Faith Wambua

Introduction

Mentorship is invaluable in shaping the lives of young people,” especially girls, in their personal and professional growth. In many parts of Africa, girls are faced with different problems, including limited access to quality education, gender discrimination, and societal norms that disadvantage them access to quality education, gender discrimination, and societal norms that disadvantage them.

In Kenya, mentorship plays a crucial role in empowering the girl child and unlocking her potential for success. Despite the many challenges faced by girls in East Africa, mentorship offers a pathway to overcome these obstacles. Through the guidance of mentors, young girls gain confidence, acquire life skills, and are exposed to new opportunities that help them envision brighter futures. This mentorship not only nurtures their academic and career aspirations but also instills values of leadership, resilience, and self-worth, making it a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality.

However, if equipped with the right information, direction, and support, mentoring separates such barriers and directs them toward the right path.

Who is a Mentor/Role Model?

A mentor provides guidance and support to young girls, helping them overcome the challenges they face, empowering them to reach their full potential. They share their knowledge and experiences, offer advice, and help girls build the confidence and strength to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

The Role of Mentoring for the Girl Child

A strong mentorship program can have a profound impact on a girl’s life. Apart from counseling and motivation, mentorship empowers young girls by creating opportunities for growth and development. Through it, girls gain access to new perspectives and develop essential life skills.

The United Nations Girls Education Initiative (UNGEI) states that “Mentorship enables the girl to acquire leadership skills, boost her self-esteem, and combat some of the barriers that may slow her down.” This amplifies that by providing a supportive network and access to valuable resources, girls are equipped to reach their full potential and become active and engaged members of their communities.

Some Facts about Mentorship Programs and Their Effect

This practice of seeking out mentors for the girl child is not simply an affirmative and warm gesture, it has tangible echoing effects. Based on a report by the UN Women and Girls Not Brides, girls with a mentor are 60% more likely to continue education and further education useful steps. In sub-Saharan Africa, where girls face obstacles in accessing quality education and pursuing meaningful careers, community-based mentorship programs can contribute to their success. These programs have been shown to positively impact various aspects of their lives, including their academic performance, employment opportunities, and overall well-being.

One notable example is the African Girls Leadership Initiative. This organization connects young girls with successful women in various fields, providing them with valuable mentorship and career guidance. Through these connections, girls gain valuable insights, develop essential skills, and increase their confidence to pursue their academic and professional goals.

Examples of Successful Mentorship Programs for Girls

Some organizations have proven that activities that go beyond traditional classroom settings empower girls to reach their full potential. Two outstanding examples of such successful mentorship programs include: 

  • The Girls Education Movement (GEM) in Kenya: In the GEM program young girls are mentored by various female role models who help them deal with issues facing them both in school and society. On average, this program has recorded a 45% improvement in school retention rates among girls who receive mentorship.
  • Mentor Her Africa: The program links young girls to role models in business, science & technology. Besides mentorship, it exposes the girls to networking opportunities, job information, and motivates them to study STEM.

 Employment Outcomes of Young South African Women: Overcoming Challenges and Creating Safe Spaces for Girls

In some African countries, cultural norms can create an obstacle to the implementation of effective programs that support young women’s development. Traditional societal structures may not always readily embrace the mentorship concept. In such environments, the mentorship programs should prioritize empowering girls with knowledge while also creating safe and supportive environments where they feel comfortable. In a study conducted by UNICEF, it was estimated that more than 120 million school-aged girls are currently not in school and many are likely to end up in child marriages. Here, being mentored is quite literally lifesaving; it enables the girls to be empowered and become independent.

The Ripple Effect: Mentoring the Next Generation

It is seen when a girl is mentored, it is not only the girl who benefits from the process. And this wisdom and confidence that is passed through the girl can only be guaranteed by a good mentor. In Kenya, the impact of mentoring extends far beyond the individual, creating a ripple effect that positively influences entire communities. When a girl is mentored, she not only gains the tools and confidence to overcome her own challenges but also becomes a beacon of inspiration for others. As she progresses in her education and career, she often returns to uplift her peers and younger generations, creating a cycle of empowerment that spreads through families and communities. This ripple effect is especially significant in rural and marginalized areas, where mentorship can spark a cultural shift toward valuing girls’ education and leadership. By empowering one girl, mentors indirectly contribute to a broader movement for social change, helping to dismantle long-standing gender stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive society where girls are seen as equal contributors to national development.

Malala Yousufzai, a girls’ education activist, once said “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.” Mentorship to the tropes creates circles of influence that impact the ripple effect where a mentor change maker leaves a lasting legacy to those who will impact communities positively.

Conclusion

Mentorship is one of the key meaningful ways of empowering the girl child to be whatever she wants to be. By receiving the necessary support from mentors, girls can get through obstacles that life puts in front of them, and become successful students, employees, and individuals.

The evidence is clear: School mentorship enhances students’ academic achievements and confidence, self-esteem, perseverance, and leadership characteristics. We should cherish mentorship as a rich strategy for empowering girls for a better future.

According to Michelle Obama, there will always be a place for dreamers, and everyone is entitled to beautiful dreams. Hence, the quote, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. We are the key to empowering girls so their dreams can come true when we mentor them

Sources:

  1. United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI) – “Mentorship: A Powerful Tool for Girls’ Empowerment”
  2. UN Women & Girls Not Brides – “Impact of Mentorship on Girls’ Education in Africa”
  3. UNICEF – “The State of the World’s Children Report 2023”
  4. Girls Not Brides – “Early Marriage, Education, and the Role of Mentorship”