Learning for a better life

Empowerment of women and girls in the civil war-torn country of Libya

Sometimes it takes time for dreams to come true. Such as the dream of Nadine from Tripoli: As a child, she used to love going to school, maths was her favourite subject. She dreamed of becoming a lawyer and fighting for disadvantaged people. But things turned out differently. She was married off at age 13, had her first baby and had to leave school. But she brought up her daughters to become successful and confident women. Nadine’s time came when the revolution in 2011 brought change to Libya. She started centres in the capital where disadvantaged women threatened by violence could find shelter, advice and support. It is the opportunities for further education that are dearest to Nadine: Free classes in English and computer literacy. “Education is the key to a self-determined life,” she is certain. Today she is 65. She never became a lawyer, but she did fulfill her childhood dream of helping the weak and disenfranchised – through her tenacity and courage.

Background

Since the 2011 revolution, Libya has been in a process of transformation, which in May 2014 culminated in civil war when violence erupted once more. Currently, about 1 million people are affected by hostilities and 1,3 million people depend on humanitarian aid (Ocha, 2016).

The war brought about a massive increase in everyday violence. According to the UNDP, 89 per cent of families in Libya are affected. The situation is particularly severe for those having to leave their homes. The majority of refugees concentrate in the cities of Benghazi and Tripoli, where families live crammed together in shelters set up in schools and factory buildings. There is no place to retreat to or safeguards.

In Libya, violence towards women and girls is an absolute taboo. The state has almost no assisting facilities. Therefore, both of AMICA e.V.’s partner organisations are pioneering in what they do. They have instituted the first emergency help line for women, are visiting displaced families and women in prison, have hired therapists, social workers and lawyers, and are running a campaign to get young men to stop taking up arms and joining the militias.

The good deed

By taking part in English and computer classes, women and girls learn about the counseling centres. This level of trust is important for them to feel good about taking advantage of the support from social workers, therapists and lawyers when they need them. The services give stability to their everyday life and strengthen their self-esteem. “I feel like I can fly. Now there is hope for me again,” is how one visitor from Benghazi describes her feelings. The classes are certified by the Libyan ministry of education. By taking part, these women are empowered in their career choices and increase their chances of being hired by a local company, a state institution or a non-governmental organisation.