Dr. Ibtisam Ahmed Bahih, an academic at Benghazi University Faculty of Law and a member of the Constitutional Drafting Assembly (CDA), emphasised the pivotal role of Libyan women. Speaking during the “Libyan Women’s Platform for Peace” series, Bahi asserted that women have indisputably proven themselves to be essential and genuine partners, who cannot be ignored, in the process of civil state-building and advancing national peace. Her comments arrive as the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security approaches.
Dr. Bahi explained that the effective participation of Libyan women became strongly evident following the events of February 2011. They took an active role in formulating public policies and establishing the foundations for state institutions built on democratic principles, including equality, non-discrimination, and equal opportunities. Dr. Ibtisam reviewed her personal experience within the CDA, affirming that despite being just one voice among sixty members, she managed to leave a tangible mark through her active involvement in various committees and her persistent advocacy for institutional development and democratic fundamentals.
Conversely, Bahi highlighted the severe challenges women encountered during that phase. She pointed to the low level of female representation within the Assembly and the effective confinement of women’s presence to major cities, in addition to what she described as a lack of awareness among some members concerning “zero figures” (referring to token representation). Furthermore, women were subjected to systematic targeting campaigns via social media platforms, with certain religiously themed slogans being deployed to restrict their participation and marginalise them from positions of influence and decision-making.
Dr. Ibtisam Bahi concluded by stressing that the future of Libyan women’s participation hinges on raising general community awareness of their central role in peace-building and achieving sustainable development. She emphasised the necessity of serious investment in women’s empowerment and in qualifying female competencies to lead various tracks of national endeavour.