UN Women recently celebrated the distinguished career of Ms Rafia al-Obaidi, who recently concluded decades of service to justice. Al-Obaidi holds the distinction of being the first Libyan woman to hold the position of judge, eventually rising to the rank of Councillor at the Supreme Court.
The story of Councillor Rafia al-Obaidi, who has become an icon of dedication and resolve in serving justice and advancing the role of women, originated from her struggle within the legal field. Al-Obaidi graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Benghazi in 1977, facing significant challenges from the outset due to the prevailing traditional restrictions on women’s roles in legal professions.
The organisation stated that Councillor Al-Obaidi exemplified commitment and professionalism, and her expertise was crucial in cementing the presence of women within the judiciary, thereby paving the way for new generations of Libyan female judges to pursue the profession.
Al-Obaidi began her professional journey as a legal researcher in the Case Management Department in the Benghazi branch, subsequently becoming a lawyer in the Public Advocacy Department, litigating various civil, criminal, and administrative cases. Yet, her true ambition remained to sit on the bench, despite the major hurdle that the Libyan Judicial System Law at the time did not permit women to hold the position of a judge.
In a landmark move, the Libyan Judicial System Law was amended in 1989, opening the door for women’s participation in the judicial system. Consequently, Al-Obaidi was appointed as the first female judge at the Benghazi Primary Court, marking the beginning of a new chapter of successes and challenges.
Over a decade, Rafia al-Obaidi navigated various difficulties, ranging from negative stereotypes about women’s roles to the astonishment and caution expressed by some litigants when she presided over their cases. However, through her perseverance, professionalism, and patience, she succeeded in altering these perceptions and earning the respect and trust of the public.
Owing to her excellence, Al-Obaidi presided over diverse civil, personal status, criminal, and administrative cases. In 2003, she was promoted to Councillor at the Benghazi Court of Appeal. Later, in 2010, she became the first woman to hold the post of Councillor at the Supreme Court, where she still presides over the Second Criminal Chamber today.
