I was born into a loving and supportive family, which enabled me to study accounting at the University of Sana'a. I am the only child of my father and mother. I lived with them until I got married at a young age after catching the attention of my husband's family during a social event. They approached me, requesting my hand in marriage proposal, to which I agreed; after inquiring about their family and finding that people spoke well of them. This is how Yusra, as she prefers to be called (26 years old), began to narrate the story of her marriage that ended in harsh injustice after only six months of their married life.
After this period of marriage, her life turned upside down. She began to notice a significant change in the way her husband's family treated her, driven by discriminatory, racist, and derogatory attitudes. They hinted to her that her family does not match their own tribal status, being of a non-tribal background; as they had initially approached her to marry their son under mistaken belief and assumption that she belonged to a family that suited their social standing.
According to Yusra, her husband's family, who divorced her after six months, treated her in a shocking manner. They ostracized her and treated her with contempt, often using hurtful words towards her and her family.
“Many stories similar to that of this young woman, Yusra, each unfolding in different ways but all culminating in a rejection of the cancerous affliction that continues to erode society. It appears that, even in the modern age and the 21st century, society has not been able to adequately rid itself of the entrenched discriminatory, classist, and condescending attitudes that have become harmful and offensive.”
She adds, saying: "I endured the humiliation that increased day by day, and I tried to be patient. I couldn't speak to my family about what had happened due to my concern for my father's health, as he suffers from diabetes."
A Rejection of Classism
Yusra recounts the story of a family member who worked as a barber, a profession that is often considered "inferior" in Yemen, leading to a disdain of those who practice it. She emphasizes that her family is respectable and of noble lineage, and that her relative’s choice to work in this profession stemmed from difficult financial circumstances. At the time, one of the barbers advised him to work with him, but no one could have imagined that this choice would become a stigma and a source of shame for the entire family's reputation.
As a result of this stigma, Yusra endured harsh treatment that exceeded her capacity shortly after her marriage, ultimately leading to her divorce. After the divorce, her husband returned her to her family’s home in a degrading manner. He insulted her and her family, even spitting in her face in front of her family’s neighbors. Yusra recounts, "I rushed into the house, hiding from people’s eyes; What I heard felt like bullets piercing me from all sides."
Consequently, she entered a state of severe shock that lasted for two months, only to be followed by an even bigger shock—her pregnancy. She continues, saying, "When my ex-husband and his family found out, they demanded that I should abort the baby, claiming they disowned the child."
Indeed, she attempted to do so and went to visit doctors, but they refused to perform the abortion since she was in the final stage of the third month. Despite trying all possible means, as she explains, "God’s will prevailed."
Yusra expresses her feelings, saying, "I feel like the child in my womb is a 'bastard child,' not a legitimate one. I harbor hatred and loathing for him every time I feel him move, wishing he would die before being born, as his father would not accept him. However, there is something that pains me even more: seeing my parents' eyes filled with a pain that far exceeds my own."
Inferiority Toward Certain Occupations
Likewise, there are many stories similar to that of this young woman, Yusra, each unfolding in different ways but all culminating in a rejection of the cancerous affliction that continues to erode society. It appears that, even in the modern age and the 21st century, society has not been able to adequately rid itself of the entrenched discriminatory, classist, and condescending attitudes that have become harmful and offensive to individuals who are distinguished in their occupations, work, families, and all aspects of their lives.
In this context, Afaf Yahya Saeed, a teacher and specialist in psychology and family matters, pointed out in her interview with Khuyut that discrimination against individuals in certain occupations stems from long-standing unjust generalizations that have plagued them for many years.
“The time has come to change society's demeaning view of these occupations and to accept them as valuable skills that contribute to the growth of the economy and society, while also fostering confidence in those who practice them. In addition to the importance of changing society's demeaning perception of those who practice these occupations, it is essential to support them in every possible way, given the potential psychological harm to families and households that such stigma can cause.”
These generalizations are rooted in a demeaning and derogatory view of certain occupations, linking them to negative traits such as poverty and ignorance, without any justification or evidence, according to Afaf. She believes that customs and traditions play a significant role in reinforcing discrimination against those in these occupations. In some communities, marrying someone who works in a manual occupation is seen as a form of shame or wrongdoing, which hinders opportunities for integration and communication among members of society.
Afaf further stresses that these notions and perceptions are entirely wrong and misguided, asserting that the individuals in occupations such as barbers, blacksmiths, and others in manual labor possess the same qualities and skills as those of other members of society.
Work is Worship: A Valuable Principle
Afaf provides an important analysis of the negative impact of the demeaning and derogatory views and perception on individuals working in these occupations, fostering feelings of contempt and alienation among community members. This attitude, in turn, hinders cooperation and social cohesion.
On the other hand, some of these issues are linked to chronic crises that can be traced back to these unjust generalizations. All successive governments have failed to address these issues, and the ongoing war and its repercussions have only worsened them, entrenching such afflictions and crises, most notably poverty and unemployment. Actually, young people often tend to avoid pursuing skilled handicrafts and manual occupations due to the lack of appreciation for them, resulting in increasing unemployment rates.
According to Afaf, the time has come to change society's demeaning and derogatory view of these occupations and to accept them as valuable skills that contribute to the growth of the economy and society, while also fostering confidence in those who practice them.
In addition to the importance of changing society's demeaning perception of those who practice these occupations, it is essential to support them in every possible way, given the potential psychological harm to families and households that may feel unable to express or discuss these issues. Some families may even deny or conceal their occupations for fear of not being accepted in society.
Afaf calls for the cooperation of all members of society to raise awareness against discrimination and to promote a culture of respect for honorable work, as well as the values of equality and justice. She emphasizes the saying that uplifts its significance and value: "Work is worship."
