A quota system to ensure the participation of females in Libyan politics will increase segregation and reduce the changes of the right women being elected to the new government, said Laila Bugaighis, chairwoman of the National Protection from Violence Committee, part of the National Transitional Council’s Ministry of Health.
She spoke from the eastern city of Benghazi, in response to e-mailed questions, as members of the NTC continue negotiations on an interim cabinet.
“We talked about a quota, but we feel asking for one for women will reduce the chances of the right qualified women getting seats in the parliament once it is formed. We also fear it will increase the segregation of women from men.”
Instead, “we are trying to emphasize law enforcement and make amendments to existing laws or create new ones to regulate protection, abortion for raped victims and on the longterm family laws as well that can be used for cases of domestic violence, and other issues dealing with women’s rights.
“Part of our work also is to help build the capacity of civil society that has been established since the Feb. 17 revolution and create women groups, to strengthen the voice of women and educate them, and allow them to be involved in politics and decision-making of the new road map for Libya.
“It is unfortunate to see so many well-educated, multilingual and skilled women who are not being active in the making of decisions, especially in the health care and education sectors, where we believe women can make a difference.”
On women’s participation in the uprising and the outlook for them:
“It was fantastic at the beginning -- we were making history. Our voices were heard for the first time in decades. Women were out there, hand-in-hand with the men in each step.
“After this very important role that women played to make the revolution a success, and after the NTC became stronger, they pushed aside all the women who were there at the start of the revolution. Not only that, across all institutions women are still marginalized and not allowed any leadership roles.
“For us women interested in seeing more political involvement for our gender and more leadership roles, we are working hard by being involved in political civil-society associations, trying to strengthen them and getting help from experts for guidance on ways to make sure we will be represented in the new government.
“This will not be easy in a country led and dominated by men for such a long time, a country that has never known democracy or women rights.
“But we are also hopeful that change will happen, and that the role of women in this revolution will not go unnoticed.”