TRIPOLI – On International Women’s Day, celebrated worldwide with the theme ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls’, the United Nations in Libya emphasizes the importance of recognizing and protecting the equal rights of all women and girls.
Libyan women are vital in promoting peace, development and progress. The recent Municipal Council elections highlight that women are capable of leading at various levels of governance, and progress is achievable. The election of two women as mayors in Zultan and Suluq, along with the success of three women winning seats beyond the quota system, shows that communities are increasingly trusting women’s leadership in effective local governance. We believe that as more women have the chance to lead, confidence will grow in their leadership abilities, and the Libyan state should support women in leadership and highlight their achievements.
Women who enter public roles often face intimidation, harassment and threats to their safety, both in person and online. This violence is not just ‘the price of participation’, but also a violation of rights and is ultimately counterproductive, as it aims to discourage them from giving their best to their country in these roles. Furthermore, practices that undermine the authority of women in public office, restrict their ability to perform their duties, or subject them to intimidation and marginalization reinforce structural barriers to women’s political participation and are incompatible with fundamental human rights principles. Ensuring that women in public office can exercise their mandates freely, safely, and on an equal basis with their male counterparts is essential to advancing inclusive governance
Libyan women also continue to encounter discriminatory practices and struggle to access resources that would help them achieve their aspirations. These practices prevent the country from benefiting from their skills, resourcefulness and talent. The barriers that limit their participation in political, economic and civic life should be removed using the policy and legislative tools available for this purpose.
It is vital that national authorities take steps to remove discriminatory laws, build stronger legal protections and make sure everyone has access to justice. We need to make sure that those who threaten and harm women, especially those in public roles or defending human rights, are held accountable. Equal rights, safe participation in public life and access to services are key to Libya’s stability, success and democratic future.
The United Nations in Libya is committed to pushing forward the Women, Peace and Security agenda. We will keep working on political engagement, strategic advocacy and technical support to ensure women can participate fully, equally, meaningfully and safely—including in decision-making—to help shape Libya’s future.
We have made progress by ensuring that women constitute at least 35 per cent of participants in all UNSMIL initiatives over the past year, including in the Advisory Committee and the Structured Dialogue, and by establishing the Libyan Women Caucus, which is a special platform to give a voice to diverse women’s perspectives and priorities
in the political process, such as young women, women with disabilities and women from marginalised communities.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate and honour the women of Libya. We support those who are making a difference in public service, civic life and peacebuilding, as well as mothers and carers who are the backbone of their families and communities. Their bravery and contributions are essential for Libya’s future. Rights. Justice. Action. For all Women and Girls. Now!