In a field traditionally dominated by men, Hanan has been a pioneer in more ways than one. Growing up in a large family with five sisters, she dreamed of becoming an architect, even as her ambitions faced resistance at home. “I was always fascinated by old architecture, but my parents wanted me to follow the family tradition and become a doctor. To them, architecture was not seen as a suitable profession for a woman—it was considered more of a man’s field,” she recalls. “It was not easy, but eventually, they accepted my choice and supported me.”
The ongoing conflict in Yemen made Hanan's journey even more challenging, disrupting her family’s life and bringing about significant hardships. After her divorce, she became the sole provider for her young daughter while also supporting her extended family through the conflict. “The conflict turned our lives upside down,” she reflects. “Financial struggles, constant uncertainty, and endless challenges became our reality. I had to take full responsibility for my daughter and my family. It was sometimes overwhelming, but giving up was never an option.”
Despite these challenges, Hanan pursued her dream and obtained a degree in architecture from the University of Aden. Her desire to contribute to preserving her country's heritage and support her family led her to join UNESCO’s training in cultural conservation in 2020 as part of the UNESCO and EU-funded project, Cash for Work: Promoting Livelihood Opportunities for Urban Youth in Yemen (2018–2022). “During my final year of university, my friends and I wanted to create a small book with plans of Adani buildings,” she explains. “That was when I discovered the UNESCO training program. It felt like the perfect opportunity to combine my passion for architecture with preserving my city’s heritage.''
Since then, Hanan has become an active participant in the UNESCO-EU cultural initiative in Yemen, which has evolved into an extensive eight-year initiative, including the ongoing Youth Employment through Heritage and Culture in Yemen project (2022–2026). This initiative provides economic relief to vulnerable youth by engaging them in cultural heritage rehabilitation and creative industries
Following the training, Hanan participated in a citywide assessment of Aden’s historic buildings, surveying over 3,000 structures to document their condition. “It was an incredible experience”, she says. “Being part of the assessment team gave me a deeper understanding of our city’s architectural history and the urgent need to preserve it.”
In a short time, Hanan proved herself capable and quickly became the resident engineer, overseeing the restoration of historic houses and supervising the workers. She gained valuable experience in managing construction and improving her communication skills, learning how to effectively interact with workers, builders, painters, and the community, including homeowners.
Reflecting on her journey, Hanan says, “This was a huge learning experience for me, dealing with people on a personal level really added a lot to my professional growth. As a trained architect, I did not know much about rehabilitating historical buildings, but I was introduced to techniques and materials that are no longer used. It is completely different from designing and building new structures. Rehabilitating old buildings requires a deep understanding of old methods and materials.”
Hanan’s determination and resilience enabled her to overcome societal barriers. Committed to proving herself as capable as any male engineer, one of her biggest challenges was earning the respect of the workers, many of whom had never been led by a female engineer. “It was not easy,” Hanan recalls. “I faced a lot of criticism, with people suggesting I should stay in an office doing design work instead of being out in the field with male workers.” Despite these obstacles, Hanan remained focused on her role, and through her dedication and professionalism, she earned the respect of her team. “I had to prove myself every day, but my hard work and commitment helped me gain their trust,” she says.
Hanan’s connection to cultural heritage preservation runs deep and begun at a young age. “I have always believed in the importance of protecting what makes us who we are,” she explains. “If we continue to demolish old buildings, future generations will never experience the unique character of this city. We will lose both our history and our identity.
She believes the project has sparked a shift in the community, and she has witnessed firsthand how perceptions of cultural preservation have evolved. “People are now more aware of the importance of preserving their heritage, and they see it as essential for both the future and the generations to come,” she shares. “They have begun to understand their homes' historical and architectural value. For the first time, they see their houses not just as buildings, but as part of the city’s heritage. The project has raised awareness about the importance of preservation and now people realize that safeguarding our heritage is a collective responsibility- everyone has a role to play.”
Hanan advocates for the involvement of more youth in heritage preservation, emphasizing the importance of empowering the younger generation to safeguard cultural heritage. She proposes creating a Youth Council to be consulted on future projects, believing that their participation is critical to ensuring the sustainability and continuation of this vital work. “Involving more youth in these projects is essential for ensuring sustainability and the preservation of our cultural heritage for generations to come,” she states.
Her work has inspired many young men and women, serving as a powerful example of resilience, self-discovery, and pursuing one’s passion despite the challenges. "If you work hard, study diligently, and believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything," Hanan says. "There is no reason why women cannot do what men do. We have the same skills, and with dedication to developing those skills, pursuing our studies, and chasing our dreams, we can succeed."
Hanan’s message is clear: with hard work, dedication, and belief in oneself, anyone—regardless of gender—can achieve their goals and make a meaningful impact.
Hanan’s inspiring journey demonstrates how UNESCO and the European Union empower young women and men in Yemen, not only by transforming individual lives but also by contributing to peacebuilding, economic recovery, gender inclusivity, and resilience of communities across Yemen.
