By Elanza News
In a powerful call to action during this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations, the President of Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI), Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, has urged women across Nigeria to embrace mentorship and collaboration as a sustainable path to empowerment. Speaking at the organisation’s IWD 2026 event in Abuja, Dr. Ahmadu officially launched the Helpline 30-Day Mentorship Circle, a structured programme designed to institutionalise mentorship and strengthen professional networks among women.
This year’s global IWD campaign theme, “Give to Gain,” served as the cornerstone of Dr. Ahmadu’s address. She emphasised that women’s empowerment must be reframed not as a competitive race, but as a collective journey where shared progress and social transformation are achieved through intentional support for one another .
“Empowerment is not a competition — it is a collaboration. It is not about one woman rising alone; it is about women rising together,” Dr. Ahmadu stated, underscoring the critical need for solidarity. She explained that the “Give to Gain” philosophy is rooted in the principle that when women contribute their time, knowledge, and opportunities, they build stronger communities while creating a lasting legacy of leadership for future generations .
The newly launched 30-Day Mentorship Circle represents a significant step in moving from symbolic celebrations to structured action. According to Dr. Ahmadu, the programme is designed to formalise the mentorship process, ensuring that experienced professionals can provide consistent guidance to younger women seeking career direction and personal growth. This initiative aligns perfectly with Helpline’s core mandate: to provide structured support that helps women transition from vulnerability to visibility, from dependency to dignity, and from survival to sustainable livelihoods .
Highlighting the organisation’s track record, Dr. Ahmadu noted that Helpline has consistently implemented programmes that yield tangible results. Over the years, the initiative has empowered widows by providing them with entrepreneurial tools and training to start small businesses, thereby rebuilding their confidence and restoring economic independence. In parallel, the organisation has invested in the future by training young girls in digital literacy and emerging technological skills, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital world .
“Charity may solve a moment, but mentorship builds a movement,” Dr. Ahmadu remarked, reinforcing the need for sustainability in empowerment efforts. She stressed that the true wealth of a nation lies not in its infrastructure, but in its empowered women who, in turn, uplift their families and contribute to national development .
The event in Abuja brought together a diverse assembly of women leaders, young girls, development partners, and supporters of Helpline. It served as a platform to reflect on the indispensable role of women in fostering stronger communities and driving economic progress. Dr. Ahmadu concluded her address by challenging women to move beyond rhetoric and commit to intentional actions that empower others, stating that such collective efforts are essential for building a more equitable and prosperous society .
As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, the launch of the Helpline 30-Day Mentorship Circle stands as a testament to the power of structured giving and the enduring impact of women rising together.
