07 Nov 2016

The director of The African Women Leadership Academy, Dr Mpho Gilika, says mentorship is a strategy that can help girls reach their potential.

Speaking during the United Nations population fund inter-generational dialogue, Dr Gilika said it was necessary to consider mentorship as a tool that can enhance the development of a girl child.

“The foundation of mentoring helps to nurture a girl child and increase her opportunities to eventually seek and acquire leadership positions,” she said.

She explained that the support from a mentor could either be provided by a parent or someone who can offer support, giving an example where mentors help build a child’s self-esteem and self-control.

“They can also provide emotional support, advice, and guidance about subjects that adolescent girls might feel uncomfortable, apprehensive or fearful discussing with their parents,” Dr Gilika said.

She highlighted the need to invest in mentoring programmes for girls, the need to recognise the worth of mentoring and support efforts of organisations that have established girl- child mentoring programs.

In conclusion Dr Gilika said mentoring was a bridge that any 10 year-old-girl need to cross.

“Thousands of children in our communities are eager to connect with adults who are willing to listen and be available to them,” she said.

She said through mentoring, a girl can be exposed to professional networks and opportunities of participating in both local and international.

The event was held under the theme: How our future depends on a girl at this decisive age. ENDS