Mentorship can be defined as the act of guiding an often inexperienced person to become better professionally, socially or even financially.
The role of a mentor is essentially to guide and provide the necessary advice and support needed to accomplish goals. That said, mentorship as it pertains to women has sometimes been criticised as being done in the place of actual financial support.
But what do women actually think? Do we resent the traditional model of mentorship or desire alternative methods like safe space groups where women as a collective can learn from each other with no imposed hierarchies?
To properly answer these questions and more, Urban Woman Magazine asked some women to share what their thoughts on mentorship are and if they think it is necessary.
Read their responses below.
Summer
Yes. I think mentorship is very necessary. Mentorship is letting those who have walked the path you want to to lead you.
It is getting directions, accountability, lived-experiences and systems that you can use to reach your potential.
The truth is for a long time, I didn’t really know how to access mentorship. I read books, took courses, joined webinars, bootcamps etc. I listened, watched content relating to areas I want to grow in.
But I think mentorship in the actual sense should be more personal. Someone who knows you, maybe not in full but to an extent–someone who sees you.
Most times, it seems those people we admire are often out of reach, and I don’t know if everyone will enjoy close-knit mentorship like this in their lifetime.
But there are group mentorships or someone close by you can seek mentorship from.
I have benefitted in such that I got to meet other women seeking growth, make connections and improve on my ideas and execution.
One way mentorship can be better is making it as close-knit as possible, not just social media or virtual based but people who know you, see you and can understand your path and its uniqueness.
Grace
I like the idea of mentorship but I think women are often the ones given mentorship opportunities where they should be given financial opportunities.
Jola and FK discussed it in an episode of ISWIS. Women are over mentored and underfunded.
Angel Nduka-Nwosu is a writer, journalist and editor. She moonlights occasionally as a podcaster on As Angel Was Sayin’. Catch her on all socials @asangelwassayin.