An analytical report by Arab News highlights that women are bearing the brunt of Libya’s collapse. The report argues the crisis is not just about conflict or corruption. It is deeply connected to the suffering of Libyan women and increasing violence against them.
According to the report, two rival governments claim legitimacy. Neither provides real security. Militias exploit this vacuum, ruling by force instead of law. Security forces are weak, and courts cannot enforce rulings. This has led to a culture of impunity in daily life.
The report notes a rise in femicide and gender-based violence. Available data, though incomplete, reflects a chronic and worsening crisis. Three women were killed during a single week of a UN anti-violence campaign. Many cases go unreported. Most crimes occur inside homes. Perpetrators are often husbands linked to militias or suffering from conflict-related trauma.
The legal framework fails to criminalize domestic violence or sexual harassment. Reporting violence can even expose victims to prosecution. A bill to criminalize all violence against women has been stalled since 2023. The report suggests that banning the term “gender” in official policies shows a political culture that views equality as a threat.
The report also discusses the “protector-perpetrator” paradox. Customs make male guardians responsible for protecting women. However, these supposed protectors often inflict the most harm. Some women describe forced guardianship as a “trap.” The report notes that some women marry members of armed groups to avoid harassment at checkpoints. This survival strategy can expose them to even greater danger.
Online violence is also rising. Social media platforms have become arenas for intimidation. The report mentions a documented 89% increase in such attacks within a single year. Political participation now involves serious personal risks. The message to women who speak out is that they can become targets for murder and assault.
The impact of this violence goes beyond individual tragedy. Excluding women from public life undermines state-building. It reduces political competition and obstructs peace processes. The decline in women’s rights also has economic costs, including lower productivity and increased family fragility.
The issue of women’s rights is a critical measure of Libya’s ability to rebuild. A state that cannot protect its women cannot achieve stability. Libya needs effective institutions that can enforce the law. Courts must treat violence against women as a crime, not a family matter. The country must shift from a guardianship model to a system where citizenship and rights are non-negotiable.
The report concludes that no political solution can succeed if half the population remains threatened or excluded. The true measure of the country’s revival is the empowerment of its women. They must be able to lead without fear, speak without threats, and live without compromising on their protection.