IBTISAM AGHAFIR

Benghazi - Holidays are hugely beneficial for our physical and mental health. However, the recent long public holidays announced by the Libyan government have sparked discussions in the country.

 NuJINHA spoke to Libyan women about the psychological, economic, educational and social effects of these public holidays on life. Psychologist Enas Bin Sulayem thinks that there are both positives and negatives of having many public holidays. “People have plans and long public holidays may prevent them from implementing their plans.”

Holidays can make you more successful, “because you can complete what you left uncompleted. For instance, students can catch up on studies during the holidays,” she added.

‘Customs have changed in Libya due to many surprise holidays’

Faiza Muhammad Jaber, a sociology major, also talked about the effects of public holidays in Libya. “Customs and habits have changed in Libya due to many surprise holidays. In the past, people used to visit their grandparents during the public holidays. However, due to modernity and the emergence of many entertainment places in Libya, they do not visit their grandparents but go to the places of entertainment.”

‘Public holidays are announced due to weather conditions’

Prof Amina Madi talked about the effects of public holidays on students' academic achievement. “There are official and unofficial holidays. The curriculum is planned according to official holidays. However, public holidays are announced due to many reasons such as weather conditions and natural disasters and this affects students and education.”

Amina Madi thinks the increase in public holidays affects the elementary school students the most because “they face difficulties in adoption and learning.”

‘They have negative effects on women’s projects’

Hind Al-Bashari, a trainer and advisor for small and medium enterprises, commented on the economic impact of holidays on women. “Holidays stop production and development of the economy. They have negative effects on women’s projects. Many women work at home to earn a living. They cannot sell and market their products during holidays.

“The increase in public holidays causes financial problems for women and threatens their participation in the labor force.”

Hind Al-Bashari thinks that the number of public holidays should be reduced to “protect small and medium small business owners. They also affect the Libyan economy in general.”