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How to address women’s rights amid conflict and instability – our work in Libya

2021-03-25T16:51:14+00:00

As Libya struggles with conflict and instability, gender inequality persists. Cycles of violence and foreign interference are badly weakening chances of durable peace, leaving Libyan women particularly at risk. And harmful stereotypes remain about women’s participation in society and their ability to contribute to a sustainable peace.

Recently, Hanan El Baraasi, an outspoken Libyan lawyer and activist, was murdered in broad daylight for her activism in Benghazi. El Baraasi lost her life for being a vocal activist criticising corruption in Libya. Yet upon her death, many Libyans argued that she should not have challenged male leaders and that as a woman, she would have better off at home taking care of her family.

These harmful societal attitudes and social norms continue to hold women in Libya back. They need to be addressed so that everyone can contribute to the country’s development; Libya’s prosperity depends on it. Feminist activists and media can play a crucial role in highlighting the values of gender equality, which can change people’s mindsets in the long term.

�鶹Լ�� Media Action works to raise awareness about gender-related issues, to change harmful social norms and individual attitudes, and contribute to reducing gender inequality.

Through the ‘Empowerment and Equality’ project, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we brought media and gender experts together for constructive discussions about gender equality in Libya. A hybrid of on-site and online trainings brought together nine Libyan journalists working with �鶹Լ�� Media Action, and 11 representatives of Libyan feminist civil society organisations. This training equipped our team with the skills to create gender-sensitive content, and enhanced feminist organisations’ understanding of media and communication, to help them communicate with media outlets more effectively.

Participants, trainers and organisers of our gender and media training

After the training, and in line with the 16 Days of Activism campaign, we published a story produced by our Benghazi-based reporter, Abdulmunsef Adam, with the support of Jurists Without Borders in Benghazi. The story was about Aisha, a housewife from the south of Libya who started a peace initiative between two dominant and fighting tribes: Awlad Suliman and Ghadadfa.

Aisha is from the Awlad Suliman tribe and her efforts followed many failed attempts at peace-making led by men. As a result of her peace initiative, conflict between the two tribes has diminished.

The story reached over 210K Libyans, 48 per cent of which are women, and generated many positive engagements. One of the comments said, “May God bless you and may He reward you for bringing these two tribes together and stopping the killings… You are the pride of the Suliman’s tribe and the pride of Libya, a true ambassador of peace.”

Another said: “May God bless you and all the sisters who have cooperated with you and helped solve this dilemma. Libya is a land where honorable men and women are born.”

Through this story and others like it, El Kul highlights women’s contributions to society, and helps change negative attitudes.

Our research shows that our content has identified fundamental issues of concern, and has resonated with audiences. According to an e-survey, 20 out of 21 respondents agreed that the video encourages women to contribute to peacebuilding. Twenty respondents also agreed that the video promotes the active participation of women in their communities, and demonstrates that they have proven themselves successful in helping to build peace.

Although projects like this can help bridge the gender gap, we know that gender inequality persists. Women and girls continue to struggle with discriminatory laws and social norms. They face real challenges in making decisions for themselves, having equal access to the job market, getting involved in leadership positions and in some places, even enjoying freedom of movement. And, of course, many cannot even live free from violence.

Our efforts to end inequality must continue, to build a safer world for girls and women to realise their rights and contribute to their societies.

Balancing an unbalanced media scene in Libya

2019-07-09T15:37:15+00:00

There are so many challenges in Libya – eight years after the revolution, the conflict continues. Now temperatures are soaring, power cuts can last up to 13 hours a day, access to water is challenging, and forest fires are causing pollution. People are struggling to survive, and the mood is very negative.

The majority of media outlets here are polarised, and journalists may face arrest or kidnap for what they write. With El Kul, we have been working to fill that gap and to provide balance in a very unbalanced media scene. Over the years, our work has included journalist training and mentoring; however the environment now is unpredictable, and simply getting from one part of the country to another is difficult and can be dangerous.

Watch the following short film to learn more about El Kul:

Our new phase of El Kul continues to focus on the country’s youth, some of whom have spent nearly half their lives living with conflict. They are concerned with education, health care and employment; many have an entrepreneurial spirit but don’t know how to get started. And there are many social issues and divisions which Libyans do not traditionally discuss. Bridging these divides and opening these conversations is critical for the country’s future.

This age group, 18-35-year olds, doesn’t watch television or listen to radio – nearly all of their news is consumed online, through Facebook, Instagram, and on Twitter or YouTube. So our new El Kul strategy aims to reach them in those places, to provide a space for impartial, accurate and relevant information to young Libyans and open discussions on sensitive topics like child marriage and restrictions on women, as well as broader areas like employment and education. We also work to highlight the rich cultures that make up Libyan society – including different foods, traditions and the beautiful and diverse geography of the country.

One of the greatest struggles we face now is sustainability. In the future, we are aiming to be financially independent. Like all independent media outlets, this is a challenge in a fragile environment where the economy is affected by internal divisions.

In this work, measuring the results is important, but just as important is the process: how we contribute to creating a safe environment to discuss issues and problems. It isn’t just about teaching technical skills: when we talk about freedom of speech, it is about creating an environment in which journalists feel safe to open conversations around these serious topics.

It is so rewarding to open debates on issues which might otherwise never be discussed in Libyan society: things like drugs, harassment of women, and stories of hope and reconciliation. We feature stories of how people are changing their own lives, to open conversations and inspire hope and change. These stories are important in how Libyans understand their country and each other, as they look toward a more peaceful future.

Ali Sharif is the Senior Content Producer for our El Kul project. You can find El Kul on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

To learn more about �鶹Լ�� Media Action's work around the world, click here.

Flying solo after training with �鶹Լ�� Question Time

2017-10-04T14:18:48+00:00

Ali Sharif, 27, wanted to be an airline pilot but after joining �鶹Լ�� Media Action’s training programme in North Africa - and with help from �鶹Լ�� Question Time director Rob Hopkin - he is now the director of Hiwar Mushtarak, a TV debate show increasing people’s knowledge of current affairs and holding power to account in Libya.

Ali:

When I was growing up I really wanted to be an airline pilot like my Dad. Flying fascinates me – so I gravitated towards studying aviation. But it just wasn’t meant to be. Money was tight and I couldn’t afford to complete my private pilot’s licence.

In high school I taught myself camera angles from movies and during the revolution I started working as a host on the first English language radio station in Benghazi. That was my first experience in media. I then joined �鶹Լ�� Media Action three years ago as a trainee – doing everything from script writing to translation but I aspired to be a director.

It paid off. Now instead of a cockpit, I have a gallery.

Learning from well-known directors, who help train young Libyan journalists made all the difference.

Shadowing Rob Hopkin on a Question Time recording in the UK helped me understand production from A-Z. He gave me training and directed episodes of Hiwar Musharak so I could learn from his methods and style of directing.

Whilst I worked as the vision mixer for the programme under another experienced director, I continued to study. And in 2016, I took the big step– directing my first episode.

It was nerve-wracking, but it was a lot of fun and I think it went well!

Now I’m very chilled when I direct, I don’t think I could be strict. I listen a lot. I learnt that being a director is not about controlling people; it’s just leading the team and trying to bring out the best in them.

We don’t record every day but I love it when we do. What I like about Hiwar Mushtarak is that it is an audience show, not a panel show. All of the questions come from the audience – really they are the stars – not the panelists.

I try to pick up every reaction, every clap, every facial expression from the audience. It’s a challenge. With about 70 people in the audience, it can be difficult to capture everything with just seven cameras.

But seeing the audience ask whatever they like and that we’re able to give them that freedom makes me proud. Just to watch Libyans debating normally with other Libyans is something – it’s a very special format.

What’s next? I do training myself now. I like mentoring people so I’m thinking of giving directing classes in Libya. But I haven’t given up on aviation. I met a professional camera operator who came to give us a class in Tunis and he is also a co-pilot with British Airways.

So maybe I can manage to do both, why not?

Rob:

Hiwar Mushtarak is based on the tried and tested formula of the �鶹Լ��'s own Question Time and as such it is dependent on the power of the audience to confidently confront people with power and ask searching and difficult questions. It has a crucial role to play in the evolution of a democratic system where free speech can prosper.

In my day to day work I am usually working with a team of people who know as much about TV, if not more, than me so there are lots of things that you expect to be done that are just done without having to ask or explain. Working with trainees you have to explain everything and take nothing for granted and presume nothing.

So I began with the basics. Not so much the technical details but more about team management and motivation; how long things take to organise, the importance of planning and the communication across the whole team – it’s imperative that everyone knows what is expected and required and when. The teams were enthusiastic and keen to learn.

Ali was an excellent pupil and understood why things were being asked of him and when he began to have faith in his ability, he was able to step up and lead the team confidently.

He is an able leader and it is satisfying to see Ali directing the show and now being a trainer himself.

Making Waves in Libya

2016-03-03T09:34:05+00:00

For International Women’s Day 2016, Libya Gumma a trainee editor blogs about her experience of working on a project that provides a trusted platform for debate for Libyans.

I work as an assistant editor making content for El Kul, which means For Everyone. I am being trained in journalism and other media skills through the hands-on production of video and other content for our online platforms.

As its name suggests, El Kul gives Libyans from all walks of life access to trustworthy, non-partisan news and a chance to share their opinions on our online platforms. And “everyone” most certainly includes women.

We are working to make these platforms attractive and relevant to women: by promoting women’s rights, by giving women a space to express themselves, and to address all forms of discrimination against girls and women, not just in Libya and the Middle East but in the whole world.

El Kul is meeting a need at a time when partisan media within Libya makes reliable information hard to come by. I never forget that I’m an ordinary young Libyan woman who is trying to make this experience count and get the best out of it, not only on a personal level but to advance women from my country.

Read more inspiring stories of how women are using media to make waves.

Making Waves in Nepal: Bidhya’s story
Making Waves in Somalia: Yasmin's story
Making Waves in Tanzania: Meena’s story
Making Waves in Sierra Leone: Olabisi's story
Making Waves in Cambodia: YoKi’s story
Making Waves in South Sudan: Winnie's story
Making Waves in Kenya: Stellah's story

Libya's Media Frontline

2014-09-02T14:02:06+00:00

A month ago I shut the door on the house that has been my home in Tripoli and, with one suitcase, climbed into a convoy with a dozen or so other "internationals" being evacuated from Libya.

I'd been living in this beautiful but chaotic city for a year working with Libya's State TV station, Al Wataniya and the national news agency, LANA. Before the revolution these institutions were at the heart of Muammar Gaddafi's extensive propaganda machine. Now, under new leadership, both were finding their voices.

Like the rest of Libyan society, Al Wataniya has acutely felt the divisions and pressures of the unfolding power struggle. The Director General has been kidnapped twice. A large number of staff simply do not come to work.

Other staff, meanwhile work long hours to bring new public service values to the station's output through two programmes supported by �鶹Լ�� Media Action: Babah Maftouh (The Door is Open), a Libyan version of �鶹Լ��'s The One Show, and a debate show called Hiwar Mushtarak (Joint Conversation) which follows a similar format to the �鶹Լ��'s Question Time and gives members of the public the chance to question their leaders.

As I headed along the road to the border, I was worried about how our Libyan team would survive the coming crisis. In the seven weeks since I left, Facebook has become the lifeline that keeps our team connected, Twitter our news source.

In the early hours of one night in August, my young assistant Nora sent me a message on Facebook from Tripoli.

"Anne, do you know what is happening? I'm scared. The house keeps shaking. I can hear big bangs outside." With no TV news she could trust, she had turned to Facebook and her friends outside for comfort and information.

As the conflict in Libya has intensified, the media has disintegrated. Threats, intimidation as well as full-scale attacks have brought much of Libya’s post-revolutionary media to its knees. When air strikes by unknown jets shook the city, Twitter discussed who might be dropping the bombs but there was no immediate investigation by the Libyan media.

Into this void, the voices of violence, hatred and misinformation are now shouting the loudest. The much-vaunted proliferation of the commercial sector after the Arab Spring is dominated by the ideologies of their owners and sponsors - causing division rather than dialogue.

As civilian casualties have mounted, neither side in the conflict has wanted a wider audience to see the results of its actions. In July, Al Wataniya was taken over by pro-Islamist militia who later issued death threats to reporters at the station who tried to report on the human cost of the conflict.

The Libyan authorities have since succeeded in taking the station off air and efforts are now underway to re-instate it as a public service broadcaster.

This re-assertion of the channel speaks eloquently of the need for public service broadcasting in Libya. Reinstating the channel as a public service broadcaster will help meet a clear need for timely and impartial news not currently being met by the market. Indeed many in the private sector in Libya would argue that providing timely and impartial news is not what they are there for.

For public service broadcasters such a service is the cornerstone of everything we do. For �鶹Լ�� Media Action in Libya, supporting Libyan journalists to act on this and inform Libyans about Libya is now our central focus.

We’re doing this through a training project, funded by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Due to have begun this month in Tripoli, it will now start on schedule but from Tunis. It’s called, presciently, News for All – and that is who it is aimed at. Everyone, including Nora.

Related links

�鶹Լ�� Media Action's work in Libya

Babah Maftouh on Facebook

Hiwar Mushtarak on Facebook

Follow Anne on Twitter @AnneReevell

Follow �鶹Լ�� Media Action on Twitter and Facebook

Go back to �鶹Լ�� Media Action

Building a new Libya

2014-02-21T15:52:13+00:00

Three years on from the fall of Muammar Gaddafi's regime, Libya is still experimenting with democracy and for a researcher like me, this makes it a fascinating place. On 17 February Libyans celebrated 'revolution day' and yesterday went to the polls to choose a commission to draft a new constitution. The number who cast their vote is expected to be low – a fact that makes �鶹Լ�� Media Action's work in Libya even more challenging.

Libyas new constitutional commission will be made up of 60 members, with equal representation for Libya's three regions. The commission will have a mandate to draw up a new constitution to cover key issues such as Libya's system of government, the status of minorities and the role of Islamic Sharia law.

As part of its governance work, �鶹Լ�� Media Action is working in Libya to support this process. Our governance work aims at facilitating greater transparency in political decision-making, deepening the democratic process and encouraging a culture of transparency and accountability.

Built on research

Last summer, we commissioned a national survey of Libyans asking them amongst other things for their opinion on the constitution building process. In total we surveyed 1,146 people from all 22 districts of the country, in order to produce robust national results.

The survey – conducted by research agency Altai – confirmed that the constitution is an important issue for the Libyan people. Unsurprisingly, the main issue identified by respondents at the time of the survey was security. However the constitution was the seventh most mentioned national issue.

The survey also found a strong level of interest in the constitution making process (67.6% of respondents said that they were 'interested' or 'very interested'), and a belief that all Libyans should be involved in it (30.3% of respondents said 'all Libyans' should be involved, compared to the 25.3% who said 'academics' should be involved and 20.2% who said 'lawyers' should be involved).

In fact many respondents (65.1%) said that they would like to have the opportunity to express their opinion about the constitution-making process.

Despite this, there seems to be a high level of political apathy in the country. The election commission has reported that only 436,000 Libyans out of an eligible 3.4 million had signed up to vote before the deadline.

Key findings

The survey found that Libyans rarely discuss the constitution with other people (52.3% reported 'never' discussing it).

In our research this is a key finding as we believe that the extent to which people discuss issues of governance – going beyond media consumption to interact with issues and other people in their local context – is a key determinant of efficacy and action.

The survey also found that the majority of Libyans (59.8%) claim to know 'nothing at all' about the constitution making process.

However, the survey does suggest that �鶹Լ�� Media Action's work in the country will contribute to changing this.

Of the respondents who said that that they did know something about the constitution making process, nearly half (46.7%) reported that their main source for this information was television. Furthermore, television was especially important as a source of information for women and younger people.

�鶹Լ�� Media Action will be sharing this data with our partners in Libya and working with the state broadcasters to help provide the information about the constitution that the people are demanding. A full report based on the data collected in the survey will be available shortly.

Related links

�鶹Լ�� Media Action's work in Libya

�鶹Լ�� Media Action's work in the Middle East and North Africa

Follow �鶹Լ�� Media Action on Twitter and Facebook

Go back to �鶹Լ�� Media Action