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By Adewale Sanyaolu
The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), has moved to scale up its flagship mentorship programme for young women across the continent, using a high-level stakeholder engagement in New York to outline an ambitious next phase.
Held on the sidelines of the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, the meeting brought together mentors from Africa and the diaspora for strategic deliberations on expanding the programme’s reach and deepening its impact.
The gathering, which doubled as both a policy dialogue and recognition event, underscored ASR Africa’s growing influence in shaping conversations around mentorship as a critical tool for women’s advancement—complementing formal education.
The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, widely regarded as the foremost global intergovernmental body on gender equality, provided the backdrop for the engagement, reinforcing the programme’s alignment with international development priorities.
Speaking at the event, ASR Africa’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Ubon Udoh, described the mentorship initiative as the organisation’s most transformative intervention, noting its unique ability to bridge the gap between academic life and professional careers for young women.
He commended mentors for their sustained commitment, stressing that their contributions have been central to helping participants gain clarity, confidence, and direction in their personal and professional journeys.
Guest of honour and Co-Chair of NGO CSW New York, Pamela Morgan, also lauded the initiative, noting that global development leaders are increasingly recognising mentorship as a powerful driver of women’s empowerment.
She urged mentors to remain committed, highlighting the mutual value of the programme, not only for mentees but also for mentors who gain insights from the experiences of the young women they support.
A major highlight of the event was the recognition of outstanding mentors, who were presented with certificates for their contributions to shaping the next generation of female leaders.
