On Wednesday, Stephanie Khoury, Acting Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), called for greater inclusion of Libyan women in elections and political decision-making.
Speaking at the Second Regional Conference on Legal Reforms Supporting Women’s Participation in Elections, Khoury emphasized that empowering women is essential for the success of any political process overseen by the UN in Libya.
The event, organized by the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) in collaboration with UNSMIL, highlighted the barriers Libyan women face in political and economic spheres. Khoury noted that despite representing half the population, women continue to face significant challenges limiting their active involvement in public life and decision-making roles.
“This conference demonstrates our collective commitment to empowering women and ensuring their voices are heard in shaping Libya’s future,” Khoury stated. She reiterated that women’s participation is not just a matter of equity but a strategic necessity for peace and stability in Libya.
The push for gender inclusion comes at a critical juncture for Libya, a nation grappling with over a decade of conflict and political division. The UN and its partners recognize that ensuring women’s involvement in elections and governance is key to building an inclusive and sustainable political framework.
Khoury reaffirmed UNSMIL’s commitment to supporting Libya’s efforts to empower women, particularly through legal reforms and capacity-building initiatives. She concluded by stressing the importance of sustained action to overcome the obstacles limiting women’s contributions to Libya’s political scene.
“Women’s empowerment isn’t just about fairness—it’s about ensuring a stable and prosperous future for Libya,” she said.
As Libya prepares for its next steps toward elections and governance reforms, the inclusion of women will remain central to efforts aimed at rebuilding the nation and achieving long-term peace.
