Second batch of women community leaders in Lbya pass out from UN Programme
Tripoli, Libya (PANA )- Thirty-four young Libyan women have graduated from the UN’s "Ra'edat" (Trailblazers) training programme in Libya.
Coming from different regions, they aspire to play a leadership role and contribute effectively as actors in the life of their communities.
On the occasion of International Youth Day, the second batch concluded its year of training by giving seven group presentations on communication campaigns aimed at empowering young people in Libya, said a statement released Wednesday by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
These presentations were made to an audience composed of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, Hanna Tetteh, their families, mentors, members of the United Nations staff and representatives of the diplomatic corps.
Ms. Tetteh said that Libyan women face many challenges when trying to engage and take on leadership roles within their communities. These challenges can be cultural, political or even familial, and sometimes violent.
She added that it is essential that the voices of women are heard in all areas to ensure a sustainable future for all.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 2250, which emphasises the role of youth in peacebuilding and security under the auspices of the UN around the world, said the statement.
In 2023, the United Nations in Libya launched the "Ra'edat" programme, welcoming 35 young women each year from all over the country, with equal representation from the East, South, and West, and of all cultural components with 10% of the seats reserved for people with disabilities.
Ms. Teteh said: “Today you are graduating from a network of women who can help and support each other through challenges. The strength of this network, the power of support, the comfort and certainty of being able to work together as a group cannot be underestimated. It is easy to ignore one voice; it is much more difficult to ignore thousands of them.”
She added: “If the change does not happen overnight, it is rare that it results from the efforts of a single person. I sincerely hope that the programme has given you the security and space to form lasting friendships.”
The programme team selected six young women for further training in Rome in September, the statement said, adding that they will visit the Italian Parliament and meet with prominent Italian officials and young peacemakers from the city’s universities.
The graduates will now join the "Ra'edat" Alumni Network and continue to work together on key issues.
Mrs. Tetteh told them that as former "Ra'edat" participants, they represent some of the brightest and most talented young women in the country.
The "Ra'edat" programme is organised in partnership UNSMIL, UNICEF, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Women.
This year’s promotion has benefited from support of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Italian, Finnish and British governments.
Applications for the third batch closed on 15 July, with 899 young women candidates. The selection process is currently under way and their training would start in October.
-0- PANA BY/JSG/BBA/MA 14Aug2025
