Global Mentoring Walk 2026 Strengthens Mentorship Network in Kaduna

The 2026 edition of the Vital Voices Global Mentoring Walk, organized by Sheroes Rising for Development Initiative, was successfully held in Kaduna on April 18, 2026. The event brought together women leaders, professionals, and emerging changemakers for a morning of mentorship, leadership engagement, and network building at the Murtala Square Kaduna. The Vital Voices Global […]

The 2026 edition of the Vital Voices Global Mentoring Walk, organized by Sheroes Rising for Development Initiative, was successfully held in Kaduna on April 18, 2026.

The event brought together women leaders, professionals, and emerging changemakers for a morning of mentorship, leadership engagement, and network building at the Murtala Square Kaduna.

The Vital Voices Global Mentoring Walk is a leadership initiative designed to foster mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities through structured conversations during a guided walk. It creates an informal yet impactful environment where experienced professionals mentor young people, helping to break traditional barriers and making leadership guidance more accessible.

Following the success of its 2025 Abuja edition, which united male and female leaders in a 90-minute exercise of mentorship and impact, the 2026 Kaduna gathering expanded the initiative’s reach. It strengthened mentorship connections and amplified women’s leadership across Northern Nigeria, providing a platform for aspiring leaders to engage directly with experienced professionals on career development, personal growth, and leadership pathways.

Held in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026, the event was organized in partnership with the Maryam Babangida Centre for Women Development, Kaduna State Media Corporation, and other stakeholders.

It featured notable leaders and professionals, including the former Director General of the Maryam Babangida Centre for Women’s Development, Asabe Vilita Bashir who was represented by the Women Models & Mentors Kaduna, the Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration Kaduna State University Professor Maryam Abdu, and the UNICEF U-Mentors amongst others.

The walk focused on bridging the mentorship gap by connecting mentors and mentees in meaningful conversations that encouraged growth, relationship building, and professional advancement.

Participants described the event as a remarkable opportunity for impact, networking, and long-term leadership development.

The founder of SR4DI Hawwah A Gambo noted that the 2026 Global Mentoring Walk was not just a mentoring exercise but a powerful platform for building relationships, inspiring future leaders, and strengthening women’s participation in leadership spaces across Nigeria.

What distinguishes the mentoring walk is its departure from traditional formal settings. Rather than limiting mentorship to boardrooms or conferences, the guided walk format creates a relaxed and engaging environment for interaction which allows mentors and mentees to have open, side-by-side conversations, making the experience more personal, practical, and less intimidating for young participants.

This approach has proven effective in helping participants feel comfortable discussing their ambitions, fears, professional challenges, and personal development goals.

For many emerging leaders, especially young women, access to direct mentorship from accomplished professionals is often limited by structural and institutional barriers. The Global Mentoring Walk seeks to close this gap by making leadership conversations both accessible and intentional.

At the Kaduna event, participants engaged in discussions on social development, personal growth, national security, leadership and confidence building, workplace advancement, entrepreneurship, education, policy influence, and balancing personal and professional responsibilities.

Many young women shared their experiences of navigating male-dominated spaces and the challenges of pursuing leadership positions in environments where support systems are limited. Mentors offered practical guidance drawn from years of experience, shared lessons on resilience, strategic networking, self-confidence, and the importance of consistency in building both career success and leadership credibility.

These conversations provided not only advice but also reassurance that many successful women have faced similar challenges and overcome them.

The presence of institutional leaders reinforced the importance of mentorship as a long-term investment in national development. Leadership development goes beyond individual success; it strengthens communities and institutions by producing informed, confident, and capable leaders.

The involvement of the Maryam Babangida Centre for Women Development underscored the importance of institutional support in advancing women’s empowerment. Such partnerships highlight the need for collaboration across civil society, academia, media, and the private sector to achieve sustainable progress.

Kaduna State Media Corporation’s participation further emphasized the role of media in amplifying stories of women’s leadership and promoting visibility for empowerment initiatives. Media representation remains critical in shaping public perception and fostering broader acceptance of women in leadership roles.

The event also created valuable networking opportunities as relationships built during mentorship-driven gatherings often lead to future collaborations, referrals, and long-term professional support systems.

Several participants described the experience as transformative. For some, it was their first structured mentorship engagement, while for others, it reinforced the importance of seeking guidance and remaining open to continuous learning.

The Global Mentoring Walk reflects a broader global movement that recognizes mentorship as a key driver of women’s leadership advancement. Across different countries, similar initiatives have strengthened leadership pipelines by connecting women across generations and sectors.

In Nigeria, where gender disparities in leadership representation remain significant, initiatives like this offer practical solutions. They move beyond advocacy to create real access to mentorship and leadership support, demonstrating that mentorship can drive meaningful social and professional transformation.

The timing of the event, within the context of International Women’s Day 2026, reinforces this message. While the day is often marked by advocacy and dialogue, the Global Mentoring Walk translated these conversations into action by creating a space for women to engage, learn, and grow together.

Sheroes Rising for Development Initiative continues to position itself as a strong advocate for women’s advancement through programs that prioritize practical empowerment. Through initiatives like the Global Mentoring Walk, the organization is fostering a culture of mentorship, accountability, and leadership development among not just women and young professionals, but also young men.

The success of the Kaduna edition highlights the growing relevance of mentorship-based initiatives across Northern Nigeria, where access to leadership opportunities for women often requires deliberate support systems.

By bringing the walk to Kaduna, Sheroes Rising expanded its impact and reinforced the message that leadership opportunities should not be limited by geography.

As the event concluded, participants left with more than just memories of a morning walk. They gained new perspectives, valuable connections, renewed confidence, and practical insights to guide their personal and professional journeys.

The Global Mentoring Walk 2026 ultimately served as more than an event. It stood as a clear statement of purpose, reaffirming that women’s leadership must be supported through mentorship, access, and sustained opportunities for growth.