Ibtisam Oghfair

Benghazi — With the increasing number of targeted attacks, the killing of women is no longer a series of isolated incidents. It has become an indicator of a deep dysfunction in the protection system and the value structure that shapes society’s view of women, their role, and their rights. In this reality, there is a growing need for an in-depth analysis that unravels the roots of the issue and explores its psychological, social, and legal dimensions.

Hanin Boushoucha, head of the Nawazi Organization for Studies and Development and a researcher in women’s studies and governance, spoke to our agency about the growing manifestations of violence against women in Libya. She explained the cultural and social backgrounds that made violence an accepted behavior, the legal and political conditions that allowed it to grow until it reached the level of murder, and offered a broad reading of several cases that have captured public attention. She believes that ignoring the deeper causes, coupled with continued impunity, has made women the most vulnerable group in both public and private spheres.

Boushoucha begins her discussion of femicide in Libya by pointing out that violence has become an escalating phenomenon in society, to the extent that people have become desensitized to the term “violence” and its practices, whether directed at women, men, or children. She clarifies that sociology uses the term “generalized violence” to describe societies that normalize violence, producing more extreme patterns that can lead to murder or permanent disability, resulting in the breakdown of families and communities.

 

Societal Reactions That Justify Killing Women

Boushoucha notes that the killing of women has increased significantly, accompanied by indifferent societal responses that often reach the level of justification. In many cases, the victim is blamed, especially in so-called “honor crimes,” with the common phrase: “She must have done something.” This reflects a mindset that holds the woman responsible for the violence inflicted on her — even for her own murder. Such societal justification shields perpetrators from accountability and reinforces acceptance of violence against women.

She explains that one of the main reasons behind widespread violence is the social upbringing that embeds the idea of accepting violence against women as part of the dominant culture. She cites a popular saying: “We return her to you even if she comes back with a broken horn,” used when a woman is sent back to her husband’s home despite suffering violence. This cultural legacy has left a deep imprint on collective consciousness, now reflected in the more than 20 femicide cases recorded in 2025, despite the varied motives and circumstances.

 

Legal Protection for Women

She confirms that the lack of legal protection for women exacerbates the problem. Reports of violence are often treated in police stations as a “family matter,” while the proliferation of weapons and the presence of armed groups outside state authority further widen the scope of crimes committed against both Libyan and migrant women.

Boushoucha discusses the pretext of “honor,” stressing that there is no justification for killing a human being under such a claim, and that patriarchal thinking generalizes these excuses exclusively to women. She notes that mothers may even commit violence against their daughters to appease the father or brother, due to a deeply rooted culture reflected in the saying, “A man is not shamed by anything.” Meanwhile, women are blamed under all circumstances. In some cases, the victim herself internalizes this mindset and accepts the violence, saying: “Yes, I made a mistake and I deserve punishment.”

 

Safe Houses for Women

She believes that the escalation of violence to the level of murder is a serious indicator requiring urgent legislative intervention, preventive measures, and the establishment of safe shelters for women who have nowhere to go. Many women remain trapped with their abusers simply because they have no alternative place of safety.

Boushoucha considers impunity a major factor behind the worsening of the phenomenon. It grants perpetrators a sense that their actions are socially acceptable, especially when justified as “honor crimes.” Meanwhile, women face severe punishment if they commit similar acts against men, whereas men receive reduced sentences under the same justification. This discriminatory system enables violence to continue and escalate to murder.

 

Wars Are Not an Excuse

Boushoucha adds that crises and wars in Libya have indeed raised levels of violence, just as in other countries experiencing conflict and division. However, she rejects the idea of using war as an “excuse” for violent behavior. She references the killings of Iraqi doctor Ban Ziad and Libyan doctor Amani Juha, noting that the findings of the Amani case were painful and alarming, as the mother, father, brother, husband, and even the sister were involved. This requires serious research into what drives an entire family to participate in a murder.

She emphasizes the necessity of incorporating psychological and sociological analysis into understanding these crimes, because the phenomenon will not stop unless its roots are addressed. Libyan society is undergoing major structural changes; family breakdown, financial disputes, or “honor” motives may lie behind certain crimes — all of which call for deep studies to uncover the real reasons.

 

Accidental Killings During Gun Cleaning

She points to cases labeled as “accidental killings during weapon cleaning,” asserting that forensic medicine plays an essential role in revealing the truth behind such incidents and determining whether they were intentional or due to negligence — especially when the victim is a woman and the claim is that the bullet “fired by accident.”

Regarding the killing of Khansa Mujahid in Tripoli, Boushoucha states that the details suggest she was deliberately targeted, as the bullets were concentrated in the head and chest. She raises questions about the motives: Was it because she was the wife of a politician? A well-known blogger? Or an active public figure? She confirms that women today feel unsafe and exposed to danger at any moment.

 

A Society in Shock

She notes that society is currently in a state of shock due to the frequency of these murders. The danger lies in treating them as “isolated incidents,” which leads to a lack of protective measures and preventive action. This situation makes women involved in political, social, rights-based, or journalistic work more vulnerable to targeting.

She reveals that a study conducted by the Nawazi Organization found that women working in the public sphere are the most exposed to digital violence, with rates reaching 67%. She adds that this digital violence is now transforming into physical violence and even murder, fueled by a social mindset that views a woman’s rightful place as the home and considers her presence in public space as making her “fair game” for anyone who opposes her role.

 

Breaking the Taboos Around Women

Boushoucha stresses the need for a special law protecting women from violence, not just a family protection law, as many women are not living within traditional families or may face violence outside the home. She also emphasizes improving women’s representation in the media, breaking the taboos surrounding them, highlighting their real contributions in society, and implementing effective advocacy campaigns that safeguard them.

She calls on the House of Representatives to pass clear laws, enforce preventive measures, and provide safe shelters. She notes that society often blames women’s organizations yet fails to support women who face violence or murder. Additionally, the work of these organizations is restricted by many factors — including pressure and limited resources — making it necessary for all state institutions to unite in order to curb this escalating phenomenon.