WUNRN
How Are WOMEN in Libya Responding to
the New Tensions, Conflict?
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Full Article: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/08/un-moves-slap-sanctions-libya-militias-2014827174728230669.html
Libya UN Ambassador Warns of Looming
Civil War in Libya
Libya's ambassador to the United Nations has warned of "full-blown
civil war" if the chaos and division in the North African country
continue. Ambassador Ibrahim Dabbashi told the UN Security Council on Wednesday that
he had always excluded civil war as a possibility "but the situation has
changed." "The situation in Libya is complicated," Dabbashi told
the council. "Yet the situation since the 13th of July has become even
more complicated and the situation might unravel into a full-blown civil war if
we're not very careful and wise in our actions."
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International Crisis Group
The fight for control of Libya between the Misrata-led Islamist-leaning coalition and the Zintan-led forces is escalating by the day. Hundreds have been killed and thousands displaced in over six weeks of clashes and heavy artillery fire. The Misrata side emerged victorious in the battle over Tripoli’s international airport, taking control of the capital, and made advances around Benghazi, but the larger political divide remains unresolved. A newly formed parliament convened in Tobruk and has the backing of the Zintan-led anti-Islamists and the international community; but the previous legislature in Tripoli challenges its authority. Without a minimum of consensus, Libya is likely to have two ineffectual governments with militias exerting real control on the ground.
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Original Message -----
From: WUNRN
ListServe
To: WUNRN ListServe
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 12:48 PM
Subject: Libya - Status of Women Survey 2013
WUNRN
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:
- Providing
IFES and other partners critical information to tailor programming to
respond accurately to the specific needs of men and women in transition
- Bolstering
advocacy efforts of civil society organizations, including women-led civil
society organizations, that are working to increase gender equality and
women’s empowerment in emerging and recovering government institutions
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.