Libya continues to experience political instability and insecurity. The country has suffered from the effects of armed conflict, political division, and insecurity for many years. These challenges and changes have significantly impacted women. Although women struggled alongside men to bring about democratic transition and political change after February 2011, women today face a set of unique challenges amid the crises sweeping the country.
It is important to note that previous regimes made significant progress in drafting constitutions and legislation that guarantee gender equality, support equal opportunities, and non-discrimination, and enacted legislation that granted women privileges befitting their dignity. The increase in political participation in the post-2011 period cannot be ignored, as women’s participation in parliament and government has increased significantly compared to previous decades. Women’s participation in the economy has also increased slightly through employment, private sector participation, and entrepreneurship. However, these changes have failed to address the deeply rooted patriarchal nature of Libyan institutions and society. Despite the great hopes for achieving important reforms that would improve women’s status and support their contribution to the development process, as was hoped, the reality was often the opposite.
