MP Intisar Shneib Becomes Libya's First Female Sports Club President

Libyan sport has made history. Intisar Shneib, Member of Parliament for the city of Derna, has been elected president of the storied Darnes Sports Club in the country's east, becoming the first woman to lead a sports club in the entire history of both the Kingdom and the Republic of Libya. Her appointment came after every competing slate withdrew from the race in her favour. Shneib is expected to formally assume her duties within the next two weeks, presiding over a board of directors that will comprise between seven and eleven members. Shneib described the moment as "a crowning achievement for every woman in Libya," while acknowledging in the same breath that it is "a heavy burden and no easy task." She confirmed that her decision to accept the role came in response to persistent pressure and repeated appeals from the club's administration, its supporters, and the people of Derna — driven by her desire to prove that Libyan women can give and succeed in spaces that were once the exclusive domain of men, particularly within an institution of Darnes Club's stature. For his part, the club's acting General Assembly president, Mohamed Abd El-Ati, made clear that Shneib's selection and endorsement as the sole candidate was a deliberate move to harness her extensive and powerful network to push the club forward.