From Suffrage to Leadership

How the 26th of April Became National Women’s Day for Women’s Rights

April 26, 2025

A group of women marching in Tripoli, Libya in 1964 — UNDP Libya

Author

Khadija Elboaishi

Women's Empowerment Specialist, UNDP Libya

Every year on April 26th, Libya commemorates National Women’s Day, a day that stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of Libyan women throughout history.

This day marks a pivotal moment in 1963 when Libya issued landmark legislation granting women the right to vote in parliamentary elections. It was more than a legal reform; it was the culmination of years of advocacy by Libyan women determined to claim their rightful place in society.

Building on the spirit of National Women’s Day, we honour the trailblazers who paved the way and reaffirm our commitment to advancing an inclusive future where every woman can lead, contribute, and thrive.

A Historic Milestone: The 1963 Law

The law was enacted on 26 April 1963, following constitutional amendments that recognised women’s essential role in public life. The explanatory memorandum accompanying the law stated, “The woman is half of society, and modern legislation has moved toward granting her natural right to participate in public life.”

This historic decision opened doors for Libyan women to vote, participate in governance, and take on leadership roles in fields traditionally dominated by men.

It was a major stride toward equality, setting the foundation for the many achievements that followed.
Yet even today, achieving full and effective representation remains a goal we continue to strive for, recognising that inclusion strengthens the fabric of society itself.

Honouring Libya’s Pioneering Women

National Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable women whose courage shaped Libya’s history:

Hamida Al-Anizi

A pioneer of the Libyan women’s movement, she became the first female primary school teacher in Libya and founded the country’s first women’s association. Her relentless advocacy encouraged women to pursue education and professional careers. She also played a key role in establishing the ALNAHDA Women’s Association, which promoted women's involvement in media, journalism, and politics.

Khadija Al-Jahmi

A champion of women’s rights, Khadija supervised the publication of Al-Mar’a magazine in 1964 and later founded Al-Amal, the first children’s magazine in Libya. She also played a key role in establishing the Libyan Women’s Union in 1972, which promoted women’s involvement in new fields such as media and journalism.

Their legacies are not just history—they are enduring sources of inspiration for today’s and tomorrow’s leaders.

Building on a Legacy: UNDP’s Support for Women’s Participation:

At UNDP Libya, we believe that empowering women is essential to building peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive societies. Building on the legacy of Libya’s pioneers, UNDP continues to work with national institutions and civil society to expand women’s participation across all sectors.

Our collaboration with the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) has strengthened institutional capacities to promote women’s engagement in electoral processes. Together, we have:

Supported the establishment of HNEC’s Women’s Support Unit.
Promoted voter education campaigns targeting women.
Advocated for policies enhancing women's representation.
Pioneered the use of technology, including artificial intelligence, to monitor barriers to participation.

Through initiatives like Preparing Young Libyan Women for Future Leadership and Using Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Women's Participation, we are working to ensure that women’s voices continue to shape Libya’s future.

Looking Ahead: Celebrating Resilience, Solidarity and Action

As we mark this National Women’s Day, we celebrate not only the milestones achieved but also the resilience and solidarity that continue to drive progress.

Empowering women empowers entire communities. It improves governance, accelerates economic growth, and strengthens peacebuilding efforts.

Let us honour Libya’s pioneering women by continuing to invest in education, leadership, and opportunity for every woman and girl. Let us stand in solidarity with those who are breaking new ground today.

Progress demands action. Engage. Support. Amplify.