FROM RABILU ABUBAKAR GOMBE
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, Hold A Needy and Support, HANS, Centre for Social Justice and Development has unveiled an ambitious mentorship programme to empower over 120 young girls in Gombe State.
The initiative, aimed at fostering self-reliance and professional growth, seeks to equip participants with the tools needed to build impactful careers and take on leadership roles.
The launch brought together distinguished female professionals from diverse fields including medicine, law, engineering, entrepreneurship and security services. Through workshops, interactive sessions and panel discussions, these mentors shared their experiences and insights with the young participants.
Speaking at the event, the Founder and Chairperson of HANS Centre Board of Trustees, Hannatu Simon, underscored the programme’s significance in addressing gender inequality and enabling young girls to realise their potentials.
“This initiative is about equipping these girls to stay in school, choose fulfilling career paths and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“By connecting them with role models, we aim to inspire them to dream big and break through societal barriers.”
Simeon also highlighted the urgent need to address issues like gender-based violence, economic dependence and limited educational opportunities.
“This programme is a proactive step to rewrite the narrative for women and girls in our society. We want to nurture a generation of empowered, independent women,” she added.
The participants were carefully selected from the 114 political wards in Gombe State, with additional slots allocated to schools in Gombe metropolis and candidates chosen by the Centre’s Board of Trustees.
Each girl was assigned a mentor, including commissioners, local government chairpersons, senior health practitioners and professors, ensuring exposure to various career paths.
She expressed commitment to ensure the programme’s sustainability through an extensive mentor-mentee network.
“We are creating a ripple effect of empowerment that will extend beyond Gombe State and inspire future generations,” she said.
The mentorship programme is poised to nurture future leaders, innovators and professionals, driving transformative change in their communities and beyond.
