Ibtisam Al-Sawani Earns Master’s Degree with Distinction in International Development
In an outstanding academic achievement, Ibtisam Abdulrahman Hamoud Al-Sawani was awarded a Master’s degree with distinction in International Development from the Inclusive Development Research Center at Sana’a University. Her research, titled “The Role of Cash Assistance Programs in Accessing Basic Services During Crises,” was successfully defended on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
The defense session was a significant academic event, with a panel of esteemed experts evaluating her work. The committee was chaired by Associate Professor Omar Saeed Ali Ishaq, serving as the external examiner, and included Professor Saleh Mohammed Hameed, the thesis supervisor, and Associate Professor Hamoud Ali Ali Al-Najjar, the internal examiner.
Al-Sawani’s study delved into the critical role of cash assistance programs in addressing basic needs during times of crisis, focusing particularly on Al-Hodeidah Governorate. Her research highlighted that these programs significantly alleviate poverty and vulnerability for affected households, yet they are hindered by major challenges such as limited institutional capacities, access barriers to certain beneficiaries, and insufficient information systems.
One key finding revealed that the financial allocations provided often fall short of meeting beneficiaries’ needs. The study also showed that most assistance in Al-Hodeidah takes the form of emergency cash aid and cash transfers, with international organizations being the primary providers, followed by local entities.
To address these challenges, Al-Sawani proposed actionable recommendations, including greater community involvement to facilitate beneficiary access and ensure effective monitoring of aid utilization. She also emphasized the importance of enhancing information systems to improve fairness and meet the diverse needs of recipients.
The defense attracted a broad audience of academics, researchers, and students, as well as Al-Sawani’s family and colleagues, who celebrated her success and dedication. This achievement marks a significant contribution to the field of development studies, offering valuable insights into the optimization of cash assistance programs during crises.
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