March 16th, 2026.
Last week, someone asked me what I’d tell my younger self, and the first thing that came to mind was simple: get a mentor. Not someone distant or out of reach, but someone you can actually speak with. Someone who has walked the path you’re about to take, made the mistakes you might make, and come out with lessons worth sharing.
It’s a thought that clearly resonates beyond just one person, because on the sidelines of the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW 70) in New York, ASR Africa convened mentors, both longstanding and new, for a stakeholder meeting focused on shaping the next phase of its Mentorship Program for young women in tertiary institutions across Africa.
The meeting created space for honest reflection and forward-looking conversations. Mentors shared insights from past cohorts, discussed evolving needs of mentees, and explored how the program can continue to deliver meaningful support as it expands into more countries. At its core, the conversation centered on one thing: how to better equip young women not just academically, but with the clarity, confidence, and guidance needed to transition into their professional lives.
In acknowledging the role mentors have played so far, the MD/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr. Ubon Udoh, expressed appreciation for the time, commitment, and consistency they have brought into the program. He noted that among ASR Africa’s various interventions, the mentorship program continues to stand out for its long-term impact, largely because of the relationships built and the direction it provides. That sense of appreciation carried through the event, culminating in the presentation of certificates to mentors in recognition of their contributions, an unexpected but fitting moment that reflected the value of their work.
Closing the session, Pamela Morgan, co-chair of NGO CSW, New York, reinforced the importance of sustained mentorship in advancing women’s empowerment. Drawing from her involvement since the program’s early stages, she encouraged mentors to continue investing their time and experiences, noting that while impact may not always be immediately visible, it often unfolds over time. As the program grows, having already supported over 200 mentees across multiple countries, the focus remains clear: building a structure where mentorship continues to shape not just individual journeys, but broader outcomes across communities.
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