Kuni wa Kun Celebrates International Women’s Day

On Monday, March 8, 2010, Kuni wa Kun (a new youth-led initiative) held its first activity by co-organizing the International Women’s Day celebration with the US Embassy. The event was held at the National Museum and included the honoring of 6 Yemeni females, an art gallery, and a musical performance.




Guests began arriving at 8:30, walking through the pre-modern inner stone gate of the museum and finding a seat or a spot to stand under the large tent that was set up in the middle of the



Amal al-Ashtal from Kuni wa Kuni opened the program at 9:00, providing a brief statement on women’s international day and the message of Yemeni youth, represented by Kuni wa Kuni.




Mr. Abdul Aziz al-Jindari, director of the National Musuem, then followed with a statement on Yemeni women’s status in ancient history. Ms. Angie Bryan, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US embassy, then gave her keynote speech that was followed with the honoring of 6 Yemeni females for their outstanding courage and achievements.
The 6 women honored were: Nujood al-Ahdal (former child bride), Reem al-Numeiri (former child bride), Tawakol Karaman (notable journalist), Arwa Ali Saeed (survivor of a landmine explosion), Fatima al-Aqel (leader in care provision for blind females), and Jamala al-Baidhani (leader in care provision for handicapped females).













After the honoring, Ms. Angie and Mr. Abdul Aziz cut the ribbon and opened the art gallery that included various works either by or about women. The gallery had a rich variety of exhibits, ranging from miniatures of traditional customs and practices, paintings, to silverwork, and caricature. The gallery was graced by the contributions of the following artists: Areej al-Eryani, Arwa al-Yarimi, Ali al-Ma’bari, Kamal Sharaf, Howaida al-Kibsi, Jumana al-Shami, Nawal al-Mutwakkil, and Sara al-Sami’i.





Throughout the rest of the day, a youth musical band, , entertained the guests with their impressive talents. The band was composed of lead singer Talat al-Rabe’a and players Kunal Ollery (guitar), Karmen AbdulAziz (guitar), Ahmed al-Shaibah(Oud), and Ala’a Haider(guitar).