Speeches Shim
LEE builds on MEDA’s successful approach to its Libyan women’s entrepreneurship program by expanding these activities to a larger segment of Libyan society to include at-risk populations, who may be vulnerable to engaging in extremist activities. The program releases the untapped economic potential of nascent entrepreneurs and enables more citizens to contribute to Libya’s economic growth. To do this, LEE fosters economic empowerment through business training and access to financing, enabling more people to participate in Libya’s economy. For the business community, the program creates member-owned business associations for networking and builds more effective market linkages. Overall, LEE enhances the role of at-risk populations in the economy, increases stability within communities, and improves the livelihoods of those who have participated in the program.
![](https://2017-2020.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/news/05-03-2017/libyademocracysunday.jpg?itok=GemxPRH5)
In Tripoli, about 20 young people gather infrequently on Saturdays to discuss their work in youth oriented civil society organizations and student unions and how to play a role in achieving reconciliation among Libyans.
![Libyan women participate in USAID economic empowerment program Libyan women participate in USAID economic empowerment program](https://2017-2020.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/lwee_0.png?itok=5IoLpvYP)
LWEE releases the untapped economic potential of women entrepreneurs and enables more women to contribute to Libya’s economic growth and political stability. LWEE economically empowers women through business training and access to financing, enabling them to participate in Libya’s formal economy. LWEE creates women-owned business associations for networking and builds more effective market linkages. LWEE enhances the role of women in the economy, increases stability within communities, and improves the livelihoods of women who have participated in the program.
![](https://2017-2020.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/news/03-29-2017/medaphotoofgraduates.jpg?itok=9BdhILRR)
Since the Libyan revolution and ensuing conflict erupted in 2011, damage, theft, and alleged sabotage has plagued the infrastructure in Libya, resulting in power outages and basic challenges for a stable life.
![Libyan man buys desert truffles, called Terfaaz, in Tripoli. Terfaaz mushrooms are considered a delicacy in Libya and can be found in arid parts of western Libya between the months of August and February. Libyan man buys desert truffles, called Terfaaz, in Tripoli. Terfaaz mushrooms are considered a delicacy in Libya and can be found in arid parts of western Libya between the months of August and February.](https://2017-2020.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/libya_PSES_0.png?itok=PthVTvOq)
The PSES pilot project supports Libya’s private sector to play a proactive and constructive role in bridging divides and reducing conflict in five Libyan communities. Based on Libyan-led community consultations, PSES supports targeted economic activities that build citizen trust, economic cooperation and interdependence between the sides of five communities in conflict, with a particular focus on engaging women and youth. The overall goal is to boost stability and reduce community-level conflict while strengthening Libya’s burgeoning private sector.
Comment
Make a general inquiry or suggest an improvement.