Barran Press
On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the selection of Yemeni engineer Harbiya Alhemyari as one of the 100 inspiring women for 2024.
In a statement shared on X, the UNESCO Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council and Yemen expressed pride in recognizing Alhemyari’s contributions to heritage conservation, stating, “We are proud to announce the selection of Harbiya Alhemyari, a Yemeni engineer in heritage preservation, as one of the 100 inspiring women for 2024 by the BBC!”
The statement further highlighted Alhemyari’s efforts, noting that through EU-funded UNESCO initiatives in Yemen, in collaboration with the Social Fund for Development, she has restored dozens of heritage buildings in and around old Sana'a.
Alhemyari's journey is seen as a testament to the empowerment of women in Yemen. The UNESCO and Social Fund for Development initiatives have allowed her to play a crucial role in preserving Yemen’s cultural heritage and supporting her community.
According to the BBC, as many historically significant buildings have suffered destruction due to years of war in Yemen, Alhemyari has embarked on a mission to give these structures a new lease on life.
Working alongside other organizations, including UNESCO, she has restored numerous residential and heritage buildings in old Sana'a and across the country. UNESCO has assessed damage to over 16,000 sites in Yemen.
Her work not only preserves historical sites but also improves the quality of life for many individuals. Additionally, Alhemyari has trained local residents in traditional building crafts and inspired young girls to enter the industry.