Inspiring inclusion: Manayer’s journey
How do you grow Scout leaders in a county where there’s not yet a great deal of Scouting for girls and young women? If you can’t see Scouting in action, it might be hard to imagine the role of a Scout leader and what you’re getting into by volunteering… but that didn’t stop Saudi Scout Leader Manayer Al Dabbas!
“Scouting has been an incredible journey for me, filled with unforgettable experiences and lifelong lessons. From the moment I joined, I discovered a world of adventure, personal growth, and a strong sense of community that has shaped me into the person I am today.”
Manayer Al Dabbas
Manayer is just one of the inspiring women involved in delivering leadership opportunities for more women in Saudi Arabia, via a ground-breaking, multi-partner and multi-university project supported by Alwaleed Philanthropies, via the World Scout Foundation.
Having achieved her own accredited leadership training (Wood Badge) in an early phase of the project, she has gone on to lead the national first-level leader training and co-lead second-level training at King Khalid University in Riyadh. Here, she passionately shares her hopes for Scouting in Saudi Arabia, what she’s gained through Scouting and what she aims to give back as a leader to more young women.
“The development of Scouting in Saudi Arabia for women holds immense potential to empower young women, promote gender equality, and contribute to the overall progress of Saudi Arabian society. By embracing an inclusive and comprehensive approach, fostering partnerships, and creating a supportive environment, Scouting can serve as a catalyst for personal growth, leadership development, and community engagement among Saudi Arabian female Scouts. Together, we can envision a future where Scouting empowers women and enables them to reach their full potential.”
Manayer Al Dabbas Empowering women to strengthen Saudi society
“We celebrate the remarkable strides made by Saudi female Scouts in pioneering leadership roles. Through transformative training and partnership, these women are not only shaping the future of Scouting, but also embodying the spirit of empowerment and community service. Their dedication to fostering global citizenship and supporting their communities is a testament to the values of Scouting. We applaud their efforts and commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.”
Scouting for women in Saudi Arabia has been in development for many years, spearheaded by HH Princess Sama Bint Faisal Al Saud, who heads up the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association’s Girl Scout Committee. Since 2020, Saudi Scouts, with the support of the Arab Scout Regional Office, have worked in strong partnership with Alwaleed Philanthropies to develop Rover Scouting and champion volunteering in the Kingdom. Together with a network of higher education partners and additional international Scout support for training, the project is currently active in four higher education institutions: King Khaled University, Imam Abdulrahman BinFaisal University and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, and Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University, where Manayer undertook her own training.
“Young people are the largest generation of youth in history and investing in them is key to making them great agents of change. They have creative answers to the challenges that will define the future of our economy, environment and society. Saudi women are playing a crucial role in the development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider region. I strongly believe that empowering women and youth through volunteer programmes has a ripple effect on families, communities, and countries, and can achieve long-lasting benefits and inspire other women, particularly young girls, to participate in society and drive environmental and economic progress in the Kingdom.”
Individual growth
The impact of the project is threefold. It aims to empower young Saudi women with skills, confidence and knowledge via educational and community service actions, positively impacting their own immediate communities and, in turn, strengthening Saudi society.
“Scouting has played an instrumental role in my personal growth. Through various activities and challenges, I have learned valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. Scouting has pushed me out of my comfort zone, teaching me resilience and perseverance in the face of obstacles. The confidence I have gained from overcoming these challenges has transcended into other areas of my life, empowering me to take on new opportunities with enthusiasm and determination”, continues Manayer.
“Within the Scouting community, I have found a group of like-minded individuals who share my passion for adventure, learning, and making a positive impact. The camaraderie and support we offer one another create an environment of trust and friendship that extends beyond our Scouting activities. Together, we have shared countless memories, laughter, and experiences that have forged lifelong friendships.
And Scouting is not just about personal growth, but also about making a difference in the world. Engaging in community service projects has allowed me to give back to society and contribute to causes that are meaningful to me. Whether it’s organising fundraisers, participating in environmental initiatives, or assisting local communities, Scouting has instilled in me a sense of responsibility and the importance of being an active citizen.”
Giving back
As other Scout leaders around the world, Manayer shares the drive to give back to others, offering the opportunity of Scouting, which she has come to love, to more young women:
“As a Scout leader, my goal is to empower the next generation of women by passing on my scout experience and fostering a strong sense of independence. By challenging gender norms, building confidence, nurturing leadership skills, fostering resilience, and creating a supportive sisterhood, I aim to equip girls with the tools they need to believe in themselves and achieve anything they set their minds to. Through Scouting, we can build a brighter future where women are celebrated as capable, resilient, and influential leaders in their communities.
Being a Scout leader is a deeply fulfilling role that allows me to mentor, guide, and inspire young individuals. The joy of witnessing their growth, engaging in outdoor adventures, building relationships, teaching life skills, fostering a sense of service, and experiencing personal growth are some of the most enjoyable aspects of being a Scout leader. It is a privilege to contribute to the development of future leaders and make a positive impact on their lives.”
More Scouting for more young people, everywhere!
In the World Scout Foundation, we believe in empowering all young people through Scouting, and that includes the 16+ million girls and women in Scouting today!
Through our support for World Scouting, we strive to enable opportunities to forge a diverse, equitable and inclusive world and we celebrate inspiring Scouts, like Manayer who are leading action to empower women and drive gender parity around the world.
If this is an area of particular interest to you and you would like to offer significant support to increase diversity and inclusion as well as education for all in Scouting, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
