8th March 2014 - Only three weeks ago, Libya marked the Third Anniversary of its revolution; a revolution that was possible because Libyan men and women struggled, and collaborated to win their freedom after decades of an oppressive regime. Globally, the International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in revolutions, and continue to contribute in building their nations by making their voices heard. We honor in this day, all Libyan women who participated in the revolution that made them stronger and more determined to lead Libya through a path of prosperity, security, and peace.

On 20 February, women and men came together as citizens of this country to elect candidates for the Constitution Drafting Assembly. That was a waited for historical day, in which engaged citizens have inspired positive change. Women made 40.8 % of registered voters; and 65 women stood up as candidates, and held their campaigns with high level of confidence and faith. The success of these female candidates is not about winning, but it is about their courage to compete in the general seats of the CDA’s election with men. Their acts demonstrated a message, that women are able to claim and practice their political rights. We would like to convey our compliments to all Libyan female candidates in the general seats as well as the reserved seats for women.

We have witnessed the determination of female candidates and voters. As one female voter we met with said “I came today to elect candidates for the Constitution Drafting Assembly, because the constitution will help us to shape our new Libya, and will bring us security and peace”. Security is essential to women; it is their own security and the security for their families. Women want to live in a society that is free from any form of violence, either at home, workplace, or in the street. This is a legitimate demand and a basic human right for all as security of women is security for all.

We were privileged to interact and meet with Libyan women leaders, who come from different professions, academic backgrounds, social status and from different regions. They actively discussed their own country’s political, social, and economic issues and suggested solutions. For democracy to flourish, women have seized the opportunity to be part of the transitional political process, and lead the path to positive changes through initiatives to raise awareness about women’s participation in all fields across Libya.

Globally, the International Women’s Day is also a time to increase women’s political participation and representation at all levels in addition to activating laws and policies that respond to women’s needs.

We are confident that Libyan women will be active stakeholders in drafting the constitution of Libya, because they have been key players in community reconciliation processes, and in bridging gaps between people’s demands and decision makers. For the constitution making process to work for women, equal citizenship rights and equal opportunities for all should be promoted in the vocabulary of the constitution and in the media. I would like to borrow on the UN global theme of the International Women’s Day (Equality for women Progress for all). The slogan is a shift in our understanding of the concept of citizenship rights and promotes equal partnership and shared responsibility between men and women in building their country. Our message to all active Libyan women is to continue to work together, and unify their voices and agenda. Their collective actions will empower them to make the desired change.

Within our mandate, UNSMIL and through our Women’s Empowerment Section, and other sections will continue to support Libyan women to fulfil their aspirations during the constitution making and in the national dialogue processes.

We wish all Libyan women a happy International Women’s Day