C/S/16. Gender relations in Libya

This essay looks at the efforts at state led change in gender roles in Libya (the Libyan Arab jamahiriya). It considers the efforts made by Colonel Qadhafi to introduce a more equal position for women. In particular the efforts to have women involved in the military are considered. We assess the success and failure of these state efforts. It concludes that the effort in Libya is a good example of the tension between state driven policies and traditional roles and behaviour.