About us
Awam Foundation is a non-profit organization working to empower women in Yemen and support their rights in political, economic, and social fields through our development and awareness initiatives.
Our Vision
A Yemen where women and men alike enjoy justice, equality, and equal opportunities, where women become essential partners in comprehensive development, and their presence in public life is enhanced to achieve a stable and prosperous future.
Our Mission
Empowering women in Yemen and supporting their political, economic, and social rights through innovative and sustainable development and awareness initiatives that enhance their active participation in decision-making and strengthen their ability to lead societal change and build peace.
Our Values
Awam Foundation bases its work on a set of core values and principles that govern its performance and guide its activities
Integrity and Transparency
We adhere to the highest standards of honesty and clarity in all our interactions and activities to ensure the trust of the community and partners.
Excellence
We always strive to provide initiatives and services that exceed expectations, with a commitment to the highest levels of quality and professionalism.
Inclusivity
We believe in the importance of involving all segments of society, without discrimination, in all stages of planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Creativity and Innovation
We innovate new development and awareness solutions that respond to the needs of women and society, to enhance sustainable impact.
Sustainability
We are committed to achieving a balance between present requirements and future aspirations in all our projects and initiatives.
Community Service
We place the interest of the community and its individuals at the core of our priorities, and work to empower them to achieve lasting collective benefit.
Dr. Bilqis Ahmed Mansoor AbuOsba
Founder, AWAM • Professor of Political Science, Sana'a University • Member, Yemen Consultation & Reconciliation Commission
Dr. Bilqis AbuOsba founded the AWAM Foundation for Development and Culture in 2005 to expand Yemeni women's role in public life, strengthen democratic culture, and build durable peace. The foundation was officially licensed in 2008 and has since become one of Yemen's most consistent civil society voices on women, peace, and security.
She holds a PhD in Political Science from Cairo University (2003), specialising in political systems, and has served as an assistant professor at Sana'a University since 2004, with joint appointments at the Faculty of Commerce and Economics and the Gender Development Research and Studies Center.
From 2007 to 2013, Dr. AbuOsba served as Vice-Chair of Yemen's Supreme National Authority for Combating Corruption, where she led Yemen's team for the UN Convention Against Corruption review process. She has participated in every major chapter of Yemen's modern peace process — from the 2016 Kuwait talks, to the Women's Technical Advisory Group during the 2018 Stockholm consultations, to the 2019 Riyadh Agreement and the 2022 Riyadh consultations. Today she serves as a member of Yemen's Consultation and Reconciliation Commission, where she is rapporteur of the Political Committee.
- 2005
- Founded AWAM
- PhD 2003
- Political Science, Cairo University
- 2007–2013
- Vice-Chair, SNACC anti-corruption
- 4+ rounds
- Yemen peace consultations
Our History & Major Projects
The journey of Awam Foundation through the years and our landmark initiatives
- 2008
Foundation Establishment
Awam Foundation was established as a women-led organization focused on enhancing political participation of women in Yemen
- 2012
Women's Political Leadership Project
Implemented a nationwide training initiative that equipped 200+ women leaders with political advocacy skills, resulting in increased female representation in local governance bodies
- 2015
Peacebuilding Initiatives
Expanded focus to include peacebuilding initiatives and promoting national reconciliation through multiple projects, including the 'Community Dialogue for Peace' initiative across conflict-affected areas