef al-Bakri, Yemen's Minister of Youth and Sports and head of the Committee for Popular Mobilization and Government Support for the Armed Forces, specifically highlighted the women of Taiz for their sacrifices against the siege and Houthi attacks[5]. He noted that images showed women purchasing weapons for the resistance[5].

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the exact number of women involved in weapon procurement or the total funds raised for the "Equipment for Liberation and Dignity" campaign. The precise methods for distributing the acquired weapons and ammunition to pro-government forces also remain unconfirmed.