A native of Libya, Amera Markous is a UN Volunteer serving with UN Women. Seeing how disproportionately crises and displacement affect women more than men, Amera took it upon herself to do something for women, and she chose to do so through volunteering. She is a lead researcher on migration issues. But it's her trainer role that gives her that leeway to interact with women who are facing challenges in Libya.
Following the 2011 revolution in Libya, Amera got an opportunity to coordinate educational programmes for underprivileged children in Tripoli. She then took up a UN Volunteer assignment with UN Women. Her published research focuses on understanding the realities faced by displaced and returnee women from Murzuq and Tawergha, two communities that have endured significant hardship. It examines their living conditions, solutions to everyday problems, and future aspirations.
In Libya, as of May 2024, there were about 106,556 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), with many still needing support. Despite efforts, the needs of women and girls among IDPs are under-assessed by international organizations and UN agencies. Amera says that without data focused on women, it's hard to respond effectively to humanitarian needs. She believes closing this gap is necessary.
While compiling research, Amera made sure she treated everyone with utmost confidentiality. This helped her gain trust in the community and allowed her to collect accurate data, which she says was important. But what was even more important was ensuring research findings translate to policy.
For her, making women count is the real focus, not only words but real action in the form of more opportunities favouring women in every sphere. And for this, Amera actively reaches out to policymakers, UN agencies, and civil society organizations.
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One of her most important contributions has been developing training programmes for local responders, women activists, and volunteers across Libya. Amera feels women need to be on forums where decisions are made.
By simplifying concepts and turning them into engaging activities and materials, I was able to encourage participants to better assess and respond to the specific needs of women in humanitarian crises.” Amera Markous, UN Volunteer with UN Women in Libya.
Did this initiative have an impact? Amera confirms it did. Participants felt more confident in supporting women's rights and handling humanitarian needs. In addition, best practices were shared during sessions, which improved overall knowledge of participants. Trainers from the Libyan Red Crescent have since transferred their learning to over 100 individuals within their communities. Amera feels that she has played a role in breaking down stereotypes surrounding women's involvement in humanitarian efforts. She is optimistic that the progress in bringing women's perspectives to the fore will continue beyond the conclusion of her UN Volunteer assignment.