When I was 14 years old, my family arranged my marriage to an older man. A year later I became pregnant. I am now a mother of six.
My husband lost his job because of the war. I had to pull my kids out of school and teach them at home. I could not bear my life. We had nothing.
I began looking for a solution that would keep my family going. During my search, I came across books on the private security business and successful women entrepreneurs.
I heard about a programme that aims to empower women by helping them create jobs for themselves. I visited the office and pitched my idea for a women-run private security firm. I was delighted when the organisation agreed to provide me with a grant to start my business, as well as training to help run it.
With the grant, I managed to launch the first ever women-run security business in Yemen. My team now helps protect women at weddings, exhibitions and bazaars, in a country where this is considered a man's job.
My family argued that women should stay at home, women should not wear a uniform, they should not carry the same weapons that men use.
Despite this criticism from my family and community, I insisted on opening my business – and I proved them all wrong.
Now I have a steady income that provides my family with clothing and food. In the end, helping women protect women provided protection for my own kids, too.
Now that I have succeeded, people want to be in my good graces, to get close to me. When I finish work and return home, everyone welcomes me with great joy.