Protecting Libyan Women Lawyers from Violence: An Analytical Study with Recommendations for Improving the Work Environment

This study constitutes a comprehensive effort to enhance the rights of Libyan women by shedding light on the violence faced by women lawyers in the course of, or as a result of, their work. Its goal is to provide a deeper understanding of the role of women in the justice sector—specifically the role of women lawyers—and the challenges they encounter, including violence directed against them. the study was commissioned by UN Women in Libya with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD).

The study analyzes and discusses the legal and political frameworks related to violence against Libyan women lawyers while also exploring the cultural, social, and institutional barriers that limit their role or reinforce violent practices against them. It further examines the levels and forms of violence, its consequences and impact, and the role of key actors in mitigating this violence.

The study also reviews international treaties and national legislation, evaluating Libya's commitment to international standards for protecting women lawyers from violence. It examines local laws and their implementation, alongside an assessment of national policies in ensuring a safe, non-discriminatory work environment.

The applied section of the study explores the broader context of violence, considering the political transition, ongoing conflicts, and the nature of the legal profession as key influencing factors. Using survey data and focus group sessions, the study finds that violence and negative discrimination against women lawyers in Libya are not isolated incidents, but rather part of a widespread pattern. It further analyzes the structural and systemic causes of violence, its professional and personal impacts, and assesses the roles and responses of responsible entities in addressing the issue.

The study highlights key findings, emphasizing legislative gaps in protecting women lawyers from violence in its various forms. It identifies verbal violence and negative discrimination as the most prevalent types, particularly affecting women lawyers in private practice compared to their counterparts in the Litigation Department and the public legal profession. Additionally, it discusses findings related to the impact of violence, underscoring weak response strategies and prevailing societal tolerance that exacerbate this phenomenon.

The study concludes with practical recommendations, including the development of legislative protections; capacity-building for judges, prosecutors, court staff, and security officials in the field of women’s rights and violence prevention; and enhancement of the administrative complaint system to enable women lawyers to report incidents more effectively. It also recommends launching training programs to support women lawyers in navigating international complaint mechanisms and promoting affirmative action to increase women’s representation in leadership positions within the Bar Association.