TRIPOLI – The United Nations in Libya is now accepting applications for the fourth cohort of its annual Ra’idat training programme which opens at midnight 8 July. Young Libyan women aged 18-35 are invited to apply between 8 and 22 July to join the programme, with applications from women from all cultural components and those with disabilities strongly encouraged.
Last year the programme received 899 applications for 35 places. Women from all regions and cultural components are given equal priority, with three places also allocated to young women with disabilities.
“Three years ago, we launched the Ra’idat programme to empower young women with the skills and knowledge to take an active role in shaping the future of their country,” said Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ms. Hanna Tetteh. “I have seen firsthand the impact of the programme on the young women involved – not just the skills and confidence building, but the support network built,” she added.
“It is a highly competitive and intensive programme – we had 899 applications last year, and 747 the year before – and I hope that young women from across Libya also apply this year to become part of the growing network of Ra’idat alumni who continue to work with young women in their communities and develop themselves. I believe they will have a better understanding of the challenges that they face and how to navigate them, and the opportunities that they have to take responsibility and make a positive change in their own lives, in the lives of their families and in their communities. I believe it will be a life changing experience for them, and I look forward to meeting them in person in the autumn,” Tetteh said.
Ra’idat is a UN in Libya initiative led by UNSMIL and supported by UNDP, UNICEF and UN Women. It aims to develop the leadership potential of young Libyan women by building their competencies in key areas such as communications, advocacy, teamwork, leadership and human rights advocacy.
Only 35 women who meet the strict criteria will be chosen to be part of the year-long programme, based on their answers to the application questionnaire available on the Ra’idat webpage.
The training programme, which will start again in October, covers communications, advocacy, teamwork and leadership skills, as well as building participants’ knowledge of human rights, elections and women’s legal rights in Libya.
Young women have until midnight 22 July to apply with interviews taking place in August.