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Supporting a New Generation of Activists

Back in 2023 as the Every Woman Fellowship was in full swing, it became clear that while the coalition is home to many passionate young activists eager to advance women’s rights, many live in countries where the field can be highly dangerous, and access to career development and mentorship opportunities are scarce. To address this, Every Woman Treaty launched the Mentorship Program. 

The Mentorship Program pairs senior activists with members of the Emerging Leaders Council (activists 18 to 35) to facilitate virtual one-on-one sessions focused on career development. Mentees receive expert coaching on opportunities in international law, human rights and women’s rights advocacy at no cost. They also learn about laws and policies in their own country, networking skills, and other career essentials while building lasting relationships.

34 Mentors, 42 Mentees, 153 Sessions 

Since its launch in late 2023, the Mentorship Program has become another signature initiative of Every Woman Treaty. Thirty-four mentors and 42 mentees from across the globe—Africa, the Arab Region, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America—conducted 153 sessions, totaling 252 hours. 

“The experience provided personalized guidance for my career path,” says Maria Alejandra Ortiz, Colombia. “I gained invaluable insights into my skills and potential, fostering a fresh perspective on my career trajectory. It not only honed my abilities but also deepened my commitment to contribute meaningfully to the eradication of gender-based violence in my region.” 

Mentors offered valuable sessions on career development and interview skills and assisted mentees with job and college applications, among other areas of professional growth—vital advice and guidance that nurtures and elevates the next generation of women’s rights activists.

The efforts are working. Following her mentee experience, Tia Kaedbey (featured above) landed an internship at the Lebanese League for Women in Business. Immaculate Gwokyalya (Uganda) enrolled in a project management course to improve her work with women and children. Sophia Mikaela Castaño-Montaña (Phillippines) was motivated to finish her undergraduate thesis and apply for a master’s program. 

And Mercy Alice Wambety (Kenya) found a way forward with her dissertation. “I was initially uncertain about how to structure my research and move forward effectively, but my mentor’s guidance provided me with much-needed clarity,” Mercy says. “Additionally, I was feeling anxious and uncertain about what the future holds for me after my studies. The mentorship program helped me gain confidence and a better perspective on my career path, allowing me to approach the future with more optimism and preparedness.” 

“Through discussions with my mentor, I’ve discovered my purpose and strive to be an unwavering voice for women and children,” says Mercy.

Congratulations to all! 

Thank you! 

A special thank you to the senior activists who generously stepped up as mentors despite their demanding work and family commitments. Their patience and dedication shone through as they went the extra mile to synchronize schedules and ensure the mentorship sessions took place seamlessly.

Congratulations and deep thanks to the mentees who, despite demanding schedules, sometimes unreliable internet access, and academic, work, and family responsibilities, remained dedicated, demonstrating remarkable perseverance and commitment to their growth.

 

Mentor Amjad Chatila and mentee Tia Kaedbey – Lebanon

What participants are saying about the program

“Throughout the mentorship sessions, I’ve been thoroughly impressed by my mentee’s dedication and willingness to learn. Her enthusiasm for growth and improvement is truly inspiring. She consistently demonstrated a proactive approach to tackling challenges and implementing the strategies we’ve discussed. Her progress has been remarkable, and I have no doubt that she is well on her way to achieving her goals.” – Najet Zammouri, Mentor, Tunisia

The Mentorship Program has improved the capacity of the mentees and helped them become more intentional regarding their personal learning and development. The program has stimulated the thirst for more knowledge and learning in mentees as they now look forward to receiving more short courses offered at every opportunity.” – Dr Uzodinma Adirieje, Mentor, Nigeria  

“I am delighted that I have been able to support my mentee in several ways. At her request, I have edited some talks she has given at conferences and an op-ed she wrote on violence against women (VAW) in Nepal. I reviewed and offered suggestions on a career workshop she will be giving to Nepali youth. I have also helped her think through ways to reach new audiences in her work as a lawyer and committed activist working to end VAW in Nepal.” – Kimberly Weichel, Mentor, USA  

“My mentorship session with my mentor, Betty Sharon, has been spectacular. It helped me know how to access opportunities better and identify my leadership style, which in turn has made me fully aware of my specific individual traits and how I can successfully be myself.” – Ijeoma Nnantah, Mentee, Nigeria 

“Participating in the Mentorship Program has been a rewarding journey. The guidance and support from my mentor have been invaluable in helping me navigate challenges and grow personally and professionally. I’ve gained new perspectives, skills, and confidence that have positively impacted my journey. I’m honored to share my experience and contribute to highlighting the program’s successes.” – Amanda Arroyo, Mentee, Costa Rica

“I thank you for the opportunity to take part in the mentorship program. I have been challenged to take on projects I had abandoned, for example currently enrolled for a new course in project management as well as other short courses that I am optimistic will propel me not only in my work with women and children but as well as my personal endeavors. These were among the goals I shared with my mentor, where he encouraged continuous learning and improvement.” – Immaculate Gwokyalya, Mentee, Uganda 

I had an extraordinary experience thanks to the Every Woman Treaty. It was my first mentorship, and I benefited enormously from it. For example, through this program, I learned about diplomacy management, communication, advocating, partnership management, fundraising, culture and diversity, and especially networking, which has been useful for me because its outcomes are tangible in my professional career and networking with NGOs and government offices.” – Sekou Seman Bagayoko, Mentee, Mali

“Concerning the Mentorship Programme, I have since been able to finish my undergraduate thesis in college, having it nominated for co-authoring with an academic professional in Europe. I am also currently applying for Fellowship scholarships for a masters programme and the mentorship with Every Woman Treaty has certainly opened more doors for me in these areas.” – Sophia Mikaela Castaño-Montaña, Mentee, Phillippines

“One of the most significant impacts of the mentorship program for me was the support I received in navigating a challenging period regarding my dissertation. I was initially uncertain about how to structure my research and move forward effectively, but my mentor’s guidance provided me with much-needed clarity. Additionally, I was feeling anxious and uncertain about what the future holds for me after my studies. The mentorship program helped me gain confidence and a better perspective on my career path, allowing me to approach the future with more optimism and preparedness.” – Mercy Alice Wambety, Mentee, Kenya

2023 and 2024 Mentors and Mentees

Below is the list of the dedicated activists who made this initiative a resounding success.

MENTORS 

AFRICA

Aniedi Inyang – Nigeria (in photo with her mentee Joanita Nakiwala in Uganda)

Annie J. Sampa – Zambia

Asmau Gangso – Nigeria 

Betty Sharon – Kenya

Chika Offor – Nigeria

Dr Uzodinma Adirieje – Nigeria

Florence Gbinigie – Nigeria

Gladys Mbuyah – Cameroon

Hope Chigudu – Uganda

Joseph Gimba – Nigeria 

Kabahenda Kiggundu – Canada/Uganda

​​Marian Roberts – Nigeria 

Rita Mebaghandu – Nigeria 

Rukaiya Ibrahim – Nigeria 

Veronica Lyimo – Tanzania

Zynab Binta Kamara – Sierra Leone 

Zainab Sindigawo – Nigeria 

 

ARAB REGION

Amjad Chatila – Lebanon

Douaa Hussein – Egypt

Najet Zamouri – Tunisia

 

ASIA

Atefa Ibrahimi – Afghanistan

Bhagavati Adhikari – Nepal 

Farwa Zafar – Pakistan

Farzana Khan – India

Jaya Budathoki – Nepal 

Maimuna Akram – Pakistan

​​Nicolette Gamara – Philippines 

Zainab Ali Khan – Pakistan

 

EUROPE

Azita Jabbari – Scotland

Pille Tsopp Pagan – Estonia

Isotta Rossoni – Italy

 

NORTH AMERICA

Atika Scott De Martinville – Morocco/USA

Gazbiah San – USA

Hala Ghoson – USA

Kimberly Weichel – USA

 

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 

Elida Guerra – Peru

 

MENTEES 

 

AFRICA

Abigail Bokoyeibo – Nigeria 

Adedeji Olayinka – Nigeria

Debora Madaga – Kenya

Dirmicit Binyir Pyentam – Nigeria

Eberechukwu Ezidinma – Nigeria

Esnart Sikazindu – Zambia

Hauwa M Babaji – Nigeria 

Ijeoma Nnantah – Nigeria

Immaculate Gwokyalya – Uganda

Jessica Kamau – Kenya

Joanita Nakiwala – Uganda

Laureen Adhiambo – Kenya

Maryam Ahmad Bornoma – Nigeria (in photo with mentor Amjad Chatila, Lebanon)

Mercy Alice Wambety – Kenya

Olanike Ibitoye – Nigeria

Opara Nkiruka Perpetua – Nigeria

Paul Odongo – Kenya

Pendo Dama – Kenya

Phoeby Musonda – Zambia

Poloma Barbabas – Nigeria 

Rachel Ochieng – Kenya 

Sabina Dauda – Nigeria 

Sekou Seman Bagayoko – Mali

 

ARAB REGION

Joumana Sleilati – Lebanon

Tia Kaedbey – Lebanon

 

ASIA

Etrat Akhtar – Pakistan

Gita Chaudhary – Nepal 

Jaya Jaggi – Pakistan

Malalai Popalzai – Afghanistan

Mehreen Ahmed – Pakistan

Niaz Wali Ahmedzai – Afghanistan

Rabia Babar – Pakistan

Samikchya Sharma – Nepal

Samira Rajaby – Afghanistan 

Sharana KC – Nepal

Srishti Jayana – Nepal 

Suvaiba Fatima Ahmed – India

Swati Saxena – India

Swati Shikha – India

Sophia M. Castano – Montana – Philippines 

Vayuna Gupta – India

Zulikha Akrami – Afghanistan

 

EUROPE 

Elena Bauchiero – Italy

​​Imogen Harley – United Kingdom

 

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 

Amanda Arroyo – Costa Rica

Maria Alejandra Ortiz – Colombia 

NORTH AMERICA

Dominique Panko – Canada

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