Sidrah 2.0 launches the Young Women's Leadership Program's second season

The youth leadership initiative for young Omani women, Sidrah 2.0, announced the start of the initiative on 5^th June. The programme seeks to develop and improve the talents of Oman's gifted children after the outstanding success of its debut in 2022.

Sidrah 2.0, which is co-designed and co-run by Lahunna Oman and Outward Bound Oman, brings together a varied group of young women from all over the Sultanate who are between the ages of 20 and 30. It is open to everybody, including students, recent graduates, jobseekers, and young professionals. The programme aims to provide participants the self-assurance, fortitude, and leadership skills they'll need to develop into the next generation of transformative leaders. Sidrah 2.0 aspires to create a transformative learning experience that penetrates into their hearts and creates a lifelong appetite for continuous learning by combining experiential learning, workshops, mentorship, community building, and career counselling.

Over the course of the program's six months, participants will take part in exercises and seminars that promote self-awareness, independence, endurance, networking, and productive teamwork. This will foster a sense of greater purpose and an attitude of service, empowering individuals to positively influence their communities and beyond.

A coaching effort has been added to Sidrah 2.0 through a collaboration with the Oman Chapter of the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Three to six months of group and one-on-one career counselling sessions will be beneficial to participants, offering them important support and direction as they go down their personal and professional paths.

The founder of Lahunna, Shatha Salim Al Maskiry, stated: "After the success of our first edition, we hope to provide our young Omani women with an insightful trip that empowers them to take control of and define their own destiny. We have broadened the program's scope in order to properly invest in the next generation of leaders who will carry the torch of progress and actively support the national priorities of Oman's Vision 2040, especially after setting such a fantastic precedent with our partner Outward Bound Oman last year.

She continued, "Bringing onboard ICF coaches is a crucial step to serve as guiding lights by providing the participants with invaluable support to illuminate their path and unlock their true potential as they embark on a lifelong impactful experience."

Sidrah 2.0 consists of two stages. At the Outward Bound Oman Jabal Akhdar Training Centre, Phase I consists of an 11-day experiential learning and values-based leadership workshop where participants participate in interactive sessions, simulations, roleplays, and team-building exercises to hone their leadership skills and find a sense of purpose and pride in how they can positively impact their community.

To help their transition from education to the workforce and give them the confidence they need to make wise personal and professional decisions in order to create successful lives, Phase II will consist of an online module followed by 1:1 career counselling sessions with ICF coaches.

"The strength of our partnership with Lahunna Oman shows that together we can create a legacy, and Sidrah 2.0 aims to be a catalyst in the longer term that transforms ideas into action," stated Mark Evans, Executive Director of Outward Bound Oman. In order to create a better future for Oman, we consistently strive to sculpt an inspiring learning route for the next generation.

It is a privilege to join Sidrah 2.0 as the Strategic Partner, said Ali Al Lawati, SLB's Managing Director for Oman, Pakistan, and Yemen. We were quite interested in the inaugural edition because we firmly believe in the value of supporting the next generation, especially women. We are certain that we are co-creating a better future for everyone through such programmes.

In order to provide young women with a secure environment in which to discuss their own experiences and challenge their self-limiting attitudes, Sidrah was introduced in Oman in June 2022. The programme strives to provide them the problem-solving, change leadership, character development, and service learning abilities they will need for the future of work while promoting Omani values, social responsibility, and citizenship. It does this by finding a balance between theoretical principles and practical activities.

SLB (Strategic Partner), Sohar Port & Freezone (Impact Partner), Oman Shell (Advocate Partner), Al Wisal, Virgin Radio Oman, and Merge 104.8 (Radio Partner) are among the partners for Sidrah 2.0 that have been officially announced.

About Outward Bound Oman

Outward Bound A governmental decision led to the establishment of Oman, an educational nonprofit organisation. Through outdoor learning initiatives, they give people useful skills for studying, working, and living. Additionally, they provide specialised leadership and team development courses as well as training and professional development programmes for top organisations in the area.

About Lahunna Oman

Initiated independently in 2020, Lahunna has the potential to be used anywhere. It strives to sow a seed of inspiration for the countless possibilities of a woman's value in society, first locally, then regionally, and finally globally. The way it is presented and delivered is clear evidence of Lahunna's unique appeal. In 2022, Lahunna Oman, in collaboration with Mubashir, Outward Bound Oman, City Centre Muscat, Visa, and Bank Muscat, successfully carried out a number of programmes that focused on women.

The Inspiration behind Sidrah

The native Sidr tree, which represents strength and adaptability in a variety of conditions and has some examples in Oman that are over 350 years old, gives the programme its name. Just as the participants of the programme will discover within themselves the flexibility and strength to adapt and grow throughout the course of this special experience trip, the roots of the Sidr twist and twirl to overcome obstacles, adapting gracefully and resiliently. The usual selection of an innovative programming also symbolises the close connection between the participants' illustrious history and their bright future.