In 2023, Amat Al-Salam Abdullah Abdo Al-Hajj reported the devastating impact of the Houthis’ abducting and forcibly disappearing more than 9,000 people in Yemen. Hajj underscored the pain of mothers who had lost their sons to these crimes.
Hajj, the founder and president of the Abductees’ Mothers Association, remains a powerful voice focusing international attention on the plight of thousands of Yemeni detainees and their families. Hajj — through her association’s unique approach of mobilizing families and demanding accountability — has played a pivotal role in documenting the abductions of over 9,500 people.
She and her organization have helped secure the release of 950 forcibly disappeared individuals. Drawing on deep understanding of the unique role mothers and families play in Yemeni society, association members pursue justice in ways often unavailable to other international mediation efforts.
In recognition of her efforts, the U.S. Department of State named Hajj a recipient of the 2025 International Women of Courage Award. The annual award honours women around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership, often at great personal risk and sacrifice.
Hajj’s courage and dedication inspires human rights advocates worldwide, the State Department says; she is a beacon of hope in the face of adversity. Beyond the abductions, Houthi aggression has created a hostile environment that further denies the Yemeni people access to food, medicine and other aid.
The Houthis have attacked Israel and international shipping in the Red Sea. They have targeted other nations’ infrastructure, blocked humanitarian access, and worsened food and fuel shortages.
Their attacks have devastated Yemen’s fishing industry and disrupted vital health services for children. At the same time, their involvement in regional drug trafficking has fuelled violence and instability, both inside Yemen and across the Middle East.
Women have been hit hardest. Hajj described how women in areas under Houthi control face travel restrictions, are denied access to basic services, and are subjected to harassment, violence and abduction — especially women who speak out or work in peacebuilding. Hajj has raised these issues at international forums and called for the release of all detainees, an end to politicized trials and accountability for human rights violations.
The IWOC award recognizes not just her individual contributions, but also the broader movement of Yemeni women demanding justice, peace and protection for their communities.
