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By Alessandra Bocchi.
Tunis, 8 March 2017:
The United Nations stands by Libyan women as they continue to fight for their rights UNSMIL chief Martin Kobler said today in a statement marking International Women’s Day.
He recalled how women’s participation had been vital to the 2011 Libyan revolution and congratulated them for standing up “fearlessly” against the short-lived travel ban imposed last month in eastern Libya that had prohibited unaccompanied women from travelling.
However, Kobler maintained that despite their achievements, Libyan women are now deprived of freedom of speech, are absent from public life and remain vulnerable to kidnapping, assault and other forms of violence. He urged Libyan women to “continue to fight for their rights” and said the UN would stand by their side.
“What women are demanding today will shape the future of young girls and generations to come in Libya, to enjoy a life free from fear, violence and conflict with access to education, technology and knowledge” said the UNSMIL chief, “There can be no claim of democratic and modern state without their full and active participation in political, social and economic initiatives.
He pointed out that in line with the theme of this year’s International Women Day, by 2030, Libya must achieve a 50-50 representation of women and men in the workplace, including in decision-making positions in state institutions and civil society organisations
“There can be no claim of democratic and modern state without women’s full and active participation in political, social and economic initiatives,” he said.
