A recent study by UN Women concluded that “women constitute nearly 46% of the workforce in Libyan government institutions.” However, the study also pointed out their “representation in leadership roles remains significantly limited.”
The UN study, presented during an online discussion facilitated by the United Nations in April and monitored by Al-Wasat portal, revealed a “high representation of women in sectors such as education (70%) and health (63%), while women remain significantly underrepresented in fields like defense (4%) and internal affairs (7%).”
According to the study’s findings, as reported in a statement by the UN mission, “the presence of women in leadership positions remains extremely limited.” The study highlighted that “most women are concentrated in lower administrative roles, which restricts their access to crucial decision-making positions.”
The UN mission and UN Women co-hosted an event to celebrate Libyan National Women’s Day, “aiming to foster discussion on the challenges facing women in the public sector,” with the participation of over seventy Libyan women from various regions.
During her celebration, the Minister of Women’s Affairs in the “Interim Government of National Unity,” Horia al-Tormal, emphasized the necessity of cooperation and concerted efforts to empower women in Libya, stating: “International and local efforts must join forces. I call on all the women of the nation to unite on all issues, whether political, economic, or social.”
The Libyan Minister added, “I am optimistic and enthusiastic despite everything surrounding us, but I have great confidence that together we will achieve this goal. We will create a safe environment for Libyan women.”
Florence Batrice, the UN Women Representative in Tunisia and Libya, called for translating the study’s findings into policies and practices, adding: “We must strengthen institutional governance, implement merit-based promotion systems, and create safe and supportive work environments for women.”
The UN official urged for “continued listening to the voices of women, especially those working on the front lines of public service, who bring dedication, resilience, and vision to the rebuilding of Libya.”
The study, presented by lawyer and civil society activist Hala Bugaighis, called for a “comprehensive reassessment of the existing legislative and legal frameworks to develop effective implementation mechanisms that benefit women.”
The dialogue session recommended several measures, including “developing clear professional development plans and merit-based promotion systems, and strengthening the capacities of women’s empowerment offices in ministries,” alongside “conducting comprehensive and periodic studies to better understand the needs of female employees and improve their working conditions.”
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) had previously launched the “Libyan Women’s Platform” coinciding with International Women’s Day, describing it as “a special group for women on Facebook managed by a team from UNSMIL.”