“Men’s is the only and final word .” A qualitative study of community midwives’ insights on violence against women and girls in Yemen, including the forms, causes, and responses of survivors and their families

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a serious human rights violation that has intensified in Yemen due to war, displacement, and pandemics. The cultural stigma surrounding discussions of VAWG, particularly sexual violence, compounded by a lack of resources for affected individuals, poses significant challenges for research and program implementation. This study involved qualitative interviews with 20 community midwives from the National Yemeni Midwifery Association across four governorates to explore the causes, forms, and consequences of VAWG and identify potential resources for survivors. A Yemeni physician trained in ethical VAWG research conducted the interviews, which were analysed thematically by two researchers. The findings indicated that physical partner violence was widely recognised as a crime; however, women and girls facing sexual violence often faced severe social ramifications, including ostracism or violence aimed at preserving family honour, leading to underreporting. Midwives identified patriarchal culture and the ongoing economic crisis as key contributors to VAWG. Health-related consequences for survivors included physical injuries such as vaginal tears and obstetric fistula. Additionally, midwives reported that survivors encountered humiliation within the healthcare system. Most women and girls did not seek help; however, when they did, they turned to their families or local leaders for support. To effectively understand, prevent, and address VAWG in Yemen, strategies should prioritise the safety and needs of women and align with cultural values. Insights from community midwives can guide the development of VAWG-focused community-led initiatives.