Ladies, if you ever wondered what female travellers could do in Socotra that men can’t, well, you are in the right place. The women of Socotra play a massive role in our community. They are hard-working, very motivated, and thirsty for education. But what can a foreign female do in Socotra? Find the top 5 things to do for female travellers in Socotra.
1- Handicraft
Want to learn how to make a hand-made bowl? basket or a hat? well, you should definitely visit the coastal women’s handicraft foundation, it is located in Hadibo and run by Socotri women, you will gain new skills also you will get to spend some time with very talented Socotri women. This place is among the many places you will see on our Socotra tours.
2- Mona’s Farm
Meet Haja Mona Abubaker, the owner of her own farm. She has cultivated fruits and vegetables for more than 30 years. Her story is very inspiring: She started the farm all alone with little help and limited supplies, and now she exports her products into the market. If you have spare time, want to give her a hand, or learn how to make your own farm, Haja Mona is always happy to welcome you.
3- Dancing Party
Dancing is part of our culture for men and women. However, Socotri women have their way of dancing; it’s different from the way men dance, and believe it or not, Socotri women have their music; they love to sing while playing with drums. So, how do you get involved and attend a wedding party? Wedding parties are a whole different experience.
At the party, you will be able to practice the dance moves (our women will show you how or watch and learn), you will also get the chance to see how Socotri women dress in their absolute best styles and remember, you are not allowed to take pictures or videos for cultural and privacy reasons.
4- Henna Tattoo
The Socotri Henna tattoo style is unique and different from those in Yemen. It’s very durable, and unlike other known kinds of henna in some Arab countries, it can last for more than 20 days. Our women wear Henna mainly to celebrate someone’s wedding, getting married, or a particular social occasion. Want to add a cool temporary tattoo to your arms or legs on top of the tan? Then you definitely should try it.
5- Makeup
Suppose you are curious about what our women do to keep their face skin fresh and smooth. In that case, many of them use a homemade skin and face lotion made with mixed herbs called “Zabed.” You scrub it on the face and leave it for several hours before washing it (we don’t recommend it if you have sensitive skin). It looks greenish, and your face will turn light green or red, but you won’t turn into a Grinch, lol.