The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has announced the launch of a year-long training program for Libyan women on leadership skills by UN agencies in Libya.
“In September, the UN launched a training program for 30 young women from across Libya aimed at improving their communication, leadership and advocacy skills as well as increasing their knowledge of elections, women’s rights, human rights, and reconciliation,” UNSMIL said in a statement.
According to the statement, the Ra’idat (female leaders) program, which was led by UNSMIL and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and UN Women, started with a three-day in-person training session in the capital Tripoli.
Official reports state that the program will continue in October and then every other month, bringing together the same young women each time who come from different parts of Libya, from different cultural backgrounds and have different abilities.
30 young Libyan women aged 18-30 embarked on a journey, challenging themselves to grow as influencers, advocates, leaders & decision-makers.
Ra’idat is a year-long programme of experiences, exchanges, training & exercises. Designed to expand participants’ knowledge &skills.#SDG5 pic.twitter.com/cXmP5rQPgQ— UNDP Libya (@UNDPLibya) October 3, 2023
“Libyan women often face obstacles in their efforts to engage in advocacy and politics at a decision-making level. The Ra’idat program aims to support participants to build their skills and engage actively in their communities,” Georgette Gagnon, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Libya, said.
Ra’idat is the first youth program of its kind for the UN in Libya. It aims to enable people in Libya, particularly youth and women, to better exercise their rights in an inclusive, stable, democratic and reconciled society.
