The “She Leads” women’s entrepreneurship programme was officially launched in Tripoli, Libya, with the aim of empowering women in the cities of Tripoli and Sabha. This initiative, focused on supporting female entrepreneurship, is set to transform the lives of over 80 women, especially widows, by providing them with vital business skills and helping them access opportunities in the labour market.
This post will break down what this exciting new project is all about, who is behind it, and why it could mark a significant turning point in women’s economic empowerment in Libya.
What is the “She Leads” Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme?
The “She Leads” programme is designed to offer training in entrepreneurship skills to widowed women in Libya, specifically in the cities of Tripoli and Sabha. This initiative is part of a larger effort to help women transition into the workforce and take an active role in strengthening Libya’s economy.
Through a series of business development workshops, mentorship programmes, and capacity-building activities, the project aims to equip women with the knowledge and tools they need to create and manage successful businesses. The programme also addresses the gender gap in the workforce, providing opportunities to women who might otherwise face discrimination in the job market.
Key facts about the “She Leads” programme:
- Target Group: Over 80 widowed women
- Location: Cities of Tripoli and Sabha
- Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship training, business skills, labour market entry
Launch Event: A Historic Moment for Women’s Empowerment
The official launch event took place in the historic Old City of Tripoli, with several key figures in attendance. Among them were Ali Al-Abed Al-Reda, Libya’s Minister of Labour and Rehabilitation, and Sami Al-Alous, the project’s Director General. The Ambassador of the Netherlands to Libya, along with representatives from diplomatic missions of countries like Turkey, Malta, France, Germany, and the European Union were also present to show their support.
During his speech, Minister Ali Al-Abed Al-Reda highlighted the importance of empowering women as a central part of building a stronger, more resilient national economy. He underscored that the project should tailor its training to suit the unique needs and specialisations of women in different regions of Libya, ensuring that the skills they acquire align with local market demands.
Who is Behind the “She Leads” Programme?
The “She Leads” programme is a collaboration between several international and local entities, each contributing to the success of the project. The programme is funded by the Dutch Government and implemented by Supernova, a French NGO that works on social projects, in partnership with the National Rehabilitation and Reintegration Project.
The cooperation of these international and national organisations ensures that the programme benefits from diverse expertise, while also being closely aligned with Libya’s local needs and context.
Key Partners:
- Dutch Government: Financial support and strategic guidance.
- Supernova (French NGO): Programme implementation and expertise in entrepreneurship training.
- National Rehabilitation and Reintegration Project: Collaboration on reintegration and rehabilitation aspects of the programme.
The Importance of Supporting Women’s Entrepreneurship
Economic empowerment for women is a critical driver of growth and stability, especially in regions that have faced political instability and conflict, like Libya. By focusing on widowed women, who often face social and economic disadvantages, the “She Leads” programme ensures that the most vulnerable women in society receive the resources and skills they need to thrive in the business world.
The programme not only benefits the women directly involved but also has a ripple effect on local economies. Women who gain entrepreneurial skills are better positioned to:
- Create jobs and opportunities within their communities.
- Contribute to national economic recovery.
- Improve the social fabric by promoting financial independence and self-reliance.
The Future of Women’s Empowerment in Libya: A National Strategy
Minister Al-Abed Al-Reda emphasised that women’s empowerment is crucial for Libya’s national development strategy. The “She Leads” project is just one of many initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges women face in accessing education, employment, and economic opportunities.
By investing in women-led businesses, the project aims to contribute to Libya’s broader goals of achieving economic diversification and sustainable development. The government’s support for this initiative is a positive sign for the future of women’s rights and gender equality in Libya, showing that empowerment through education and skills training is a priority for national leadership.
Challenges and Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs in Libya
Despite the tremendous potential, there are several challenges facing women entrepreneurs in Libya. These include:
- Access to Finance: Many women struggle to access credit and financial resources to start and scale their businesses.
- Cultural Barriers: Social expectations around women’s roles in society can limit their freedom to operate independently or take entrepreneurial risks.
- Lack of Support Structures: While there are some initiatives like “She Leads”, women still face difficulties in finding long-term support networks for entrepreneurship.
However, there are also many opportunities for growth:
- Changing Attitudes: With more initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment, societal attitudes towards women’s entrepreneurship are gradually shifting.
- Growing Market Needs: As Libya continues to rebuild its economy, there is a rising demand for new businesses, particularly those that can address local needs and challenges.
- Global Support: With international donors and organisations backing women’s entrepreneurship, Libyan women are gaining access to new markets, ideas, and resources.
How to Get Involved and Support Women’s Empowerment in Libya
If you’re inspired by the “She Leads” programme and want to contribute to women’s economic empowerment, there are several ways to get involved:
- Donate or Fund Initiatives: Supporting projects like “She Leads” can make a direct impact on women’s lives. Donations or funding can help expand the reach of such programmes.
- Mentor: If you have expertise in business, consider becoming a mentor for women entrepreneurs. Your knowledge could help guide them to success.
- Advocate for Gender Equality: Raise awareness about the importance of gender equality and the role of women in economic development, both in Libya and globally.
Conclusion: Empowering Women, Strengthening Libya
The “She Leads” women’s entrepreneurship programme marks an important milestone in Libya’s journey towards economic recovery and gender equality. By focusing on women’s empowerment, this initiative not only gives women the tools they need to succeed in the business world but also contributes to building a stronger, more resilient national economy.
As the programme continues to grow, it will be exciting to see how these women, armed with new skills and confidence, will shape Libya’s economic future. And for those of us who support women’s rights and empowerment, there is much we can do to help ensure that this wave of change continues to grow and expand.
