TRIPOLI – Thirty-five participants from the UN in Libya’s Ra’idat training programme joined UNDP Resident Representative, Sophie Kemkhadze, and UNSMIL officials for a discussion on female and youth leadership on Sunday. 

The panel discussion was part of the second round of training for cohort 3 of the Ra’idat programme which began in October 2025. The thirty-five young women on the programme come from across Libya, all cultural components and include persons with disabilities. 

“As a leader, have a purpose, define your value set and stay true to your values,” said Kemkhadze while answering questions on what advice she would give to young women wanting to grow their leadership skills.  

“Women often doubt themselves and they shouldn’t. Pathways to leadership are not linear. It is important to keep our minds and eyes open for opportunities, and do not be afraid of out of the box decisions,” she said, adding, “it is important to be brave and take calculated risks.” 

Discussing pathways to leadership and the choices and opportunities they had, the panel highlighted five key things young women should focus on to progress as a leader: 

1. Define their value set; 

1. Build alliances and networks; 

1. Have a consultative and collaborative style of leadership;  

1. Be proud of themselves and use their voices in meetings; 

1. Focus on professionalism and growth. 

“You have to have a vision for yourself. Everything is possible with diligence and work,” said Aicha Kort, Security Institutions Services Officer at UNSMIL and a member of the panel alongside Maysoon Alhatab, Head of Translation at UNSMIL. “Work will bring results. You must focus on small tangible things and perform well, this is the path to real transformation and lasting change” Kort added. 

Emphasizing that everyone has different skills and talents, the panel said that understanding oneself and how one’s skills are best used, is crucial to identifying a good sense of purpose and accomplishments.  

“Never underestimate the power of networks and supporting each other,” said Kemkhadze adding that this was the point of the Ra’idat programme in building a network of young women who could rely on each other. 

Ra’idat is the UN in Libya’s annual training programme for 35 young women from across the county. Led by UNSMIL, in collaboration with UNDP, UNICEF and UN Women and received generous support from the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Governments of Italy and the United Kingdom.