Libyan women struggle against discrimination in politics
Women have played a crucial role in peacemaking, mediation and conciliation efforts in Libya. Despite their efforts, they face discriminatory policies and need support to strengthen their political participation.
IBTISAM AXFIR
Benghazi- The number of armed groups increased in Libya after the killing of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. During the conflict and political instability, the government and armed groups always targeted women and their gains. Women were excluded from decision-making positions and politics. Despite all the obstacles, Libyan women never give up struggling to participate in politics.
NuJINHA spoke to some Libyan women about women’s political participation in the country.
‘The patriarchal mindset prevents women from participating in politics’
“Women are talented and can develop more permanent solutions to problems,” emphasized Naima Al-Barnawi, a Libyan women’ rights defender. “However, the patriarchal mindset prevents women from participating in politics. Since women are often misinterpreted, they act very carefully, trying not to be visible and watching out for their words and actions.”
‘Women have played a crucial role’
Sociologist Hamida Al-Barassi thinks that women have played a crucial role in politics, “however, their role becomes more visible in peace processes, wars, crises and disasters. There are very strong women leaders; however, they are misrepresented in the media. Despite all the challenges, women are determined to participate in politics and decision-making positions.”
‘Women still play an important role’
Women still play a strong role in Libya, politician Amira Al-Hassi said. “As women, we could not document our humanitarian efforts after Storm Daniel hit our country. Therefore, some thought that women’s strong role weakened but women still play an important role in Libya. There is a confusion about the concept of equality and this confusion leads to the exclusion of women in politics. Women need more support to participate in politics.”
Women’s role in peacemaking, mediation and conciliation efforts
Counselor Amina Hussein Bin Sulayem thinks that women still have an effective role in society. “Women have played a crucial role in peacemaking, mediation and conciliation efforts in Libya.”