When I read that Salwa Bugaighis was shot dead, I felt very sad. I had followed her story for some time on the internet. The genuineness and calm with which she stood up for peace and the role of women in and outside her country inspired me. I’m not always able to stay calm when someone doesn’t share my concern about the position of women in the world. 

What struck me the most was her talent to connect people. ‘Everyone is invited, no one is excluded’ she once said. Besides that, she had style in the way she dressed: it was radiant but equally modest.

 

Salwa Bugaighis was a Libyan human rights lawyer, a political activist and a role model for both men and women. In February 2011, she was a driving force in the first protest against Muammar Gaddafi. Thousands of women, lawyers and political activists gathered in front of the courtyard in Benghazi, demanding freedom, social equality and a state of law and constitution. It resulted in the outbreak of the revolution, which overthrew the regime of Gaddafi.

 

In her function as vice-president of a preparatory commission for national dialogue, Salwa fought for the political changeover in the post-Gaddafi era and the role of women in this transit.

After the liberation many extremist groups held on to their weapons, using them for their own benefit. With many other Libyans, Salwa demonstrated against their terrorism. Given that she always appeared unveiled, it brought her into conflict with Islamist extremists.

 

On 25 June 2014, Salwa went to Benghazi to vote, despite warnings from her loved ones because of the threat of increased violence. She strongly believed that the electoral process was the only path to peace, urging people from her Facebook page to vote. She also posted a photo of herself in the election centre, dressed in white. That day five armed men invaded her home. She was there with her husband Essam Geriani. Salwa was shot and later died of a gunshot wound to the head in the Benghazi hospital. Since that day Salwa’s husband is still missing. The investigation into Salwa’s death is ongoing.

 

The three green books refer to the Green Book, written by Muammar Gaddafi. It consists of three parts, in which Gaddafi describes his political philosophy. In part three, chapter 23 on women, Gaddafi writes that seeking work is suitable only for men.

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