HINDIYA AL-ASHEPY

Benghazi- While the cases of gender-based violence have been increasing in Libya, social restrictions constrain the freedom of women in Libya. Despite these, Libyan women keep struggling; they develop projects and carry out activities demanding a law that protects women from violence. Libyan House of Representative member Saltna El Msmare has announced that female members of the House of Representative work in cooperation with women’s organizations to pass a law that preserves their constitutional rights and protects women from violence.

‘Women’s presence in politics is still weak’

In an interview with NuJINHA, Saltna El Msmare emphasized the role of women in the Libya Revolt of 2011. “Although women have achieved gains in all facets of life, women’s presence in politics is still weak,” she said, “Women’s political participation is still insufficient for several reasons such as social, security and legal restrictions. Although women run for parliamentary and even presidential elections, they have faced barriers due to the lack of good implementation of laws and legislations.”

 Speaking about the 2012 Libyan parliamentary election, Saltna El Msmare said, “The turnout of women in the election was 45%. This percentage was large and effective compared to the previous years despite the difficult security situation and attacks on women and activists by terrorist and extremist groups.”

‘Libyan society has begun to accept the presence of women’

Saltna El Msmare was elected as the member of the Libyan House of Representative in the Libyan General Election in 2021. “Libyan women’s determination encouraged me to run for the election. Now, women hold important ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice in the government. These positions are held for the first time by women,” she said. Pointing out the importance of the representation of women in academia and higher education management positions in the country, she said, “Women should hold more high positions in universities and colleges. Libyan society has begun to accept the presence of women in all facets of life. Women face fewer challenges than in previous years.”

‘Women have an effective role in finding solutions to the crises’

Saltna El Msmare thinks women have an effective role in finding solutions to the crises and making changes in the country. Speaking about the Libyan Constitutional Declaration of 2011, she said, “The Constitutional Declaration of 2011 will remain in force until the permanent constitution is approved. Women played an important role in the Libya Revolt of 2011 to promote equality, achieve justice and a democratic climate that guarantees their rights. Women lost these gains the Islamic movement came to power. But women spoke out to regain their rights. Now, we need a law protecting women and guaranteeing gender equality so that women will not be subjected to discrimination. The legislative system in Libya provides security and social protection for women. For instance, The Personal Status Law is one of the most supportive and guaranteeing legislation for women.”

 They work to pass a law that preserves women’s constitutional rights

Pointing out that although there are laws protecting women’s rights, these laws are not effectively implemented, Saltna El Msmare said, “This is due to the deteriorating security situation and the weakness of public and executive institutions and their inability to implement the law.” Talking about the lack of a special law that protects Libyan women from violence and preserves their rights, she said, “Female members of the House of Representative work in cooperation with women’s organizations to pass a law that preserves women’s constitutional rights and protects women from violence. The draft of the law will be on the agenda of the House of Representative in the coming days.”