the development of women's movement in libya society between empowerment and activation

a documentation study

Abstract

'fhe Historical Background of  .b ,a provides some understa- ~di~g of the factors and elements  hich have shaped the develop- w ' . . . ent of women s position m  ~byan society. Each historical  era has played a crucial role in  affecting the women's movement  in Libya. Therefore, this paper  seeks to explore the development  of the women's movement in  Llbya through five main stages:  first, the Ottoman period 1551- 1911; second, the Italian occu pation 1911-194 3; third, the  British and French administra tions 1943-1951; fourth, the mo narchical period 19 51-1969.  Finally, from the finding of the  revolution in September 1969 to  date.  

The fmdings of the study  showed that the practical and  widely-publicised official policies  of the Libyan regime since 1969  towards women were aimed at  encouraging women to play a  significant role in social, political  and economic changes within  Libyan society. However, the  reality in Libyan society corresp 

onds to the male position.  Women lack authority and par ticipate less, so have less capacity  to activate the decision making  process within the society.