Libya campaign supports women in democracy

 

Media Release

18 February 2014

Gender Concerns International Libya was pleased to mark the third anniversary of the Libyan Revolution by supporting women’s role in the upcoming elections with the Women for Democratic Transformation (WDT) platform, a multi-media campaign launched on 16 February.  The aim of the campaign is to send out a call to support Libyan women’s participation in upcoming elections and their collective action in the Constitution Committee, and to strengthen the influence of women’s decision-making in political representation.

This campaign was supported by 50,000 SMS messages, formally launched by the German Ambassador to Libya, H.E. Christian Much. The Ambassador also addressed an audience of around 200 participants at a launch event. At the event, he reaffirmed his support for Libyan women’s empowerment and increased representation at decision-making levels.  

Nyghat Siddique, Gender Concerns Libya’s Country Head of Operations, along with her team and local implementing partners, were instrumental to the organisation of this public event and campaign. Ms Siddique announced that 100 members joined the Women for Democratic Transformation Platform to mark the historic day of 17th February.  Ms Siddique expressed how she looks forward to helping Libyan women join together to make their rightful contributions to the government and the development of the constitution.

Azza Maghur, a prominent Libyan lawyer also in attendance, stressed the opportunity for women to play an increasingly important role in the development of the country, through upcoming elections.  Other featured panellist speakers included Samira Masoodi, Head of Itehad ul Nisai, who gave a short history of the women’s movement in Libya; and Mr Sadiq Zaroug, a Libyan activist who emphasised the need for collective action through a singular and united platform of women’s organisations.

Adding to the dynamic nature of this campaign, a short documentary film has been made by Gender Concerns to celebrate the occasion and raise awareness of women’s democratic participation. Our revolution, Our Dastoor features interviews with leading Libyan women who voice their commitment to action and the need for participation. The film was released on this occasion to reiterate the vital role of women in democratic processes. Click on the link here to view the film.

To further capture the attention of broad segments of the Libyan community, Gender Concerns has placed billboards at various points in Tripoli and Benghazi (shown in photo below). These attention-grabbing signs, as a part of the campaign, highlight the role of women in the revolution. They encourage women to participate in the upcoming elections and to strengthen women’s efforts towards an inclusive constitution.

Sabra Bano, Director of Gender Concerns International, spoke yesterday at the event to remind women of their struggle – side by side – with the men of Libya in the revolution. In doing so, Ms Bano acknowledged the efforts of Libyan women and their crucial role in Libya’s democratic transformation.