A Transformative Model for Feminist Mentorship
by Antonia Howard and Umu Jalloh, Purposeful
“We are learning what it means to lift up our voices so that we can help our younger sisters lift up their voices too. We are asking why the world is the way it is, and we are wondering how it might be made different”
Four years on from the powerful beginnings of the Purposeful Mentors’ Academy, which grew out of our work with our network of over 600 mentors across Sierra Leone, we continue to be struck by the learning, and achievements of the young women participants. This in-depth initiative for young women is showing us the very real impact and transformative potential of feminist mentorship.
Since 2022, 50 young women from across the country have embarked on a transformative journey through the Mentors' Academy, based on learning from feminist movements worldwide built from the lives and experiences of women and girls. Mentors’ Academy is an initiative that encourages and supports young women across Sierra Leone to explore and confront the challenges they face, in a journey of discovery to claim their power within, and to use their collective power to chart their own roadmaps to independence, choice, and freedom. In a series of gatherings to mark each step of the journey, these safe and joyous spaces have drawn on feminist popular education and somatic practices to foster deep sisterhood and wellbeing among these young women, equipping them with the tools to transform not only their own lives, but also their communities.
“One thing I am grateful for being part of the Mentors Academy is self-discovery. This is something that has helped me so much in dealing with myself, issues around me, and relating with others.” — Mentor
The mentors have played an ongoing and pivotal role in supporting 15,000 girls through weekly Girls’ Circle gatherings, exploring a feminist life-skills curriculum, engaging with the themes of a girl-centred radio drama series lifting the realities and daily challenges of their lives, along with supporting their groups through financial collectivising initiatives. For them, the Mentors' Academy has become a safe and courageous space just for them, to focus on their personal growth as well as collective strength and confidence, and then ultimately the shifts in their community, as a result.
The Mentors’ Academy has provided both physical and virtual spaces for mentors from this large network to connect, learn, question and analyse, dream, and inspire each other. These spaces have gone well beyond the confines of formal meetings, and have grown to include organic gatherings where mentors share information and engage in discussions in communities or via WhatsApp, advocating for issues emerging in their lives. The WhatsApp group continues to play a vital role in nurturing this environment, allowing mentors to exchange experiences and learn from each other and also share information and discuss issues affecting their communities, and this digital aspect has created a vibrant community of deep connection and support, allowing mentors to grow friendships and build real solidarity.
Grounded in feminist consciousness-raising, mentors are encouraged to critically examine and challenge systems of power and oppressive gender norms, allowing each participant to decide what is true for them. Crucially, in this initiative, the focus is on learning together, rather than a teacher ‘teaching’ and students ‘learning’, thinking about ways to push back against the difficulties faced, growing in confidence together and moving towards reimagining the future.
“I have learned that you don't tell your story because you want others to feel sorry for you. You do it because you want to heal, and by healing, you can develop courage and confidence within yourself and with others.” — Mentor
The programme has been divided into three steps. The first; ‘My Relationship with Myself’, asks questions like; How do I see and know myself? What are my challenges and triumphs? Does the story I tell myself make me feel powerful or powerless? It has encouraged mentors to cultivate a positive relationship with themselves, building a foundation for future growth. Then follows, ‘My Relationship with Others’, focusing on effective communication, feminist leadership, and the ability to influence others and decision-makers. This phase has proven crucial, and leads directly into the final step, ‘My Relationship with Issues in My Family, Community, and Society,’ addressing discriminatory systems of power and the oppressions of patriarchy - mentors explore safety from sexual violence, economic opportunities, and the barriers faced by young women.
The Academy's methodology evolved through a pilot phase where mentors were involved in co-creating the content and delivery of the programme. This participatory approach was crucial in developing practices that were relevant and impactful, and aimed to strengthen mind-body connection, enhancing overall well-being and empowerment.
Through the journey of self-discovery and confidence-building, many mentors have become more self-aware and confident. They actively participate in sessions with enthusiasm and a willingness to express themselves. For some, the experience has led to them to proudly champion themselves as feminists and girls' advocates, even though the concept was initially unfamiliar. For others, their newfound confidence has given them the power to tell a new story about themselves, as survivors rather than victims. The transformation is evident as they embrace their roles with pride and determination, influencing both their personal lives and their communities.
“I used to find it difficult to share because I was scared that people would judge me.” — Mentor
One of the most powerful aspects of the Mentors' Academy is the personal transformation experienced. The approach offers valuable insights into how mentorship can be reimagined to foster embodied growth. We have seen this feminist mentorship providing young women with the guidance, support, and resources needed to navigate their challenges in real time and seize opportunities they didn’t think possible for themselves.
As part of the initiative, mentors received a personal development grant. Access to financial resources has been transformative, giving these young women power to invest in themselves and pursue their aspirations. A small amount of personal and independent finance provided the resources needed to take bold steps towards achieving their goals - like returning to education, taking on training and skills development, starting a collective or growing a business.
“I have been out of school for the past five years,I wanted to apply to University to do my course it _ so hard for me due to financial constraints. But the personal grants I received from Purposeful really changed my story. Due to that, I am in my First year in the School of Nursing.” — Mentor
There is no question that the Mentors' Academy has been instrumental in helping these young women live into their true selves and realise their potential. The journey has brought about significant changes in their lives, including gaining respect within their communities, a strengthened sense of belonging, heightened confidence, and newfound independence.
“I spent my own personal development funds and addition with what I have been saving to construct a building at Tonkolili a town called Yele. Two kids is safe space we are young girls will be selling food and support themselves for them not to rely on men. There are a lot of foreigners that are using young girls in that community and that is the town were I was giving birth to so I want to create a safe space where we will be selling food for a living.” — Mentor
“I spent this personal development grant on maize and rice farming by hiring machines, paying labour, buying seeds and fertiliser.” — Mentor
The impact of feminist mentorship through the Mentors' Academy is evident in the increased access and influence mentors have gained in family and community decision-making spaces. Mentors, empowered by their journey of discovery and solidarity, have taken bold actions to challenge systems of oppression and injustice within their communities.
“Because am using my money to develop myself even some people in my area are now giving me their own money to keep because they said I have mine so am not using the one they gave me to keep. I am even fighting for women and girls in my community for domestic violence and rape.” — Mentor
One mentor's journey saw her skills and confidence navigating and transforming traditionally male-dominated spheres of influence in her area;
“I am a nominated councillor and now an authority in my community. My biggest success is it has helped me in my confidence and helped me to be recognised more in my community.” — Mentor
For us, we continue to learn and to deepen our understanding of the power of feminist education as - truly - the bedrock of social justice and liberation for girls and women. As we grow this Sierra Leonean model in our work with girls and young feminists across the world, we know that from small beginnings, the Mentors’ Academy stands as a testament to the transformative power of feminist-guided allyship. As mentors continue to inspire girls, fellow mentors, and their communities, we know they are contributing to and informing the feminist movements across the world challenging societal norms and advocating for gender justice in all communities and in all corridors of power.
These personal reflections just signpost the impact of the work, and are part of much deeper organisational learning and insights, documentation and analysis to follow.
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