'Every Right' - Libyan Women in the Private Sector
Tripoli, LibyaLondon, United Kingdom
Year Founded:
Project Stage:
2013
Organization type:
nonprofit/ngo/citizen sector
Idea
Budget:
$10,000 - $50,000
Example: Walk us through a specific example(s) of how this solution makes a difference; include its primary activities.
Fatima works as a teller at a bank in Tripoli. She is grateful for the income it provides her but does not see herself being promoted, whilst her junior is now her manager. He is apparently a ‘better leader'. Fatima’s husband does not earn a huge amount, but he is not sure that the workplace is a suitable place for a woman to be.
However, her bank has recently been approached by LFJL. They are swayed by the economic arguments for developing an internal development scheme. Upon their advice they are in the process of looking for candidates who might serve as mentors to future employees. They invest in Fatima. Her new position grants her respect from her coworkers and her wage means she has a greater say on financial decisions at home.
Impact: What is the impact of the work to date? Also describe the projected future impact for the coming years.
The percentage of women in the private sector is at 28% (World Bank, 2010). Their participation will increase economic growth which has dropped to 2.1% this year (IMF). If women are equally represented it is predicted there will be a 34% increase to GDP (Booz, 2012), and the welfare of children will improve (World Bank, 2012). The empowerment of women is a ‘prerequisite’ to achieving the Millennium Development Goals like poverty elimination. Female entrepreneurs will increase due to female role models creating jobs for all, reducing youth unemployment which stands at 22% in MENA (IMF, 2013).
With greater financial autonomy, women are more likely to have increased influence within family and private life, a greater capacity to leave abusive and violent relationships (stressed by CEDAW committee), and an increased ability to participate in more public activities.
Financial Sustainability Plan: What is this solution’s plan to ensure financial sustainability?
Direct project activities will have long-term effects if sincerely engaged with by the involved business organisations. The project effectively educates and outsources the implementation of greater human rights standards. Relevant materials and resources which will also be hosted online. Future women’s rights advocacy efforts, which are supported by LFJL’s core funding, will draw on the project experiences as well as its success.
Marketplace: Who else is addressing the problem outlined here? How does the proposed project differ from these approaches?
Existing projects tend to target women as stakeholders directly. For example, MEDA run entrepreneurship classes and Libyan Women Platform run workshops to increase business acumen. These efforts are clearly important but could be complimented by additional support from the private sector itself.
LFJL has over 100 years of joint corporate legal experience amongst its members. It is therefore in a unique position to engage with the business community and promote women’s rights from a different angle.
Founding Story
During the Destoori project, LFJL visited 37 towns and communities across Libya to engage with the public on questions relating to the upcoming constitutional drafting process. Women, when asked about the day-to day challenges they face, expressed concerns that stem from unequal treatment. It was apparent that almost all felt they were perceived to be different, less capable, or less important in contrast to men.
LFJL believes the right to work is an integral part of changing that treatment. For example, when a woman cannot get to university unless a male family member drives her it is, in part, because her education is seen as a luxury rather than an opportunity. LFJL believes that such understandings need to be challenged.
Organization:
Lawyers for Justice in Libya
First Name
Thomas
Last Name
Ebbs
Twitter URL
Facebook URL
Organization Name
Lawyers for Justice in Libya
Organization Country
, CMD, London
Country where this project is creating social impact
, TL
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Year founded
2013
Impact: What is the impact of the work to date?
Barriers: What barriers might hinder the success of your project and how do you plan to overcome them?
Full Impact Potential: What are the main spread strategies moving forward? (Please consider geographic spread, policy reform, and independent replication/adoption of the idea or other mechanisms.)
Sustainability Plan: What is this solution’s plan to ensure financial sustainability?
Founding Story: Share a story about the "Aha!" moment that led the founder to get started and/or to see the potential for this to succeed.
Partnerships: Tell us about your partnerships.
Does your project utilize any of the strategies below?
Creating partnerships with complementary businesses that will help your beneficiaries have more impact - such as creating a daycare center that supports a businesses