MULTI-MEDIA: Libyans to Fight Violence against Women

A Libyan women's rights organisation is mounting a powerful media campaign against domestic violence, street harassment and public denigration of women.

The Noor (“Light”) campaign is setting up billboards on streets in some 20 cities across Libya to raise awareness about street harassment. TV and radio adverts are also used as part of the efforts.

“We hope that this campaign will help change the current situation,” project manager, Nadia El-Fallah told the Libya Herald. “We want to give confidence to all women with vision to play a part in the building of the new Libya,” she added.

The Voice of Libyan Women (VLW) launched its Noor initiative following research on women's perceptions about security conducted in eight different Libyan cities. Around 150 women shared their opinions on security concerns and the impact of security on women's participation in public life.

Noor aims to fulfil its goals starting from a religious background. By putting an end to the misunderstandings of Islamic teachings, organisers believe they will be able to “make a difference.”

In September VLW will start the second phase of the campaign. A number of local religious figures and some of the NGO's staff will give lectures and seminars targeting all Libyans concerning the same issues.

Noor Initiative is sponsored by Dar Al-Ifta, The Canadian Embassy in Tripoli, HB Group and the Libyan Ministry of Culture and Civil Society.