To commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, Beyond The Classroom Foundation engaged 100 adolescent girls in mentorship sessions through its Sisters for HER initiative, reinforcing the importance of education, self-confidence, and purpose among young girls.
The initiative connects adolescent girls with women mentors who provide guidance through open conversations, storytelling, and shared experiences. Through these engagements, girls are encouraged to ask questions, reflect on their goals, and gain practical advice from women who have navigated similar life challenges.
Sisters for HER is a growing network of women dedicated to supporting adolescent girls both in schools and through online platforms. The programme creates safe spaces where girls can speak openly about the pressures they face and receive encouragement that helps them stay focused on their education and personal development.
Mentorship is particularly important during adolescence, a stage when many girls begin to face pressures related to identity, relationships, and societal expectations. Access to supportive female role models can help girls build stronger self-esteem, remain committed to their studies, and make more informed decisions about their futures.
Activities marking the initiative began on Thursday, March 5, with a conversation on the Amplify radio programme, where Raquel Kasham Daniel, Founder of Beyond The Classroom Foundation, discussed the role of mentorship in protecting girls’ educational journeys. She was joined by guest Francisca, who shared perspectives on helping girls remain focused on their ambitions despite social pressures.
On March 8, the foundation hosted an online awareness engagement that brought together women committed to mentoring the next generation. More than 30 women participated, amplifying the message that women can contribute to social change by investing their time and experience in guiding younger girls.
The week-long activities concluded with a school-based mentoring outreach on Monday, March 9, at Junior Secondary School (JSS) Aliyeta, Lugbe, Abuja, where 100 girls participated in structured mentoring sessions.
During the outreach, the girls took part in small mentoring circles, guided discussions, and personal reflection exercises, allowing them to openly discuss their aspirations, challenges, and educational goals with women mentors.
Speaking about the programme, Raquel Kasham Daniel emphasized the importance of mentorship in helping girls stay on track during adolescence.
“Many girls today are navigating pressures and distractions that can easily derail their dreams. Through Sisters for HER, we are reminding girls that their education matters, their voices matter, and their future is worth protecting. We want every girl to know that she is not alone—there are sisters who are ready to stand with her and stand for her.”
Beyond The Classroom Foundation noted that the engagement with the school will continue through termly follow-up mentoring sessions designed to reinforce key lessons and provide ongoing support for the girls.
Sisters for HER is implemented under the Beyond Her Odds Initiative, a programme led by Beyond The Classroom Foundation as part of the IGNITE Consortium. The initiative focuses on strengthening protective environments for girls through mentorship, community engagement, and education-focused interventions.
Through programmes like Sisters for HER, the foundation continues to expand mentorship networks and create supportive spaces where girls can grow in confidence, pursue their education, and reach their full potential.
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