Sana’a, January 2013: United Nations Population Fund along with the British Council concluded a 4-day “Springboard” program from which 30 women from different Civic Society Organizations graduated.

The overall spirit and purpose of Springboard Programme and workbook is to enable access to good quality personal and work development training to as wide range of women as possible, regardless of personal circumstances, employment status, level of qualification, geographical poison, access to money, etc.

This time with the partnership between UNFPA and the British Council, Springboard programme will reach even more women in Yemen to help them realise their potentials. More importantly, the program raises awareness on women’s rights particularly their reproductive rights as controlling their own fertility further strengthens their empowerment and contributes to greater well-being of the family and more economic development.

Marc Vandenberghe, UNFPA Representative, who attended the closing ceremony and handed the participants their certificates stressed on the importance of the training that came in line with UNFPA’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality in Yemen. The program aims to enhance woman’s confidence and make her capable to take the appropriate decision regarding how many children she desires and the spaces between them “Woman should have an open dialogue with her husband regarding her reproductive decisions and her health needs as it is one of her rights. Paying much attention to mother and child health will positively reflect on family’s income and economy in general.”

Participants talked about the skills that they got from the “Springboard” and how they  started to feel the change in their personal and professional life.

Springboard Programme is a month programme 1 day per week, specifically developed and written for women in organisations and for women outside paid employment. It’s a personal and work development programme which provides the individual with a process with which to address whatever issues she wants.

With a network of 12 certified trainers the British Council in Yemen has delivered Springboard programme to more than 1000 women since its launch in 2009.