First and foremost, I must express my support and solidarity with the people of Libya. After months of violence and uncertainty, Gaddafi’s death has delivered the long-sought signal that his regime’s reign has ended, and with it, the many abuses that have been protested and mourned for decades.
Just last week, with this moment in sight, we began to answer the burgeoning question of what the post-Gaddafi landscape will look like and where women’s rights will fit in. From the perspective of the women’s movement, this question has long been on my mind and one we addressed two weeks ago at the launch of the Libyan Women’s Platform for Peace in Cairo. It was a historic moment for many reasons, not the least of which was the diversity and commanding presence of the women involved. The logistics were not easy to coordinate, and at times, the chances that Karama would be able to bring 40 Libyan women into Cairo seemed slim. In the end, we watched as they arrived in any way we could get them here: by bus, by plane, or some combination thereof.
As we greeted them, I was moved, inspired, and touched by their strength and dignity, and their determination and devotion to stability and peace in Libya. One would’ve never known they were coming from the midst of a war if not already aware of this fact. These women have proven their ability to transfer optimism and hope to the situation, and their belief in the power to transform a homeland that once seemed impossible to change or reform beyond the ill-directed, often abusive status quo. They reminded me of the women of Somalia, who in the midst of civil war, famine, and crisis have always demonstrated dignity and grace.
During the meeting, I witnessed the power and strength of these women as leaders and visionaries as I listened to the voices of the Libyan women. These women have already begun building coalitions. They know the concerns and priorities in the post-Gaddafi landscape, and are experts in their own cause. They have identified the solutions that will be most effective in addressing core concerns, and in ensuring that women are a key part of the next chapter in Libya’s history. The Platform for Peace is a first step in coordinating these ideas and commitments, in linking Libyan women from all walks of life, from different parts of Libya and different backgrounds, and building a lasting movement that will ensure that the efforts they’ve put forth for years leading to the first day of the revolution, and the courageous sacrifices they’ve made since, are meaningful and significant in forging a new landscape for Libyans and for women in defining a more open, free, and peaceful Libya.
I have worked in many countries, with many women. The Libyans are among the most unique women I have ever met or worked with in my life. Their fierce bravery, and commitment, their persistence and insistence in ensuring that everyone is included and represented demonstrate democracy at its best in a country that has never known democracy. This leads me to believe that after over four decades of being deprived of human rights and justice, the Libyans have been carrying these ideals and values in their hearts. These concepts have been ingrained in their culture from the beginning.
After the meeting, we continued meeting informally with the women in Cairo. Throughout the weekend, I was humbled by the way the Libyan women carried themselves knowing the difficult experiences they’d endured and overcome. Some had left loved ones behind and had no information whether they were lost or dead, some had been imprisoned for years or had family members who were jailed. Out time together culminated with optimistic, jubilantly sung songs of Libyan pride. Despite everything they are up against, they remain resilient and undeterred by the challenges that have befallen them and their communities, spurred on by their hope for the future of Libya. Today, I can only imagine the news on Gaddafi has propelled them even more to realize the plans they have set forth for a free and equal nation in which they have a voice that is not only valued but also protected.
