Maryam Amghar: A Woman’s Journey in Peacebuilding and Women’s Rights Advocacy

Maryam Amghar, a Libyan civil society activist, began her journey with a group of women after the 2011 Libyan revolution, launching humanitarian efforts in the city of Ubari by distributing aid to those affected. Holding a bachelor’s degree in administrative and financial sciences, Maryam transitioned from humanitarian work to civic leadership, becoming the Executive Director of the "Azjar" organization and a member of the Supreme Council of Tuareg in Libya.

In 2012, Maryam took her first impactful step in civil society by co-founding "Azjar," a women-led civil society organization focused on women's rights and peacebuilding. The organization initially monitored elections during the National the General National Congress elections and continued to observe all subsequent elections. It then partnered with local organizations to establish the Libya Network for Democracy Development, before shifting its focus to awareness campaigns on women’s rights and constitutional rights, including the “We Start with 30” campaign.

One of Maryam and the Azjar team's most significant achievements was the launch of the "Azjar Women’s Center," which emerged after the organization redirected its focus toward peacebuilding following extensive capacity-building programs from UN Women and UNSMIL on UN Security Council Resolution 1325. The center primarily supported displaced women from Ubari, where Maryam and her team created a database for them in both eastern and western Libya, providing financial and educational assistance to help them rebuild their lives.

During the 2014 conflict in Ubari, Maryam participated in the reconciliation committee and helped organize the "Peace Festival" to promote understanding between different communities. She also launched the "Azjar Women's Empowerment Center" with support from UNFPA, providing vocational training and psychosocial support sessions to enhance peace and unity.

"The Azjar Center had a significant positive impact in promoting peace and reducing tensions between different community components. Initially, we faced some reservations due to the center’s original Tuareg name, which raised concerns among some communities. However, through our work and reputation, we successfully attracted women from various ethnic backgrounds. The center provided vocational training and both individual and group psychosocial support sessions, always striving to spread the values of peace and unity. Unfortunately, due to limited resources and funding, we were forced to shut down part of our initiatives, as we could no longer sustain the essential resources needed to continue our work."

In 2019, the Ubari Peace Platform was established, launching numerous dialogues and community initiatives, including the Student Peace Charter initiative and the formation of Mothers’ Councils in collaboration with the Education Monitoring Office. The council worked to address the risks of a decision to establish separate schools for Tuareg and Tebu students, which could have deepened divisions within Ubari. It also helped resolve conflicts arising among students at the council level before they escalated to tribal disputes.

Maryam applied the mediation and negotiation skills she gained from UN Women training programs to local conflicts. Among the most notable initiatives she led—alongside her colleagues—was resolving the dispute surrounding the reopening of the Ubari public market. She trained women on negotiation techniques, and together they successfully reopened the market after constructive discussions.

"Before participating in UN Women initiatives, we believed that peacebuilding only occurred during wars and conflicts. However, after receiving training on negotiations, mediation, and the role of women in peace processes, we realized that peacebuilding is a continuous process that extends beyond the end of conflict. We used Ubari as a living example, learning how to analyze conflict and choose appropriate interventions to resolve disputes peacefully and satisfy all parties."

Maryam and the Azjar team launched a project focused on conflict analysis, addressing both past and ongoing conflicts in Ubari. Through this project, they expanded their peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts. Maryam facilitated dialogue sessions with key stakeholders from various communities, working to build consensus around reopening the central market in Ubari and agreeing on a suitable location for it - an initiative that gained the approval of most local residents. On the day the market reopened, the team organized a bazaar and a Peace Table that brought together Tuareg, Tebu, and Arab women in a scene that embodied coexistence and collaboration. "The return of the market was more than just an economic event; it marked a turning point that helped reduce prices, created job opportunities for youth, farmers, and women producers, and brought new life to the heart of the city. Although the mediation and negotiation process initially seemed complex and unsolvable, we persisted and overcame the challenges using simple yet effective strategies. This achievement was the result of collective effort, not just individual work. We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished."

Maryam was recently selected as a member of the Electoral Advisory Committee established by UNSMIL, where she focuses on promoting women's rights and increasing their representation in legislative councils to 30%. She also collaborates with the Libyan Women Married to Non-Libyans Network to support their right to participate in elections and advocates for legal provisions criminalizing violence against women in elections.

Maryam believes that successful peacebuilding requires a strong grassroots foundation and continuous community support. She advises women activists to build trust within their communities and work toward inclusivity to ensure the sustainability of initiatives and achieve meaningful change.

Maryam Amghar’s journey reflects the power of women to drive real change in conflict-affected communities, showing how willpower and persistent advocacy can foster peace and advance women’s rights in Libya.