UN calls for greater role for Libyan women in public affairs

The United Nations has called for the greater participation of Libyan women in public affairs, reports The Arab Weekly and agencies on 3 March.

Young women in Libya are invited to attend a session on 9 March held by the Libyan Women’s Gathering to discuss governance, the economy, security, human rights and national reconciliation. It is part of a wider initiative to ensure that people from across society have a voice in the country’s future.

These efforts follow work by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) aimed at increasing women’s participation in Libya’s political process. The mission has focused on including young women, women with disabilities and those from traditionally marginalised areas of the country. As part of recent discussions, nearly 100 women in Libya and abroad shared views on governance, security, human rights, economic development and resolving divisions.

Those involved highlighted the importance of ensuring women are included in political discussions and decision-making processes. They noted that women’s participation could contribute to national dialogue and help address Libya’s political divisions. The mission added that broader participation, particularly by young women, is important for supporting political reforms and national reconciliation.

The need for legal reforms and the enforcement of earlier commitments to women’s quotas in legislative and executive bodies was also emphasised. UNSMIL stated that these measures aim to ensure women hold at least 35 percent of seats across structured dialogue tracks and ensure that women’s voices are heard across society.

The discussions examined how women’s roles could be reflected more strongly in formal political structures and national institutions. They added that expanding women’s representation in these areas could contribute to wider participation in political processes. Greater involvement of women in security and economic institutions was also discussed.

UNSMIL has launched initiatives including the Libyan Women’s Platform and the Libyan Women’s Gathering aimed at increasing women’s participation in public affairs. These initiatives allow women to exchange views outside formal dialogue structures, develop joint positions on political issues and receive technical support for policy proposals

The mission has also stressed the need for a national constitution that incorporates human rights protections and recommended mechanisms to ensure that outcomes from political dialogue are implemented.

Libya has faced political divisions in recent years, with rival institutions and competing authorities operating in different parts of the country. Efforts to organise national elections have remained unresolved, as negotiations over political arrangements continue.

The Arab Weekly and agencies, Maghrebi.org