Ongoing conflict and fractured governance are immense challenges in Libya. In this environment, Libyan women human rights defenders and women’s rights organisations play an essential role in fostering social cohesion and providing crucial support and relief, such as disaster response to the devastating floods in Derna – whose severity was a direct consequence of the climate emergency. However, this crucial work is challenged by deeply entrenched patriarchal norms and discriminatory laws, exposing women and other marginalised groups to alarming levels of gender-based violence and significant barriers to meaningful participation. This episode emphasises the urgent need to advance the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda through a comprehensive and integrated approach—one that ensures women’s participation is not only encouraged but protected at its core. 

In this episode, we joined by Catherine Turner, Professor of International Law and Deputy Director of the Durham Global Security Institute and Noura El Jerbi, a dedicated advocate focused on addressing online violence against women in Libya. Our guests explore the ecology of risk associated with women’s participation in Libya and identify opportunities for the WPS agenda to counter such harms, to advance a locally owned agenda. 

Resources

Creating Enabling Environments for Women’s Participation in Libya: https://www.ipinst.org/2023/07/creating-enabling-environments-for-womens-participation-in-libya-paper

Middle East Eye reporting on Derna floods: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/libya-floods-derna-women-invisible-needs-neglected-aftermath