Inspiring Libyan Women demand a place in the future of their country

BySCEME

Inspiring Libyan Women demand a place in the future of their country

Women in Libya are refusing to take a back seat in the re-building of their country and are demanding full inclusion into the rebuilding process.

Libyan women have been at the forefront of protests across the Arab world and though they “may not have been visible on the streets with guns… they have played an equally important role, displaying courage and strength that has been invaluable to the success of the country’s revolution” said Farah Abushwesha in her article of Women’s News Network.

Francisco Leong/AFP

It was through various Facebook, Twitter and YouTube campaigns, that women could join the protests from their own homes. They also aided the revolution through providing medical care to injured opposition fighters and food to frontline protestors.

Women have always played a vital role in peace-building and social justice groups in the country are calling for an active participation in any future talks that relate to the re-building of their society. Women’s News Network reported that women in Libya are calling for  “aid to be ring fenced to support women’s rights; financial aid to be accessible to civil society and grassroots initiatives set up by women, for women; and negotiations and meetings on the future of Libya to be inclusive of all tribes and regional representatives, which should include sufficient numbers of women.”

The main group behind this movement is Women for Libya, founded by Sara Maziq, who believes that women must be included on all levels and need to be given positions of power in any new constitution.

It is wonderful to see the courage and determination of these women and we hope that they obtain their rightful place in Libya’s future and developments.