Iran-backed Houthis implement gender segregation at Sanaa university college

In recent years, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have launched a morals campaign in the capital, Sanaa, and other areas under their control. As part of their latest move, they have imposed gender segregation at Sanaa University’s Mass Communication College.

While female students will now be required to report to the college on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, male students must attend on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, according to the college’s Houthi-backed students’ union.

Claim: Free Mixing Leads To Reduced Innovation And Productivity

Trying to justify the move, Houthi leaders and media outlets claim the changes were made to avoid rape and sexual harassment and to protect Islamic norms that forbid women from interacting with men.

In a tweet, Houthi leader Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi said the decision comes in line with the female students’ desires. Trying to convince the public, the Houthi-run media stressed free mixing among female and male students would result in reduced innovation and productivity.

As part of the morals campaign in areas under control, the Houthis have imprisoned female singers and models, closed cafes where women and men interact, prohibited co-education, and made it necessary for women who leave their homes to follow a dress code.

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Possibility Of Rebels Taking Tougher Measures

Women in Houthi-controlled areas have also been forbidden from travelling between cities or abroad without a male companion. Based on the group’s history, a Yemeni journalist and researcher did not rule out the possibility of the rebels taking tougher measures.

A number of citizens, including Sanaa university students and activists in the capital, have strongly opposed the gender segregation move, and demanded the Houthis focus on improving the quality of education and compensating professors and other public employees.