About

My name is Safa. My father’s name is Abdulsalam Karman. My mother’s name is Anysa. I have always felt proud to be known and referred to by my father’s last name. At the same time, I have always felt strongly about the stark absence of my mother’s name. For this reason, I have chosen to name my website and social media accounts after a combination of both my father’s and mother’s name: Karman+Anysa = Karmanysa. Professionally, I am a journalist and a storyteller. Academically, I am the first Yemeni citizen to earn a degree from Harvard Law School, and I have a master’s degree from Oxford University. Nothing excites me or pains me as much as seeking out the truth and conveying it to others. The truth to me is like a puzzle whose pieces are scattered amongst us all. The pieces can be found within the authenticity of our true selves, the vulnerability in our lived experiences, and with the exposure of hidden narratives. The more we live our authentic selves, share our personal experiences and unveil hidden narratives, the more we piece the puzzle together, and the closer we get to the truth. I love growing and I am not afraid of change, or of changing. If you knew me ten years ago, you would know how much I have transformed; and if you see me ten years from now, I am sure you will see change too. My parents instilled in me their own values of respect, benevolence, service, gratitude, authenticity, together with the importance of learning through constructive questioning. Every journey I embark on, I always make sure to be true to myself and to these values. Finally, I’ll share with you two of my favorite quotes:

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced” – James Baldwin 

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you” – Maya Angelou

Official bio here