Lagos, Nigeria Mentoring Walk–This is just the beginning!
In the sweltering heat and humidity of the high noon sun, hundreds of women gathered today for a 3.9 km Mentoring Walk, to celebrate and promote mentoring and the launch of the Women Mentoring Women Partnership’s six month long mentoring program for young women.
The day began with the buzz of preparations, set-up, team work, and excitement about the event. Normally, on the 4th Saturday of the month, Nigeria holds clean-up days from 9am-12noon, during which transportation and movement is limited. In observance of this ordinance, the mentoring walk was scheduled for 1:30 in the afternoon—in the hottest time of the day! It was hot and humid from daybreak, and I was sweating bullets by 11am—and I hadn’t walked anywhere yet! As we waited and sweated, we wondered if all the people expected would still show up. But the power of mentoring drew women from miles around, to walk, talk, mentor, and encourage each other to continue to persevere for women’s progress. Even as the afternoon heat intensified, the women continued arriving to register and take their places for the walk.
At 1:30pm, at the cutting of the ribbon we began our walk with cheers and singing. I walked with a mentee named Nkechi Igweonu, a young professional and an aspiring diplomat. Like many young women, she studied a subject she was passionate about in college, but ended up in a job in another field out of necessity. We talked about how she could build her network in her field of interest and gain relevant experience, as well as the fact that any career can be an international career if she chose to make it so. As we talked our conversation drew others, and we had a great time. I enjoyed our conversation and pointed out other women mentors in the walk who could also be of help.
The walk was held on Victoria Island (VI) in Lagos, a wealthy suburb approximately 2 hours’ drive from mainland Lagos. Many businesses are headquartered there, and it is also reputed to be home to the city’s wealthiest business people as the mansion-lined streets and condos indicate. While VI was a difficult place to reach for many of the participants, it was fitting to host this mentoring walk here, as it allowed the young women to gain access to people and areas that would otherwise be out of reach. It also allowed the spotlight to shine on women leaders and the companies that recognize the need to develop a pipeline of young women leaders, and perhaps their enthusiasm will encourage others to join this effort.
The walk’s lead sponsor was Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN), an affiliate of ExxonMobil. The support of Exxon allowed numerous other sponsors to take part, including Nestle, Fidelity Bank, Accion Micro-finance Bank, the University of Lagos (UNILAG), and several other restaurants and venues which donated their space for the follow-on mentoring program activities. The day was truly a collaborative effort.
One of the highlights of this day was not just the walk and the camaraderie of the event, but the team work and selflessness of the women leaders who joined forces to put this together. The Nigeria mentoring walk was the collective effort of several powerful women who worked together like sisters, and gave it their all to make this day a success.
The day ended with cheers and celebrations for having finished the walk, several press interviews, and a great deal of excitement and hope for the mentoring program going forward. The mentees headed onto a bus to begin their mentoring journey, starting with a week of training in leadership, women’s human rights, and the impact of women’s contributions to Nigerian society.
Lagos, Nigeria: Women Mentoring Women—A Partnership and a Sisterhood
Lucy Kanu, Executive Director of Idea Builders, first heard of the mentoring walk idea during her participation as a mentee in the U.S. State Department’s Global Women’s Mentoring Program. She was determined to bring the idea back to Nigeria—not just the “mentoring walk,” but the entire mentoring experience. She describes passionately the need for women pioneers and trailblazers in Nigeria to pass on their knowledge to others and, in her words, “leave the ladder down so the others can climb up.” Lucy also laments that in spite of the wonderful and life-changing experience she had during her time in the U.S. as a mentee, there are many more deserving women in need of mentoring, and they can’t all come to the U.S. to be mentored by Fortune’s Most Powerful Women—nor should they have to. She realized that what was needed was more than a one-day mentoring walk, and developed a six-month mentoring program for 25 mentors and 25 mentees to ensure that there would be an impact beyond the one-day event.
During a visit in July I asked Lucy and several other Vital Voices alumni to meet about their various efforts in Nigeria and discuss ways they might work together. These included Shade Bembatoum, CEO of ASSEED; Meeme Ekanem, Managing Director, Montage; Olutoyin Obaseki, Executive Director of KAWOF; and Amy Oyekunle, Executive Director of Kudirat Initiative for Democracy-KIND. It turns out that they all knew of (or had heard of) each other, but had not worked together on anything up to that time. I also asked Lucy to share the Mentoring Walk and Women Mentoring Women ideas with them, and they immediately agreed to be part of the steering committee to make it happen.
These five women were joined by other women leaders including Nanre Nafziger, Executive Director of Linking Youth of Nigeria though Exchange –LYNX; Yemisi Ikuomola, CEO of JCCC; Eniola Dada; and Kokoma Williams; all of whom worked tirelessly for the last 5 months to organize this program. This collaboration could have easily been marred by divisiveness and mistrust, as NGO leaders in any country are hesitant to share their valuable contacts for joint efforts, for fear of losing them to the other partners. This collaboration was the epitome of trust, and there are 25 young women who will now benefit as a result.
I am happy that they not only collaborate, but they have become friends. They have so much fun while they work it is easy to forget that they are all executive directors. But their leadership and dedication shows in their efforts and in the wonderful and committed people they were able to bring together for the mentoring walk and program. Nigeria will become a better place for women because of them, and I appreciated the opportunity to be among them once again.
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By Celena on November 29th 2008 in Economic Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, General, Mentoring, Mentoring Walk, Political Participation, Women in Business
Tina Onah responded on 30 Nov 2008 at 3:21 pm #
My name is Christiana Onah I am one of the mentees in the on going mentoring program organized by Idea Builders and vital voices.So far i will say that the program is really meeting my expectations.Today was really loaded i learnt so much.The session on expectations setting/matters arising facilitated by Amy Oyekunle of KIND helped me to think about the leadership qualities i possesed it also helped me to to analyse my strengths and weaknesses and seek new alternatives.Also,Shade of Coker and castle really inspired me and indeed all the mentees as she trained us on leadership.This training is indeed important to me and I appreciate everything and am committed not only to learning but also to passing on the message to the people in my circle of influence.Like Celena puts it ‘This is just the begining’I am looking forward to more…already,I feel energized,Ifeel empowered and Ifeel excited…thank you to all my facilitators
Vongai Chikwanda responded on 01 Dec 2008 at 6:36 am #
I am so excited to hear learn of the various experiences and innovative strategiesngoing on in other countries. Nigerian women, I am proud of you. Just reading this blog, made me so excited and I felt as if I was part of the Nigerian process. The power of mentoring…. you rightly put it has drawn different women from all over to come together as one united force.
As a young woman, I am very passionate about having young women’s participation in decision making. but they lack mentors. In most African parliaments, there is a serious age gap, with most African Parliaments having women parliamentarians from the age of 35 and above. The few young women who are below 35 have to learn the ropes as they have no mentors.
For most young women in Zimbabwe, there are very few mentors even our respective fields. I found my mentor/s in Civil society, the field I was in. There are also very few role models, who are difficult to come by but mentoring is key. I think the mentorship walk was a brilliant idea as mentorship is a key concept that builds one from the inner self, allowing you to reflect, avoid mistakes and lead you on the road to building a successful you. For me mentorship creates inter-generational dialogue, where young women learn from older women and older women also learn from young women. This is key in building women who are leaders and young women who can also mentor others.
Bravo to the women of Nigeria. Through sharing of experiences we also learn new and innovative ways. Bravo once again!
Olowoyeye Oluwatosin responded on 06 Dec 2008 at 2:58 pm #
My name is Olowoyeye Oluwatosin, one of Mentees of the Women Mentoring Women Programme. I really want to say a very “Big Thank You” (BTY) to the organizers of this event (IdeaBuilders & Vital Voices) for giving me the priviledge to be a part of the dynamic leadership training.
Already, I see myself as a great Woman Leader, I see myself as the necessary agent of change in my community, The just concluded training workshop was pretty enlightening, informing and most inspiring! Before the event, I used to be less confident of myself, but now. . . .I’m brand new, I feel renewed and strong to be the change the world is expecting to see. I’ve realised my weakenesses and look forward to being the ‘doer’ of the words and not the ‘hearer’ only. . . . .l
Since I got back home from “The Big Sister House”, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and redefinitions of my dreams. I just can’t afford to fail after such intensive leadership training!
I’m forever greatful for this priviledge and I look forward to making impacts on my immediate environment and the world at large.
One again, Thank you Vital Voices, Thank You Idea Builders.
To Celena, It was indeed wonderful to have you around us, thank you for believing in us, and thank you for your support. . .
To dear Lucy, you are the bomb!!! I pray God bless you mightily. . .
Igweonu Nkechi responded on 10 Dec 2008 at 6:16 pm #
Sometime in early November, I went to visit a wise woman. A lady I consider to be a Mentor. She showed me the way. Since then, I haven’t looked back. It is because of her, I am a part of a ground breaking experience; Women Mentoring Women. The Mentoring Walk on the 29th day of November was remarkable. I had a wonderful chat with Celena Green, a lady that epitomizes beauty inwards and outwards, she is proactive, articulate and a visionary. It was a great honour to have met her.
All the 25 mentees bonded so well. This gave us a title, ‘The Big Sisters House’. Please don’t get it all wrong, it was not another reality TV Show in the making. It was 25 young women leaders, with a vision for change and a belief that we are the change. The cause is; invest in women, improve the world. The first session was electrifying. What an opening! The bar was raised so high, it made us salivate for more. What a great way to set the tone.
The Poise for Leadership training anchored by Mrs Folashade Coker was an eye opener for me. I was enthralled throughout the whole session. Like she said, “There is never a second chance to make a good first impression” True. Another high point for me was Mrs Eniola Dada, she advised us; that as women leaders, we must dress well and talk professional at all times. Panel Session 2 Artistic expression; got me flapping my wings. It is such an inspiration to seat in a room conversing with women leaders, who are success stories. Indeed, it builds your confidence and then you truly believe ‘you can fly’. I believe I can fly. Bolanle Peters inspired me. I admired her good sense of humour, her well spoken words. “Don’t limit your thoughts” she said. I embraced those words. It was more like she was speaking to me. It was a wakening for me. No more rusty thinking, I promise. Peju, a guest speaker, ignited the whole room. Her words resound in my head day and night. “I am a ticking bomb,” “You can make a country out of ideas,” “Understanding yourself gives you the confidence you need”. The session “Walking in the steps of giants” afforded me the opportunity ‘to be well informed’ about the past; Women were the True leaders, the pacesetters, the champions, the mothers and the heroes. Sadly, reverse is the case today. However, we are the change. Panel IV, Governance and Women in Politics. Truly, the face of politics was beautified. Politics, had I known I would be so interested. But really Politics is not a venture for financial gains, but an avenue to make positive impact in your society. We must be women leaders with principles, decency and good appearance. Like the Deputy Governor said “Don’t allow yourself to be distracted as you climb the ladder of success, distractions would come but remain focused”. Atlast, I met my mentor. I felt my heart jump for joy. Like I said to her, it was Law of Attraction working in my favour. I am so glad to have her as a mentor and look forward to a wonderful mentoring experience. Sincere gratitude goes out to Lucy Kanu - Idea builders and the dynamic crew that worked hard to make the 6 days orientation as powerful and empowering as it was. I am so empowered. As a woman leader, I must be disciplined, focused, a visionary, an agent of change, must be proactive, strengthen and encourage others, share success, possess integrity and more so be confident. Men and women are equipped alike. Gender doesn’t define my capacity. I am glad to be a part of this great cause. Thank you.
Yours truly,
Igweonu Nkechi ACIArb
Mentee
anuoluwapo aba responded on 09 Jan 2009 at 3:51 am #
As a women, it is mu responsibility and duty to ensure my immediate environment and community is safe, sound and sane for the growing anf future generation;in the light of this, i sorted for an avenue to enlarge my wings with people with like minds!and to make matters worse, i needed a change of working environment, i needed an environment that will align with my passion and my dreams!!!
Just as my thoughts lingered on the way forward, my Aunty, Sister and Friend(Mrs Eniola Dada) who believed in me, not minding my age called me up to inform me of the Women Mentoring Women Programme!(Aunty, am eternally grateful….), the rest is history!!!!
From the Road Walk to the sessions especailly Aunty Shade(My Mentor!), it was a truly time well spent and a great help to help chart my course in life.
Lucy Kanu and the entire team of Idea Builders, my gratitude can’t be quantified and i can’t extend it now cos AM YET TO MAKE YOU PROUD!!!
For now, THANK YOU IDEA BUILDERS AND VITAL VOICES!!!
NNEKA NWOKOLO responded on 04 Feb 2009 at 3:33 am #
i stumbled on this article online and i am very willing to be a part of it.i am a woman, a nigerian who has really been in search of a sincere mentor who can lead me up the way to sucess from her experience causing me to make less mistake as i journey along in life.
Igweonu Nkechi responded on 05 Mar 2009 at 1:42 pm #
THE DOUBLE PORTION BLESSING - WOMEN MENTORING WOMEN WALK, GHANA
After I received the call that I was going to Ghana to be a part of the Women Mentoring Women walk, I felt a huge rush of excitement. It was good news for that day and I spent the whole day in high spirit, seeing myself already in Ghana. I waited so long for sunset and a new day to begin my journey.
Ghana, Oh Ghana! I had long waited for an opportunity to go to Ghana, and like they say, “God’s time is the best”, this was the time. The journey, they said, was a long one, twelve /thirteen hours. I came prepared; two books, one by Chimmamanda Adichie and Ted Dekker. I was in a bus where everyone wanted their voice to be heard. People chitchatting here and there, it was all part of the experience. There was refreshment on board, entertainment for your viewing pleasure. It was a jolly ride. At every border, we were mandated to alight and cross the border. It was very disturbing, especially when at times, I was taking a nap. The traders around the border were interesting to watch, however, they pestered a bit, screaming “… I collect Nigeria money, Togo money and Ghana money.” It was admirable; they had to sell with no currency barrier.
After a long drive, of about thirteen hours, many would have felt exhausted and frustrated, I was excited and grateful. I observed everything at a time, the roads, the people, and the buildings. I took photographs with my eyes, storing them in my memory. I was enthralled. To add icing to the cake, I had a beautiful night sleep. Night had elapsed so quickly, ushering in a new day. My friends and I had a complementary breakfast before we set out for the program. Women Mentoring Women Walk, Ghana was scheduled for that day, 28th February, 2009. My Mentoring walk last year was wonderful, it was a great walk and I loved it. So I longed to be a part of another mentoring walk. I met Celena Green and Lucy Kanu again; two women that inspire me tremendously. To be a part of the Ghanaian Mentoring walk, it felt like I had been served two plates of barbecued chicken, I love chicken. The walk was long, very long but it afforded me the opportunity to observe and in it I found a muse, an inspiration. We took a break in the walk for a guided tour in Iroko factory. Where upon order, they cut and design woods for delivery. It was at the factory, that I observed the beauty in the Mentoring walk; I watched as mentors advised their mentees and mentees ‘salivating’ for more. I spoke with a Ghanaian mentee, narrating my own experience, back in Nigeria, ‘it only gets better’ I said.
There was a mentoring session after the walk and after we all had relaxed a bit. Few mentors where called out to the high table, to talk with the mentees, to give them a direction, because in fact, young people do need directions. ‘Leveling the Playing field’ was one of the topics discussed, and the mentors had words of wisdom to offer. I sat in front engrossed; listening intently. I was inspired. I felt an inch taller after the session. I muttered a brief prayer, thanking God for the double portion – The inspiring, energizing, motivational and result packaged mentoring orientation last year in Nigeria and the Ghana session. In real fact, after Women Mentoring Women Nigeria, I was never the same, I felt thicker, ready and on the go. I was re-branded, and getting the best (permit me to say) mentor. I know where I want to be tomorrow and it starts with today. It is time for we women to be what we were destined to be. Like one of the mentors said, “The men know we have a upper hand, it is time for us women, all of us, to pull ourselves up.”
After the session, we had lunch, I loved the serenity Rufus Gardens offered, and I longed to take it with me.
The Celebration of Black women organized by the Deputy Chief of Mission, for the US Embassy, was an event that took place in the evening. It stirred in me the reality of the four-degree separation theory. I was in the midst of diplomatic representatives, ME! I felt like I was one. I saw the US ambassador to Ghana, a very cheerful man. Ghana was a wholesome experience, all-in-one package – good hotel, good food, good people, great mentoring walk, inspiring mentoring session, and a safe journey. I am grateful to the wonderful Lucy Kanu, who made the dream of mine, reality.
obiageli esther nwoji responded on 17 Dec 2009 at 1:08 pm #
i’ve always wanted to be part of this. pls when will the mentoring programme hold in 2010 . i really want to be part of it.thanks