Yemeni women revive wartime baking for fighters
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In Taiz, Yemen, women are once again baking and delivering food to government fighters as conflict escalates between Houthi and government forces.
Naseem al-Odaini and her friends began this initiative in 2015, pausing it when fighting decreased, and recently restarted it following new offensives in Hodeidah and Taiz governorates. They fund their efforts through personal savings and donations, carefully vetting sources to ensure safety.
Women like Naseem personally deliver the baked goods to the front lines, despite the risks, three of her colleagues were killed making deliveries in the past. She and others believe providing food and supplies boosts morale, and fighters report feeling supported knowing the city stands with them. Israa al-Tayeb also revived a similar initiative, operating on a larger scale with a team that collects donations, bakes, packages, and delivers supplies.
Women across Yemen, including in Houthi-controlled areas, participate in this practice, particularly during religious observances. Psychological expert Hail al-Fakeeh notes that home-baked goods offer a stronger emotional connection to home for the fighters than simply receiving purchased food or money.
