The main reason Yemen ranks lowest in the world in gender equality is because

A mix of statutory law, sharia, traditional tribal practices and customary law leave women vulnerable to violence and discrimination. Yemen's overall poverty also contributes to the difficult situation of women as does the fact that the majority of the population live in scattered, rural settlements.

Just over half the women population can read as compared to 83% of men. Women have limited access to health care, economic opportunities and education. Early marriage remains prevalent too.

Just over 25% of Yemen women are economically active.