WUNRN
IFES - International Foundation for
Electoral Systems
LIBYA STATUS OF WOMEN SURVEY 2013
Direct Link to Full 72-Page 2013
Report:
Jessica Huber,
Senior Gender Specialist - September 18, 2013
It is critical that women have a voice in the
decision making process while nations transition to peace – this has been
mandated by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and
Security. When the needs of both men and women are heard, the resulting systems
created for the transitional country will be more sustainable. This is what
IFES is helping partners to achieve in Libya.
Empirical information about women in
developing countries is often lacking, particularly in nations experiencing or
recovering from instability where women are the most vulnerable. In an effort
to strengthen equal participation, IFES supports women’s empowerment and gender
equality by collecting qualitative and quantitative data. Generating a strong
base of data and evidence strengthens programming by:
In post-Arab Spring Libya, major decisions are
being made that will impact its future as a democratic country. There is
concern that the space for women in government and policy making is shrinking
as deep-seated cultural beliefs about the roles of men and women are more
freely expressed.
These beliefs leave women at home, and
excluded from meaningful engagement in the country’s transition.
IFES’Survey on the Status of Women in Libya
provides insight into women’s and men’s perceptions about gender, leadership, development
and the overall state of affairs in Libya. Notably, the survey underscores
traditionally-held beliefs about the roles of women and men. For example, many
more women than men expressed support for women becoming involved in politics.
However, the survey also confirms trends emerging from the Arab Spring. For
example, an overwhelming majority of women surveyed would like to be actively
involved in the country’s transition.
With this invaluable information, IFES and its
partners are supporting efforts across Libya to increase access to political
processes for women. The Status
of Women Survey in Libya has been a vital tool that provides an
accurate window into the will of Libyan women and men, and affirms
international standards for gender equality and women’s empowerment.