Tripoli: UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General Hanna Tetteh emphasized the necessity for Libya to implement legal and civil protections for women, aiming to empower them to achieve their aspirations and contribute effectively to the country’s development.
According to Libyan News Agency, Tetteh’s remarks came during an interview, parts of which were shared by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on its official page. She discussed the patriarchal nature of most African societies, including Libya, where societal privileges often favor men over women, highlighting the challenges faced in addressing these issues.
Tetteh acknowledged the resistance encountered when advocating for women’s issues, which is often rooted in religious and cultural values. She stressed the importance of ensuring that women’s empowerment aligns with societal values, which are essential for maintaining social cohesion.
Furthermore, Tetteh expressed her continued support for women’s issues in Libya, refere
ncing the development of a draft law aimed at preventing violence against women. This draft, supported by UNSMIL and submitted to the House of Representatives, is seen as a crucial mechanism for protecting women vulnerable to violence and abuse.
The UN envoy pointed out that the passage of a law alone does not guarantee its effective implementation, underlining the need for legal and regulatory measures to protect affected individuals. She committed to collaborating with UN colleagues and Libyan civil society organizations to create more opportunities for Libyan women.