HINDIYA AL-ASHEPY

Libya- In the early 2010s, the Arab Spring began in Tunisia in the early 2010s in response to corruption and economic stagnation and then spread to Libya, Egypt, Yemen and Lebanon. The forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi used live ammunition against people, who went to the streets to protest the government in Benghazi, Libya, on February 17, 2011. Some army personnel and politicians joined the protests. Then, the protests spread to other cities such as Misrata, Zintan and Zawiya. Finally, the rebel forces captured the capital city of Tripoli. Muammar Gaddafi, who ruled Libya for 42 years, was killed in Sirte on October 20, 2011. Three days later, the National Transitional Council (NTC) declared “the liberation of Libya”.

NuJINHA spoke to Wafa Hadiya Al-Sharif, a Libyan activist and trainer on conflict prevention and peacebuilding, about women’s participation in economy, politics and social life after the 2011 Libyan revolution.

‘Women’s participation is still restricted’

“Women were on the frontline of the marches, demonstrations and protests in the revolution. Their participation encouraged men to keep protesting. However, Libyan women are deprived of their rights although they played a leading role in the revolution. 13 years have passed since the revolution but women’s participation in economy, politics and social life is still restricted,” said Wafa Hadiya Al-Sharif.

‘Women achieved significant gains’

Speaking about the gains achieved by women after the revolution, she said, “Women achieved significant gains; they began to take part in the activities of NGOs organizations and had the opportunity to give information to women about their rights and empower women’s political and economic participation.”

‘Women can play an important role in peacebuilding’

Wafa Hadiya Al-Sharif also mentioned women’s participation in peacebuilding processes. “Unfortunately, women’s participation in peacebuilding and reconciliation processes remains low,

Empowering and strengthening the role of Libyan women in public life and securing equal participation in peacebuilding and reconciliation processes. Women always call for unifying efforts to stop bloodshed among different tribes. I believe that women can play an important role in peacebuilding and reconciliation processes. Libyan women are aware of the importance of their presence and their role in peacebuilding in the country. Launching peace initiatives by feminists is necessary.”

Reminding the ongoing attacks on women by radical Islamist groups emerged after the revolution, she said, “Women do not feel safe due to the radical Islamist groups. I also sometimes do not feel safe while carrying out activities on conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Women need ‘real’ laws that can protect themselves so that women feel safe again. These laws must include penalties against those who inflict violence against women.”