Libya UN Women Research Component

Libya continues to face a multi-layered crisis marked by protracted conflict, political and administrative fragmentation, volatility and armed hostilities aggravating the fragility of the state. The 2021 delayed national elections furthered fragmentation with rival governments and armed groups competing for power, while an agreed election roadmap remains pending. The crisis and interrelated shocks continue to affect public services and Libyan households, with a disproportionate negative impact towards children and women, while the civic space continues to shrink.

Despite these developments, the humanitarian situation improved, and efforts are pulled to transition under the new UN Cooperation Framework (2023-25) providing longer-term perspectives for affected populations, comprising the 50’000 people estimated to still have displacement related needs. Addressing those needs and vulnerabilities remains a priority for Libyans and the United Nations, to which UN Women contributes with a focus on women and girls.

Direct targets

• Women-led civil society organisations (CSOs) 
• Local and national authorities, (i.e. mayors, municipal councils, Ministry of Local Governance, Reconstruction Fund of Murzuq and Tawergha) 
• International humanitarian and development organizations, UN Agencies (UNDP, UNHCR, WFP, OCHA, UNICEF, UN Resident Coordinator Office) 
• Internally displaced and returnee women and girls Indirect targets The wider Libyan civilian population

Expected results:  

• Mix-method research is conducted with displaced and returning women and girls with a focus on Murzuq and Tawergha, comprising focus groups discussion and interviews 
• A dissemination and sensitization workshop will be conducted with relevant national and local stakeholders (at least 15) where the research will be launched. The Research will be published online. 
• Capacities built of 20 women in leadership and community engagement on gender-sensitive data collection and analysis and response. 
• Platform created for internally displaced women’s and girls’ meaningful participation to raise their priorities with regards to, but not exclusively, durable solutions is promoted.

Results from previous phases:  

Lack of disaggregated data is widely acknowledged in Libya (last census in 2006), including through UN’s assessments, both general and on IDPs. UN WOMEN wishes to focus on missing data on women and girls’ needs to better target their specific needs. UN WOMEN already advocates for this and is currently conducting research on the matter:

• Analysis and mapping of Libyan women-led groups with regards to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda – financed by Finland, Germany and France 
• Research on women’s participation in elections in Libya – financed by FCDO PBF team – alongside RCO and dedicated Displacement and DS Specialist – have been part of the coordination team to set up the present intervention.