LIBYA: My Journey to Promote Human Rights

After witnessing the atrocities of war and losing her beloved father, Nisreen Eisay is tireless in her pursuit of justice for women.

“I will not rest until every woman in Libya can live a life of dignity, equality, and freedom.”

Nisreen Eisay

I am Nisreen - a fighter for justice, a human rights advocate, and a champion for women's rights. Growing up in Libya, I witnessed firsthand the atrocities committed by the revolution in Libya in 2011 and its devastating impact on families and communities. The war in Libya began due to the Arab Spring uprisings that spread across the region, resulting in the ousting of longtime Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. 

Amid the war, the enforced disappearance and terrifying death of a neighbor's son shook me to my core, and I knew I had to do something to fight for justice and human dignity.

The struggle for basic human rights is a daily reality. In Libya, women face immense challenges – our voices are often silenced, and our very existence is threatened. But even in the face of such adversity, I refuse to be silenced. I have devoted my life to fighting for women's rights in my country.

My father was always my biggest supporter, encouraging me to pursue my education and my passion for human rights. He believed that we could make a difference in the world and instilled that belief in me. His belief in me helped me to achieve my dream of studying law and specializing in human rights, obtaining a master's degree in the field.

Losing my father was one of the most difficult experiences I've ever faced. After he died from cancer in 2011, the pain of his absence left a deep void in my life. But even amid my grief, I knew I had to continue the work we both believed in so strongly: advocating for human rights and empowering marginalized communities. I had to keep fighting for justice, not just for myself and my family, but for all those who were suffering under oppression and violence.

Through perseverance and determination, I founded Jurists Without Chains, an organization that works to help all marginalized groups in Libya obtain their rights and become aware of their most important political, civil, social, and cultural freedoms. I have worked tirelessly to promote women's rights and increase their participation in the political process. I believe that women are the key to achieving a better future for Libya. It is through collective action that we can achieve real change.

This belief led me to found the Political Academy for Women in Libya, training and supporting women to participate in elections and encouraging them to actively shape their future. I faced many challenges, including being targeted and having my office bombed, but I refused to give up. I have continued to train women on their rights and have supported their participation in elections. I also contributed to legal support for women, including those in prisons.

I became the first person to introduce the human rights curriculum into the training of the Women's Police College. I trained new female officers on human rights, organized crime, and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women's decisions, security, and peace, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to uphold and protect women's rights. 

This comprehensive human rights curriculum has since become an integral part of the training process for new female officers. Now, female officers understand the importance of human rights in their work and how to apply these principles in their day-to-day duties. 

These women have become agents of positive change in their communities, working to protect the rights of women and marginalized groups. They are also inspiring the next generation of women to pursue careers in law enforcement and other male-dominated fields.

The impact of this change is not limited to the Women's Police College. It also has a ripple effect in the broader community as people become more aware of their rights and are empowered to demand them. By investing in the education and empowerment of women, we can create a better future for everyone.

Outside of this work, I founded the Defenders of Women newspaper. It was not just about creating another platform for writing but about giving a voice to the women of Libya who had long been silenced and marginalized. I poured my heart and soul into every article, every piece of writing, and every issue of the newspaper. It became a symbol of hope and inspiration for women across the country.

Through the newspaper, I continued to advocate for women's rights in Libya, highlighting their daily struggles and achievements. I wrote about issues ranging from violence against women and girls to their political and economic empowerment and their crucial role in building a better future for our country.

Despite facing constant threats and intimidation, I remained committed to my mission and continued to write without fear, using my words as a tool for change and progress. And I am proud to say that through the Defenders of Women newspaper, I have helped create a community of strong, empowered, and resilient women standing up for their rights and fighting for a better tomorrow.

I also participated in legal analysis of the laws in Libya and worked to support the draft law on violence against women submitted to the Libyan Parliament. Today, I’m honored to represent the highest authority in Libya as an advisor to the Presidency for Women and Youth Affairs.

I refuse to give up on my dreams of a better tomorrow. I will continue to write and speak out for women's rights and the freedom and dignity of all people in Libya and beyond because through our collective efforts and perseverance, we can make a real difference in the world, one word at a time.

My journey has been long and arduous, but I hope that by sharing my story and continuing to fight for women's rights, I can inspire others to do the same. I will not rest until every woman in Libya can live a life of dignity, equality, and freedom.

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