Since the time of its ancient civilizations, such as the Himyarite kingdom and the Sabaean civilization (ninth century B.C.E.), Yemen has witnessed famous women who played significant roles and are still role models for Yemeni women today. Examples include the Queen of Sheba, who ruled the Sabaean civilization, and Queen Arwa in the period of early Islam, who established many schools and mosques with religious schools.

In North Yemen during the Imamate rule and prior to the revolution in 1962, the only education for girls was at Islamic schools, or in mosques …