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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.