A growing number of women in Yemen are joining the labor force by selling handmade goods at local markets after losing their family's breadwinners in a war that has dragged on for over a decade. Breaking out in September 2014, the war in Yemen has continued for more than 10 years, leaving locals in worsening living conditions and offering little hope for peace. In the capital Sanaa, local communities initiated Souq Al-Khamis, or "Thursday Market," as a platform to support and empower productive families. It also serves as a weekly space for women to market and sell their products. Um Ritaj, like many other women in the war-torn capital, sells handmade perfumes and fragrances, along with other goods, at the market to provide for her four children. The market authorities stated that trade centers like Souq Al-Khamis are crucial for locals, as many must support themselves by running small businesses amid worsening economic conditions. International reports indicate that women currently head more than a quarter of families affected by the war in Yemen -- nearly 420,000 households, mostly in rural areas. Additionally, reports show that women comprise 80 percent of the workforce in some sectors, with many taking on the responsibility of providing for their families in the absence of a male breadwinner. Shotlist: Sanaa, Yemen - March 6, 2025: 1. Various of trader Um Ritaj selling goods to customers; 2. Um Ritaj arranging potted plants; 3. Goods for sale; 4. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Um Ritaj, trader (starting with shot 3/ending with shot 6): "I started my business after my family's situation deteriorated due to the war. I launched my own project, created my own brand, and now we manufacture and sell various types of perfumes, incense, fragrances, and embroidered incense burners."; 5. Um Ritaj selling goods to customer; 6. Customer smelling perfume for sale; 7. Various of customers at market; 8. Various of women selling, arranging goods; 9. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Yahya Al-rubaie, media representative at Souq Al-Khamis (starting with shot 8): "This market serves as an incubator for productive families striving to achieve self-sufficiency in various industries, including pastry-making, clothing, perfumery, and tailoring."; 10. Various of customers at market; 11. Women selling goods to customer; 12. Various of women waiting for customer in booths; 13. Women shopping at handbag stand. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]