Historically, the women, peace, and security (WPS) agenda’s four pillars—prevention, protection, participation, and relief and recovery—have largely developed along separate trajectories. This has started to change with the UN Security Council’s recent progress in recognizing the link between women’s participation in peace and security and their protection, as well as the need to create “enabling environments” for women’s participation. Nonetheless, there is often a gap between international frameworks on participation and protection and the realities experienced by women, especially in conflict-affected contexts. This gap is evident in Libya, where UN efforts to promote women’s participation have not always accounted for the full range of protection-related risks women can face.

The 2011 revolution in Libya led to important strides for women’s groups, who were active in peacebuilding processes and the advancement of women’s rights. However, during the increasing political insecurity of recent years, violent attacks, threats, and sociocultural stigmas have barred women from participating effectively and safely in political processes.