Women activists from seven countries in the Middle East and North Africa gathered for the Young Women Leaders Academy at Education City in Doha, Qatar, in July 2008 to help gain the intellectual tools, comparative knowledge, and practical skills to become leaders in their communities.
The women learned from peers, established professionals, and NDI staff. The women also participated in a panel discussion with three successful young female advocates and political activists in Washington, D.C., via a videoconference using classrooms at Georgetown University’s campuses in Doha and Washington.
A participant from Morocco, Imane Tounsi, summarized the experience: “There is nothing more empowering,” she said, “than young women leaders gathering to learn from each other.”
Building upon the intensive academic and training components of the program, the participants have gone on to internships with parliaments, political parties and civil society organizations in their countries, giving them opportunities to put their new political advocacy and leadership skills into practice.
Pictured above: Participants at the Young Women Leaders Academy
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Video: Watch the Young Women Leaders Academy panel discussion:
