Awareness-raising and training: REFELA-Libya initiatives to encourage women’s participation in local public life 

From February 28 to June 13, 2024, the Libyan chapter of the Network of Locally Elected Women in Africa (REFELA-Libya) conducted an awareness-raising campaign among women in 25 municipalities to promote their participation in the forthcoming local elections, as candidates and voters. In particular, they received training to learn how to register to vote and were urged to convince their families of the need to register and vote in the next elections.   

Among the activities carried out by the REFELA-Libya network this year, 2024, was a conference-debate on the involvement of women in local governance, as well as the Law 59/2012 on local administration and the amendments needed to strengthen the role of women in municipal life. This debate, which took place on February 24, 2024, was attended by eminent personalities such as the Chairman of the Central Committee for Municipal Council Elections, the author of the Law 59/2012, a former Local Government Minister, as well as civil society organizations and female members of municipal councils. Recommendations from the conference were sent to decision-makers for advice and discussion. 

The Network has also organized a number of training sessions for Libyan female elected officials to enhance their skills in public administration and municipal management, with a focus on computer and office technology, as well as report, administrative correspondence and minute writing. 

From June 30 to July 3, 2024, REFELA-Libya organized a preparatory session for trainers and consultants in the field of local governance, for the benefit of thirteen (13) women who are former members of municipal councils. The session was led by internationally certified Moroccan trainer, Mr. Hisham Zakagh.