Even during times when it was uncommon for women to pursue careers, Libyan women have always been known to be creators, designers, chefs and artisans, often mastering their crafts at home and passing them through generations. There’s a Libyan proverb that says, “Better a skill in your hands than wealth from your ancestors.” This saying becomes more evident in difficult times, when many women must rely on their own talents to support their families.  They turn their “Sana’a” – their skill -- into sustenance.  Libyan women have long worked quietly from their homes—sewing in dimly lit rooms after putting their children to bed, crafting tea spread cloths to sell, preparing traditional Holi, or making date-filled ma’moul in their kitchens for a wedding just down the street. These hard-working women, while making a comfortable living from the convenience of their own homes, rarely see their labours of love make a ripple beyond their neighbourhoods and towns, and even fewer have the chance to celebrate them on a national, let alone regional, stage. Women’s participation in local and regional economies is vital for diversification and growth—especially for Libyan women, who remain underrepresented in African forums and in non-Arabic-speaking contexts. In May 2025, this was on full display in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where over 400 participants gathered for the 6th COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) an event designed to promote women’s role in regional trade.  With support from UNDP Libya, three Libyan entrepreneurs—Souad, Awatef, and Rabea—were given the opportunity to showcase their businesses regionally, gaining technical guidance and an exhibition space to spotlight their craftsmanship, in Spice-making, Crochet and Fashion Design.  Souad Sulaiman: The Business-savvy Spice Maker Souad Sulaiman, a former academic who found her path as an entrepreneur by a stroke of generosity, is the founder of Jasmin Alsham Spices. She is a spice-maker who grew up surrounded by passionate cooks. She recalls with a smile: ‘I was always considered the best cook in my family.’She began in this business by making spices for her family and occasionally gifting batches of spice mixes to friends. One friend suggested she sell them more widely, which sparked her professional journey.Souad got her professional start at a local bazaar, where her entire first batch of spices sold out. The immediate demand for her unique blends confirmed her path. Today, she continues to build her business, supplying supermarkets across Tripoli, driven by the same passion that first led her to the kitchen.   Her participation in COMESA allowed her to showcase her spices on a wider regional stage, providing a unique opportunity to test people’s palates and represent Libya. “When we showcased our products in Ethiopia, people were impressed with what we made and started buying from us.” Today, this is her way of making a living for her four children, for whom she is the main supporter.Awatef Sbeta: The Delicate Crocheter   
Awatef Sbeta, the founder of Nomanamat, learned the intricate art of crochet from a friend. For her, it was never just a hobby—it became a source of joy and purpose. A self-proclaimed perfectionist, Sbeta finesses every fibre with precision.  Long before she was widowed, she was a driven and creative working woman receiving compliments about her work more than praise; they affirmed the beauty she was creating.“When I crochet,” she says, “I feel removed from my worries. It’s my own world.” Awatef believes that Libyan women have always been creators, even if they didn't always monetize their craft. “Our mothers are artists by nature,” she reflects. “They sewed their tea cloths and handled their furashiyas delicately. They poured their passion and soul into everything they made.” This legacy runs through Awatef’s spirit as she continues a cultural tradition of creation and care.     Sbeta was recognized among the top three in a highly competitive category at the COMFWB Annual Awards for her outstanding 2-year-old crochet project, Nomanamat.  “It was a complete surprise.” she says, “I truly didn’t expect it, and it left me with the drive to keep going.” Self-aware about her journey and how she got where she did, she continues:  “I made it here, but how many people are lucky enough to attend such events and get that kind of support to move forward?”  Rabea Ben Barka: The Fervent Fashion Designer  Rabea Ben Barka is a designer with a passion for reimagining traditional Libyan wear. The first in her generation, her work honours heritage while infusing it with a modern sensibility.  “Since I was young, I’ve been drawn to fashion design,” she says. Her grandfather opened Libya’s first textile factory in 1943, producing robes and traditional clothing, and his legacy inspired her path. 
 “I want to work in Libya because I studied with the goal of giving back to my country.”Traveling across all regions of Libya, she gained a deep understanding of the diverse styles and traditions. That experience sparked an idea: to modernize the traditional Libyan dress, reimagining it with fresh, innovative designs.For Rabea, design is not just about clothing; it's about identity and national pride.”  With UNDP’s support, these three women brought their skills to a regional stage, proving that Libya’s entrepreneurs have much to offer. As Rabea put it:"My message to every young man and woman with a business idea is to master your craft, just as my talented colleagues Souad and Awatef have done. That’s how we move from importing to exporting. We want to produce rather than consume. We want the world to recognize our work. And we want to proudly say: ‘Made in Libya.’

Hanna Tetteh, the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Libya, attended the ceremony, which also marked International Youth Day.The second cohort of the programme ended their year of training by delivering seven different group presentations on youth empowerment in Libya communication campaigns in front of their families, mentors, UN staff, the international community and the SRSG.“Libyan women face many challenges when trying to engage in their societies and lead. Those can be cultural, they can be political, they can even come from their own families, and sometimes they can even be violent,” said SRSG Tetteh adding that it was crucial women’s voices – young and old – were heard in all walks of life to ensure that Libya’s future was sustainable for all.This year marks 10 years since UN Security Council Resolution 2250, which made youth, peace and security a key element of the peacebuilding work the UN does around the world.Since 2023, the UN in Libya has implemented the Ra’idat programme, taking 35 young women annually from across the country with equal representation from the east, south and west of the country. Each cultural component is represented in the programme, with ten per cent of places also allocated to persons with disabilities.“Today you are graduating as part of a network of women who can help and support you through challenges. The power of that network, the power of support, reassurance, and knowing you can work together as a group, cannot be underestimated. It is easy to dismiss one voice. It is much harder to dismiss thousands,” added the SRSG.“While change does not happen overnight, it also rarely happens as the result of one person’s actions. I sincerely hope that the programme has given you the safety and the space to build the friendships that last a lifetime.”  Six young women were chosen by the programme team to undertake further training in Rome in September, visiting the Italian parliament, meeting prominent Italian female leaders and youth peacebuilders at universities in the city.“As Ra’idat graduates you represent some of the brightest and best young women across the country. You were selected from 750 applicants, many of whom begged us for spaces on the programme. We are extremely proud of the journeys you have gone on to get here tonight.”Graduates from the progamme will now join the Ra’idat Alumni Network – comprised of all the programme’s graduates – and continue to work together to on key issues.The Ra’idat programme is a partnership between UNSMIL, UNICEF, UNDP and UN Women. This year’s cohort was generously supported by the Federal Republic of Germany, the Italian Government, the Government of Finland and the United Kingdom.Cohort 3 of the programme closed for applications on 15 July, with 899 young women entering the process. The selection process is ongoing, with the cohort expected to be onboarded and begin their training in October.

On World Refugee Day and every day, we pause to listen. To remember. To witness.
More than 313,000 people from Sudan have arrived in Libya since April 2023, fleeing war, persecution, and uncertainty. Some came alone. Others came with nothing but their children and clothes on their backs.
Through every journey, one thing remains constant: hope for peace, education, and returning home.In this photo essay, we share the stories of three refugees. Each offers a glimpse into what it means to be displaced — and what it means to hold on to humanity.Radeyya: A Mother’s Plea for Peace and a future for her family📍 Tripoli | Sudanese, Mother of four
Tripoli (Libya) June, 2025. Radeyya and her husband shares laughs with her children Duaa, Awab, Sulyman and Maab during World Refugee Day activities. Photo: UNHCR Libya / Ziyad Alhamdi“I need education for my children. I want them to have a future.”Radeyya fled Sudan iseeking safety. Today, she lives in Tripoli with her husband and four children — aged 13, 12, 9, and 6 — none of whom have had access to formal schooling.
“I want to thank the Libyan people — our brothers and sisters. They gave us clothes, food, and shelter when we had nothing,” she says.Still, her voice carries a deeper longing — one that stretches beyond borders.
“I want the international community to hear from us. Please help end the war in Sudan so we can go home. I don’t know what the future holds — the uncertainty is overwhelming.”  Jeto & Ikram: Found Family, Built from Loss📍 Tripoli | Ethiopian caregiver, 29 | Caring for four unaccompanied children
Figure 1Tripoli (Libya) June, Jeto, carefully helps seven-year-old Ikram string beads during an art session at the World Refugee Day celebration. Photo: UNHCR Libya / Ziyad Alhamdi“Ikram is my daughter, my sister, my everything.”Jeto is just 29, but she has become the guardian of four children who fled without their families. One of them is seven-year-old Ikram, who has changed her life.
“We laugh together, eat together, and share a small space we call home. She’s taught me what resilience really means.”Jeto has a message for the little girl who became her world:
“Dear Ikram, I love you. You made life easier. I hope you grow up to be the doctor you dream of becoming — and that you always keep your kindness.” Ahmed: Alone, but Unbroken📍 Tripoli | 14 years old | Separated from family
“Sudan is my home. And home… is my mother.”At just 14, Ahmed crossed the desert alone in search of safety. He had lost his father in Sudan and did not know where his mother or siblings were.
“I left Sudan and came to Libya for peace,” he says softly. “War is terrifying — especially for children.”His words are simple, but urgent:
“Please make peace happen in Sudan. I just want to go home, Sudan is my nation, and it is an obligation to go back”Three voices, among thousands, carry grief, strength, and love across borders.
As conflict continues in Sudan and in other countries around the globe, we must not look away. Every child deserves an education, but even more, a childhood. Every person deserves peace. And every refugee deserves dignity and the chance to live, thrive, and dream in safety.
   *Name change to protect identity

The United Nations in Libya is now accepting applications for the third cohort of its annual Ra’idat training programme which opens at midnight 1 July. Young Libyan women aged 18-30 are invited to apply between 1 and 15 July to join the programme, with applications from women from all cultural components and those with disabilities strongly encouraged.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.“Two years ago, we launched the Ra’idat programme to empower young women with the skills and knowledge to take an active role in shaping their futures,” 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 friendships and support network built,” SRSG Tetteh added. “It is a highly competitive and intensive programme – we had 747 applications last year – and I hope that young women from across Libya also apply this year to become part of the growing network of Ra’idat alumni. I believe it will be a life changing experience for them, and I look forward to meeting them in person in the autumn.”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."I grew up without sisters, and I've always wanted to know what it would be like,” said Eman Elrefadi, from Ra’idat’s second cohort. “This programme allowed me to learn so much both professionally and personally from intelligent, beautiful, and intellectually rich women from across the country which is an incredibly unique experience I won't find elsewhere."The training programme, which will start 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. All regions are equally represented, with participants coming from all cultural components and support provided to those with disabilities.“The Raidat program isn’t just an educational experience; it’s literally the light that shows me the path and the direction that I want to take in the future,” said Wala Khalifa from Ra’idat second cohort. “What makes the Raidat program unique is its focus on real skills development. It provides practical experiences that help us build our skills in various areas, shaping us into true leaders, and I personally felt this transformation.  I’ve experienced significant growth, both in my career and personally,” she added.Young women have until midnight 15 July to apply.