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