Written by: Badr Ahmed

The Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in the Libyan government, Intisar Aboud, participated in the first introductory consultative meeting organized at the invitation of Dr. Alia Al-Lafi, advisor to the head of the Libya Dignity Party for women’s affairs, and in the presence of Benghazi Municipal Council member, Professor Khairiya Al-Farjani, along with a group of Libyan women from various social, professional and age groups, in a step aimed at promoting dialogue on women’s issues and their role in the national development process.

The meeting witnessed extensive discussions that addressed the reality of Libyan women and the challenges they face in various fields, in addition to reviewing ways to empower them and enhance their participation in political, social and economic life, in line with the requirements of the current stage and contributing to supporting state-building efforts.

Libyan calls to expand women's participation

The participants stressed the importance of unifying efforts between official institutions and civil society organizations to launch practical initiatives that respond to the needs of Libyan women, provide them with greater opportunities to participate in decision-making positions, and support projects that aim to develop their capabilities and benefit from their expertise in various sectors.

The attendees also discussed a number of proposals aimed at building effective partnerships between the parties concerned with women’s issues, and developing training and development programs that contribute to raising the efficiency of women and expanding their opportunities to participate in economic and social development, in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and enhance the presence of women as an essential partner in building society.

In her speech during the meeting, the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs, Intisar Aboud, affirmed that Libyan women have proven throughout various stages their ability to actively contribute to serving the nation, noting that what women have offered in the fields of public work, education, health and community work reflects the extent of the potential that Libyan women possess.

She added that the current stage requires creating a supportive environment that allows women to participate effectively in various sectors, through providing legislation, policies and programs that enhance their presence and support their role in the development process.

Aboud also called for strengthening cooperation and coordination among all relevant parties, and working to adopt practical initiatives and projects that contribute to developing women’s capabilities and benefiting from their experiences and competencies in a way that serves the national development process, while stressing the importance of doing this within the framework of preserving the customs and traditions of Libyan society, and adhering to its principles derived from Islamic law.

The meeting concluded by emphasizing the importance of continuing consultative meetings between women leaders and state institutions, in order to contribute to formulating common visions that support the empowerment of Libyan women and enhance their contribution to achieving stability, development, and building a more prosperous future for the country.