Sophie Kemkhadze
Over a decade after Libyan women led protests that set Libya on a path to peace in 2011, they were told their role was over—’We appreciate your contribution thus far, but perhaps it is time to step aside and go back to the safety of your homes.’ Today, newly elected women in municipal councils still face pressure to step aside, as if leadership is not theirs to hold.
Persistent imbalances
On 20 February 2025, Libya’s High National Election Commission concluded candidate nomination, with women accounting for 27 per cent of the candidates nominated to run for seats in 62 municipal councils across the country, later this year. With the adoption of Regulation 43/2023, there are now as many as three seats reserved for women in every council. Despite progress, women remain outnumbered and lack the support structures of their male counterparts.
A Global phenomenon
Exclusion of women from politics is not unique to Libya. In 2024, more than 3 billion people were poised to cast ballots in countries across the globe, marking “the biggest election year in human history.” Installing leaders in 72 countries, voters had an unprecedented opportunity to affect global change – to challenge imbalances, disparities, inequalities, and exclusions. Yet, turnout declined, protests grew, and there was no significant progress in ensuring equal participation for women in decision-making.
Uncertainty and resistance to change
Academics have observed that in “precarious transitions from war to peace,” women are prone to falling down on the list of priorities.
More generally, there is substantive evidence that people are both politically and psychologically resistant to change during times of uncertainty.
International commitment
In times of uncertainty, it is crucial to reaffirm a simple truth—equal participation in decision-making is not an act of charity; it is a necessity.
International conventions from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women recognize human equality and acknowledging the rights of women to participate in elections and political life. Meanwhile, UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) emphasizes the critical role of women in post-conflict decision making – specifically calling for their presence in establishing national Constitutions, electoral systems and institutions.
UNDP, together with international partners, has worked alongside local authorities and civil society to advance women’s representation in decision-making spaces—ensuring that their voices shape Libya’s future, rather than being sidelined.
And for those who remain unconvinced, I would further argue that Involving women in governance is just smart policy – and will accelerate the achievement of the most pressing issues we face today. Let’s consider some of the supporting evidence.
Peaceful transitions and long-term stability:
Movements that include women are less prone to violence, they also gain greater legitimacy. Working across political divisions and with their male peers, women work in a less hierarchical way and are effective negotiators. In fact, peace agreements and post-conflict reconstruction are more likely to endure over the long-term when women have been involved.
Reduced corruption:
Decades of research reveal a strong correlation between higher levels of women’s political participation and lower levels of corruption – from petty corruption during implementation to grand corruption, occurring at the highest level of political decision-making.
Economic growth:
Studies have shown that diversity improves cooperation, innovation and performance. It also enhances creativity, expands access to information networks and strengthens collective resilience. Countries with more women in governance reduce legal discrimination and inequalities more effectively. Because this results in higher workforce participation and access to professional opportunities, the impact can be seen in national gross domestic product (GDP). According to the World Economic Forum, enabling women to participate fully in the labour force could increase global GDP by roughly 20 per cent.
Delivering on human rights:
When women participate in politics, governments are more responsive to citizen needs. Women in political leadership prioritize issues that improve quality of life, such as health and education. And women lawmakers are not only more attentive to issues relating to women’s biological and societal needs; they are also more likely to serve the interests of under-represented and minority groups, respond to community level concerns and address the needs expressed by their own constituents.
Not going home
In December 2024, Zayra Al Maqtouf made history as the first woman Mayor in Libya — currently the only woman among 58 Mayors. Her presence may be considered an anomaly by some, but a significant one all would agree as she was elected by her fellow council members. For Mayor Maqtouf, there is no “going back to the comfort of home” – she is committed to serve to the fullest of her abilities.
Libya’s progress depends not on sidelining voices but on embracing them. The future will not be built by half of society alone—it requires the leadership, dedication, and vision of all those who are ready to serve.
________________
