Tripoli, 1 October 2013:
Libyan women groups and activists have developed a plan of action to strengthen their involvement and activities in Libyan . . .[restrict]society to ensure an effective role in Libya’s democratic transition.
Concluding a four-day workshop in Tripoli on Wednesday 25 September 2013, representatives of civil society organizations, political parties and youths groups from all Libyan regions charted and endorsed a joint plan of action for the way forward.
The workshop, “Building Partnerships: Libyan Women’s Vision of Joint Work”, was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Civil Society in cooperation with the United Nations Support Mission In Libya (UNSMIL) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
Participants were urged to unite and speak in one voice in order to guarantee their voice is heard and that they could influence the process. The plan of action which was adopted at the workshop focused on increasing the number of women candidates for the Constitution-Drafting Assembly and providing technical assistance to women members who get elected.
It also calls for initiating and launching initiatives that foster women’s participation in the National Dialogue as well as collecting data and information on the role of women in peace-building and reconciliation.
Participants also established “Watan”, a network for all Libyans, that aims at ensuring women’s rights are mainstreamed in the Constitution.
A steering committee for the network with representatives from the Eastern, Western, Central, and Southern areas of Libya was established.
Members were nominated and identified based on interest and commitment to follow up on the implementation of the action plan.
The Steering Committee comprises an Executive Office composed of a Chairperson, a Secretary and two Rapporteurs as well as representatives of Libya’s regions.
The Committee is tasked with the implementation of the work plan according to each region’s priorities through the establishment of a coalition that aims to bring together representatives of groups and political parties who can support and follow up on women’s demands to legislators and decision-makers.
The UN will support the “Watan” network during the transitional phase. [/restrict]
