In Libya, the (somewhat) feminized government

, Published on Friday 19 March 2021 at 09:29 am.

“Big move”, “promising start”: If the new Libyan government is described as a political move, the presence of five women ministers was also praised, even though this representation was short of promises and clear on the way. Be insufficient for this. ‘

This is “a major step to advance women’s rights”, a response from the UN women in Libya. “A Historical Moment for Libyan Women”, US Ambassador Richard Norland added.

As a result of a United Nations process, this new executive will have the primary task of pulling this North African country out of a decade of chaos and division for the national elections to be held in December.

But with its 26 ministers and five of the state’s six ministers, it also marks relative, a progression on the question of gender.

In this way Najla al-Mangoush, an activist from Benghazi (East), has been appointed as the head of foreign affairs. This training advocate was already known in 2011 as part of the National Revolution Council (CNT), the official body of the 2011 revolution that ousted Colonel Muammar Gaddafi from power.

Mabourka Tuki, an academic from Fezan (South) with a degree in nuclear physics, will oversee the culture, while lawyer Halima Ibrahim Abderrahman, from Garion (West), inherits the Department of Justice.

Wafa al-Killani and Huriya al-Tronl find themselves as heads of social affairs and women’s affairs.

Why talk about progress?

If they played an important role during the 2011 uprising, Libyan women were gradually excluded from the transitional process, with transitional bodies and a timid presence in parliament.

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The former government of Fayez al-Sarraj’s National Unity (GNA), established in 2016 in western Libya, had two women from around thirty divisions. The former is not recognized by the international community, only one.

– “30% as a beginner” –

On social networks, the notable presence of women in the government of businessman Abdelhamid Dabiba is known as “a big step”, “leap for society” and “promising start”.

But the reactions are more opposite among activists, who argue that the new executive should do more. This is the case of Galia Sassi, the president of the association “Ma’ha” (with him).

“We are proud to see Libyan women appointed to positions of sovereignty, but also saddened that the Prime Minister has failed in his commitment to reserve 30% of the posts for women,” she said.

If Mr. Dabiba had committed to honor this limit during his campaign, he would eventually have only 15% of his executive.

“We will pressurize the government to rectify the situation and” ensure that women get more jobs in all areas where they are absent, “promises Galia Sassi,” the long road that is to be covered. “

Laila ben Khalifa, an activist behind the “30% as a beginner” campaign, regrets appointments based on further “regional distribution” criteria and “no” on skills.

– Export –

While insecurity and repeated conflicts have profoundly affected the daily lives of Libyan women since 2011, the most worrying has been the outrage against female human rights defenders.

In November, lawyer and activist Hanen al-Barsi was shot dead in broad daylight in Benghazi (East), according to the NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW).

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According to the United Nations, “the dare faced by Libyan women when they dare to speak outside” is a matter.

Nearly two years ago, Marshal Sihlewa was kidnapped again in Benghazi by an armed group, after criticizing the insult launched in 2019 by Tripathi, formerly of Balwan, at the time. He never appeared.

The debate took place at the United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday: the United Kingdom urged the Libyan government to “work for the full, equal and meaningful participation of women”. “All governance institutions and processes are under-represented and are paradoxically affected by conflict,” he said.

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About the Author: Forrest Morton

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