In a comprehensive interview with Dr. Jazeya Shaaiter, a professor of Criminal Law at the University of Benghazi and a member of the Advisory Committee, the representation of Libyan women in political life was scrutinised, along with the restrictions they face and the legislative pathways to strengthen their role.
Assessing Female Representation in Political Institutions
Dr. Shaaiter acknowledged that women are represented in “acceptable numbers” within the House of Representatives, the High Council of State, and the two executive governments. She noted the exception of the Presidential Council, which is composed solely of three men, attributing this to the southern region’s rejection of a female representative originally allocated to it. Nevertheless, she emphasised the weak effectiveness of women in these positions, linking it to various circumstances beyond mere discrimination.
The Necessity of Legal Mandates for Political Inclusion
Regarding political parties and blocs, Dr. Shaaiter asserted that they would not seriously open up opportunities for women unless legally compelled to do so. She explained that women’s political advancement is obstructed by the dominant tribal system and the difficulties inherent in the current transitional phase. She highlighted that political will, when translated into binding legal texts such as the roadmap that mandated a minimum of 25% female representation in government, which was respected, is the sole method for enacting profound social and cultural change. She believes embedding a 25% quota in forthcoming electoral laws would enforce women’s presence.
Cultural and Social Barriers to the “Female Leader”
Shaaiter affirmed that the current social environment in Libya reflects a regression to tribal and regional values. Within this framework, she stated, “A woman is a source of pride, but she is not a leader; the leader is a man.” She added that the social, cultural, and even religious frameworks, which grant authority to men, pose fundamental obstacles to the emergence of women in leadership roles. Consequently, laws become a positive force only when they provide “additional preferential treatment” to mandate their inclusion by political players.
Impact of Insecurity and Political Division
The professor indicated that the political split and unstable security conditions have severely curtailed women’s opportunities for public office, describing conflict as a “deadly weapon” against their participation in the administrative and political arenas. Furthermore, women are more vulnerable to reputational assassination and the fear of cyber-bullying and harassment, which modern technologies have amplified.
Recommendations and Hopes for the Future
Shaaiter cited civil society and certain political parties as the current effective institutions supporting women’s access to decision-making positions. For sustainable transformation, she called for a long-term media strategy, moving beyond direct messages to subtly shift prevailing attitudes. She expressed apprehension about the upcoming electoral cycles but remains hopeful that the Advisory Committee’s recommendation for a 30% quota for women in both the House of Representatives and the Senate will be codified into law. She suggested that a list-based electoral system, featuring vertical and horizontal alternation (man and woman), would also boost female representation.
A Message to Decision-Makers
She concluded by expressing a desire for a permanent constitution that safeguards the rights of future generations and ensures genuine protection against all forms of violence and discrimination. She called for the revision of history, religion, and educational curricula to better value and promote women’s roles. Finally, she urged the House of Representatives to enact the ready-made law for the protection of women from violence and called on the executive branch to incorporate “gender-sensitive plans” into its vision. She noted that the exclusion of women was not always “deliberate,” but a result of political, security, and social circumstances, and that sovereign positions lack regulation in favour of women, as tribal and regional quotas predominantly promote men.