Libyan women push for inclusion in conflict and community violence reduction efforts

TRIPOLI—Giving women a greater role in conflict prevention and community violence reduction initiatives increases effectiveness, said a group of more than 25 women who attended a recent workshop organised by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya in partnership with UN Women.

The workshop, which took place in Tripoli from 19 to 20 May, gathered a group of women representing various sectors and components of Libyan society, to discuss the role of women in sustaining the ceasefire and promoting community peace. Participants included women members of the House of Representatives, the High Council of State, the Structured Dialogue and civil society from Ubari, Ghat, Zawya, Sebha, Benghazi, Tripoli, Al Ghereefa, Bent Beiya, Jufra, Murzuq, and Derna.

During the meeting, participants presented and discussed several specialised papers and initiatives to examine the role that Libyan women can play in preventing conflicts and sustaining the ceasefire.

Participants called for expanding security priorities to include community-related issues, services, and protection. They also advocated for strengthening women's participation in community violence reduction initiatives, mediation, and peacebuilding. Involving women in such initiatives helps address the root causes of conflict, such as marginalisation and limited opportunities, they argued, and reduces the likelihood of a return to violence or re-engagement with armed groups.

They also emphasised that women play a central role in building trust within communities and in serving as a bridge between local actors, families, and conflict-affected communities. This, in turn, enhances the effectiveness of reintegration programs and increases their acceptance within society.

“Women serve as an early warning and prevention system due to their central position in families and communities,” said Sanaa Misbah, an activist from Ubari who participated in the meeting. “Because of this unique perspective, women are highly capable of noticing intellectual or behavioural changes among young people, such as tendencies toward extremism or violence. This awareness allows for early intervention before crises escalate."

Including more women in planning and implementing disarmament and combatant reintegration programs would increase responsiveness to the needs of all groups, including marginalised communities, while reducing discrimination and promoting equitable access to services, they said. Women play a crucial role in strengthening social cohesion, preserving family and social ties, and supporting reconciliation and community cohesion initiatives.

“Expanding the scope of women’s involvement in various national peacekeeping initiatives” is essential to “promoting a culture and dialogue and coexistence within Libyan society,” said Antisar Shaneb, a House of Representative’s member from Benghazi, who participated in the meeting.

Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator, Ulrika Richardson, who joined the workshop on the second day, called the meeting an important step toward strengthening inclusive dialogue and women's leadership in peace processes.

Hate speech targeting women remains a serious threat to social cohesion and stability, she said, stressing that mediation is a critical professional skill that must be further supported and institutionalised.

She also noted that temporary measures such as quotas can help address existing imbalances, alongside enhancing awareness and implementation of existing legal frameworks. Despite ongoing fragmentation, she emphasised the importance of building connections, expanding networks, and safeguarding spaces for open and constructive dialogue across Libya.

UNSMIL and UN Women remain committed to supporting women as essential actors in peace and marginalisation