She Didn't Wait for Change, She Became It.

She stood before a room full of judges, her voice steady but passionate. In just five minutes, she spoke of a dream to help young girls embrace technology and learn AI. Her name is Bonny Joy Kaburuk, and her project, She Learns AI, isn’t just an idea; it’s a movement to prepare girls for the future. Across Africa, young women like Bonny are stepping out, not waiting for change, but leading it. This year’s International Day of the Girl Child, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,” is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder of the quiet power within every girl, the power to dream, create, and transform her world. 

Every movement starts from a seed. Sometimes that seed is a story, an experience, or a deep desire to solve a problem close to the heart. For Bonny, it was seeing how few girls had access to digital skills or even believed they could be innovators. For Ibukunoluwa Okunoye, it was the realization that stories shape identity and values in children, birthing StorySeeds Initiative, which uses storytelling to teach character and culture. For Maryam Missa, it was the urgency to preserve local wisdom and sustainability practices through Sustainalens, a digital platform amplifying indigenous environmental stories from African communities.

But Bonny, Ibukunoluwa, and Maryam are not alone. This year’s PitchFest stage was filled with young women who had turned personal experiences into purpose. Faith Anyaole Bogoro grew up witnessing the unique challenges faced by girls in military barracks, which inspired her to launch Barracks Girl Rising, a mentorship project that helps girls dream beyond their surroundings. Happiness Sani, through her initiative Light Up, is teaching girls soft skills and financial literacy, showing them that empowerment begins with knowledge and confidence. Naemot Animasahun is doing the same for teenagers, helping them understand money early through her project, Financial Literacy for Teenagers.

In Kenya, Loreen Mayabi is equipping girls with the courage to speak up through Know Your Rights, a legal awareness initiative giving young women the tools to understand and defend their rights. Victoria Ogbeide is tackling a growing concern in the digital age with Cybersecurity Awareness for Financial Safety, ensuring that women stay safe and informed online. Some girls are bridging even larger gaps, like Telma Alexandre from Angola, whose project AI TalkEasy uses artificial intelligence to make English learning more accessible for non-native speakers. Or Sophia Oine from Uganda, who is championing girls in STEM through STEM for Her, a program designed to inspire more girls to explore science and technology.

And then there’s Gloria Ofurum, helping young people unlock digital opportunities through Glokopact, where she teaches how to earn a legitimate income using smartphones. Finally, Marygeorgeen Simiyu from Kenya reminds us through her project Beyond the Pitch that transformation doesn’t end with presenting an idea; it continues in the consistent work of building and growing that idea into impact. These young women represent thirteen unique stories, yet they share one truth: before a girl leads change, she first learns to believe in who she is. Through mentorship, we’ve seen this transformation unfold quietly, steadily, and powerfully. She starts by asking questions, finding her voice, and daring to pitch ideas that once felt too big.

At Inspire Her Afrika, we’ve watched mentees step into confidence, collaboration, and community. We believe every girl carries a seed of change; she only needs a little nurturing to bloom. And this September, at our annual PitchFest 2025, that belief came alive again. One by one, mentees stood before a panel of judges, not just to compete, but to declare vision. Each story, each pitch, and each dream became a testament that African girls are not just dreamers; they are builders, thinkers, and change-makers. But change doesn’t always begin with big titles or loud applause. Sometimes, it begins with a quiet conviction, a girl sketching ideas in her notebook, a student using her voice to raise awareness in her school, a young woman saying, “If no one will build it, I will.” These are the unseen beginnings of movements that shape nations.

As we celebrate this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, we honor every young woman rewriting the story of leadership in Africa, one dream, one idea, and one act of courage at a time. We celebrate the girl who is still finding her path, the one who is afraid but willing, and the one who has taken her first bold step toward change. The girl child is not the leader of tomorrow; she is the change of today. And when we choose to mentor her, support her, and amplify her voice, we invest in a future that is brighter, fairer, and more inclusive.

Join us to celebrate these incredible changemakers at the  Inspire Her Afrika Graduation Ceremony. 

Theme: Celebrating Women Who Dare to Build

Date: November 1st, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM WAT

Venue: Zoom

Register for the graduation here: https://bit.ly/IHAGraduation   

Because when one girl rises, she doesn’t rise alone; she lifts a generation with her. 

Written By
Marvelous Adekanmi

The Silent Pressure to Be More.

Have you ever felt like your achievements have an expiry date?  Have you ever noticed how quickly the feeling of achievement fades? You finally hit a milestone you’ve prayed and worked so hard for, but before you can even celebrate, your mind whispers: “What next?”

 You graduate from school, and before the ink on your certificate dries, the question comes: “So, what next?” You land a new job, and almost immediately, there’s the expectation: “When are you moving to a better role?” You start a small business, and not long after, the comparison begins: “This other person already has a bigger brand, why don’t you?” It’s a cycle many of us know too well. The degree isn’t enough; there’s another certification to chase. The job isn’t enough; you need a promotion. The recognition isn’t enough; you have to prove yourself again. Even in personal life, the same script plays out in relationships, finances, and lifestyle; there’s always an invisible bar rising just when you thought you had reached it.

 For many African women, this quiet, unspoken pressure is a constant shadow. It rarely announces itself, but it shows up in conversations with family, in the endless scroll of social media, and even in the way we measure ourselves against invisible standards. We live in a world that applauds speed and rewards visibility. Everyone seems to be achieving something spectacular, and the temptation is to believe that you’re running late, late in your career, late in love, late in finances, late in life.

The danger? We begin to see our current best as inadequate. Instead of celebrating progress, we minimize it. Instead of honoring our pace, we punish ourselves for not moving faster.

But here’s the truth many of us forget: thriving is not always about being more; sometimes it’s about being enough.

Being enough looks like:

• Finishing your undergraduate degree and taking time to breathe before jumping into the next big thing. 
• Running a small business faithfully, even if it hasn’t yet scaled into a multinational brand.
• Choosing rest over constant hustle because you know burnout won’t get you closer to your dreams.
• Valuing your quiet growth seasons, even when nobody is applauding.

This doesn’t mean we abandon ambition. It means we recognize that contentment is not the enemy of growth; it is the soil where true growth happens. When we are content, we can dream bigger without fear. We can take steps forward without being crippled by comparison. We can embrace our journey without hating the pace. Contentment does not cancel ambition. Instead, it grounds it. It allows us to dream, grow, and achieve without losing ourselves to the endless race of comparison. This month, our encouragement is simple: be present with your progress. Let contentment and ambition walk side by side, and remind yourself daily that your pace is enough, and so are you.

Here’s an invitation to pause, breathe, and reflect on where you are, and to honor it. Yes, there’s still more ahead, but your present is just as valuable as the future you’re working toward.

In this month’s episode of the IHA Podcast. Our host, Marvelous, sits with the inspiring Similoluwa Awe, lawyer, author, activist, and founder of TeensxTeenties. Together, they unpack the quiet weight young women often carry the pressure to constantly measure up, to do more, to be more. Similoluwa shares honest insights about finding balance, protecting your peace, and thriving without letting pressure define you.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:

💬We’d love to hear from you: How do you deal with the pressure to always be more? Share your thoughts in the comments; your words might be the encouragement another young woman needs today.

From,

Marvelous for the IHA Team

When Career Dreams Take a Different Turn: The Career I Dreamt of vs. The One I Built

They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But what happens when your lemons are your career dreams and plans?

Many of us find ourselves in careers that bear little resemblance to what we once dreamed of. At first, this can feel like a failure. “I didn’t become what I said I would be.”But what if the careers we built, sometimes intentionally, through unexpected detours, are just as valuable, if not more, than the ones we dreamt of as kids?

We had a quick chat with a few African women, and they opened up about their career journeys: the paths they once imagined and the ones they’re now building.

Tolu- Nigeria

When I was young, I wanted to be a writer. I’d read a novel and become so fascinated by the mind of the writer; how did she concoct the stories? How were all the words readily available to her? How was she able to tell her story in such a way that I understood it, got hooked by it? So, I decided to become a writer. I wanted to tell stories too, make tangible the intangible. But adulthood happened, and I didn’t become a writer. I became a communications specialist. I have worked in PR firms, Ad agencies, and I loved it, probably because a lot of what I did involved writing, not just the type I dreamed of becoming when I was younger. 

I am still very much fascinated with writers and their minds. I love to read, and every single time I pick up a book, I’d paw through each word in an attempt to see through to the writer’s mind. It was such an intense, invigorating feeling that I recently resigned from my job and enrolled for a Master's in Literature. Rather than focusing on becoming a writer like I had planned, something interesting happened. I suddenly began to explore becoming an academic. Now, not just do I want to become a writer, I also want to become a lecturer of literature, nurturing minds not just through my written works, but also through my teachings.

Busola -United Kingdom

When I was a child, I dreamed of working in a bank. I was fascinated by the smart corporate appearance of bankers, their confidence, professionalism, and the stability their work seemed to represent. To me, banking embodied success and respect, and I believed that was the future I wanted.

As I grew older, however, my interests and values began to shift. Today, I work as a healthcare assistant abroad and will soon begin a Master’s degree in nursing. My path has taken a different turn, but it reflects a deeper sense of purpose. Instead of managing numbers, I dedicate my time to caring for people, supporting their health, and making a direct impact on their lives.

Even though banking and nursing seem worlds apart, I’ve come to see the similarities; both demand responsibility, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to service. The lessons I once admired in bankers still shape me today, but I now channel those qualities into a more human-centered and impactful career.

Jewel - Nigeria

I had loved to work in the Arts, anything artistic; I’m a thorough art lover. So, I applied to study English; I literally went to school to read books. Even though I don’t have strong writing skills, I’m a voracious reader, so I picked up an interest in editing. I played around with it briefly, but I never fully developed it as a career.

Upon graduation, I pursued a career in the fashion industry for five years; it was actually a dream of mine, and I thrived in my own little way. Afterwards, I dabbled in the social development space, grew in the field, and became the Executive Director of an NGO, Women Too Africa Foundation. Personally, I feel like where I am currently is a combination of everything I’ve learned, explored, and built over the years. Being the Executive Director of an NGO is a dream being fulfilled on its own. My journey brought me onto this path, and this path stirred up an interest in politics, so don’t be surprised if by tomorrow I become a politician, lol.

Tammie - Nigeria

I've always been a big fan of the Media space. As a young child, I enjoyed watching the news casters on screen, especially on NTA. I also had a favorite anchor for "Inside Lagos", a show aired on TVC. Though I never knew anything about it or what it meant but I was always just happy seeing those amazing women on screen, imitating them and aspiring to be on TV one day. I wanted to be heard, recognized, and speak eloquently like them. My school mother back in secondary school taught me the word "Mass Communication" and made me understand what it entailed, and that's how I fell in love with the media. 

I am a graduate of Mass Communication, and I have been pushing and learning all about the media world. Now with the advent of the Internet, it has been a wonderful experience. Currently, I work as an administrative virtual assistant (professionally), voiceover talent, and event storyteller in the creative industry. This is still in line with my passion and interest, and I'm happy that I'm walking in the path that I have always admired. 

It hasn't been a walk in the park; there are ups and downs, but I'm grateful for the seasoned experts and mentors I have met who constantly groom me and ensure that I deliver the very best in all aspects of my work.

 Amen - Ghana

I had always wanted to be a journalist. I think my dream never changed, but my priorities did because of the usual tussle of university life and career decisions afterwards. I have dabbled in other things not too far-fetched from journalism, such as writing, editing, and presenting. Right now, I’m navigating my career by taking certifications and gaining meaningful experiences that will help me pivot and eventually live out that dream.

The truth is, the journey from dream to reality is rarely a straight line. It’s filled with growth, resilience, and reinvention. You may not be the doctor you once hoped to be, but maybe you’re now a strategist, an innovator, or a leader changing lives in another way. You may not have followed your first dream, but the career you’ve built tells a powerful story of courage, choice, and adaptability.

This is why we’re excited to host our next Virtual Mastery Session on “The Career I Dreamt of vs. The One I Built.”

📅 Date: September 6th, 2025

🕛 Time: 12:00 PM WAT

🔗 Register here: https://lu.ma/c8taq7hh 

Ready to take control of your career story? We can’t wait to see you there!

💬 What’s a part of your career journey that you didn’t plan for? Share your story in the comments below.

From: Marvelous for the IHA Team.

From Dream to Impact: How Inspire Her Afrika is Redefining Mentorship for African Women

 It’s been two years of real work, real stories, and actual impact. Inspire Her Afrika began in 2023 with one powerful vision: to empower African women through mentorship and meaningful community. What started as an idea has grown into a dynamic platform transforming the lives of young African women across the continent. The early days were filled with passion and possibility. In our very first year, we reached eight African countries and trained 28 women through our virtual mentorship program. We hosted six impactful Virtual Mastery Sessions and watched as eight of our mentees launched their personal passion projects, ideas that had once lived only in their journals or minds, now alive and thriving.

    In 2024, our reach expanded. We received 606 mentee applications and welcomed 32 mentors from 11 African countries. We held two powerful industry-focused sessions on career and entrepreneurship, and introduced our very first Pitch Fest, where women boldly shared their business and social impact ideas. We also launched the first-ever IHA Mentee Bootcamp, which culminated in a moving graduation ceremony, a true celebration of growth and resilience. Then came 2025. Over 300 mentees applied to be part of the journey, with 14 African countries represented in our current Bootcamp cohort. This year’s Bootcamp was a vibrant hub of growth, sisterhood, and transformation. Week by week, we watched women rise, owning their voices, sharpening their ideas, and showing up as leaders.

But that’s not all we’re celebrating. In this second anniversary season, we launched a brand-new podcast segment: Ask IHA, a safe space for real questions and honest answers. From personal growth to leadership and everything in between, this segment is our way of listening deeply and responding meaningfully. Because we believe every African woman deserves to be heard.

Our very first episode features Mercy, founder of Her Lead Network, who responds to a heartfelt anonymous question about identity, purpose, and feeling stuck in life. The story is raw, real, and deeply relatable, especially for women navigating life’s unpredictable seasons.

Got a question you’d like us to unpack? 🌐 Drop it anonymously here: https://bit.ly/Ask-IHA 

🎧 Listen to the episode here: Watch on YouTube

This season isn’t just about numbers or milestones. It’s about the stories. The ones still unfolding. The ones we’ve been privileged to be part of.

Here’s what some of our past mentees had to say:

💬 “I’ve improved my use of analytical tools, communication skills, and adaptability. I’m sincerely grateful to the program team for this incredible opportunity.”
— Ibukunoluwa Oluotanmi

💬 “My mentor guided me in securing an internship and gave me valuable feedback on my statement of purpose. Through this program, I improved my time management and public speaking skills, and gained clarity about my career aspirations.”
— Jo’an Kambai

💬 “This program helped me focus my energy on my aspirations and turn them into reality. I developed skills in sales and marketing, and with my mentor’s guidance, I established my business—Khadiz Katering. I’ve served over 15 clients already! This space was filled with influential women, and I’m grateful for such a supportive and inspiring experience.”
— Esther Khadioli

💬 “I’ve grown so much in such a short time. Through the mastery sessions, I discovered my personal brand and life roadmap. And the best part? I finally overcame my stage fright.”
— Memory Namasiku

Your journey could be next. We’re building a community where women rise together, and we’re so honored to have you with us on this ride.

How has Inspire Her Afrika shaped your story? What moments, mentorship, or lessons stood out for you? Drop your thoughts in the comments, we’re celebrating this milestone with YOU.

From: Marvelous, for the IHA Team 💛

She Took a Bold Leap into the IHA Bootcamp; And It’s Changing Everything

 A few weeks ago, Faith Bogoro stepped into something bold and new: the Inspire Her Afrika Bootcamp. What she thought would only be a learning program turned out to be a transformation hub. In this story, she shares her experience so far and the things she wishes she knew before joining.

Hi Faith, how’s the Bootcamp going so far?

It’s been two weeks into the IHA Bootcamp, and I must say, it’s more than just a learning experience; it’s a transformation hub.

How would you describe your experience so far?

So far, my experience has been nothing short of inspiring. From the first session, I felt seen and challenged to rise above my comfort zone. There’s this push to think critically, build, and connect, not just for me but for my group as well. It’s been intense, but most of all, life-shifting.

That’s powerful. Looking back, are there things you wish you knew before joining?

 Not to scare anyone off, but to better prepare them for the journey. First, I wish I had known just how much mental energy and emotion would be required. It’s intense in the best way, but the days are full and fast-paced. It’s about showing up fully, participating actively, and maybe confronting some hard truths about yourself and your goals. I also wish I knew how important it is to come with an open heart and a clear intention. The Bootcamp will stretch you, but you’d win if you’re honest and teachable. Thirdly, I wish I had come more prepared to network intentionally. The women here are powerhouses, and each connection is a potential collaboration, partnership, or lifelong friendship. Being more intentional about building those relationships early on would have made the experience even better.

What were your expectations going in, and how did reality meet them?

Joining the IHA Bootcamp, I had a mix of excitement and uncertainty. It rather became an amazing and complete mindset shift.

Was there a moment during the Bootcamp that made you feel really proud?

Yes, during our very first group meeting, I shared my story of how I started a small business. My teammates were thankful I shared and said they were inspired. One even mentioned she would buy whatever I offered. That moment made me realize I could do more, grow bigger, and stay consistent. I was reminded of why I applied for the Bootcamp in the first place.

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about applying for the next IHA Bootcamp?

Thank you for reading. If you’re interested in the IHA Bootcamp or considering applying next time, take the leap.

It’s definitely one of those experiences that can truly shift your perspective and open doors.

Thank you, Faith. We're rooting for you!

Is being ‘nice’ a superpower, or a career killer?
Join the conversation in our latest podcast episode as we unpack what it truly means to be a “nice girl” in leadership. Is it holding women back or opening unexpected doors?

🎧 Catch up now and share your thoughts, we’d love to hear from you.

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/hGC6fbpLMgs?si=gq9ofBCz8hiPRdyS 🎧 Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/hGC6fbpLMgs?si=gq9ofBCz8hiPRdyS 

Nobody Hears What You Don’t Say: These Women Learned to Speak Up.

You’re the thoughtful one, the planner, the doer. Your work speaks volumes, but somehow, no one seems to hear it. Here’s the truth: If you don’t say it, show it, or share it, nobody will know it. In a world where visibility is currency, staying silent is just too expensive.

Let’s Be Real! Being Loud Isn’t Always Comfortable. 

Many of us were taught to “stay humble” and “let your work speak for you.” But what happens when your work is whispering while the world is shouting? This isn’t about arrogance, it’s about self-advocacy. It's about being proud of your progress. And it’s about owning the stage of your life; one word, one post, one pitch at a time. I learned to sing as a child, and I always knew my voice was special. But whenever someone asked for volunteers, I’d hold back  thinking, “If I’m truly good, someone else will choose me.” I thought talent alone should speak for itself.

But here’s what I’ve learned: silence doesn’t serve your gift. I had to choose to own my voice without fear, without waiting for permission, and without worrying about what others might think. What mattered most? That I could sing beautifully, and the world deserved to hear it.

Real Women. Real Confidence. Real Impact.

Let’s talk about women who got loud on purpose and changed the game:

Tara Fela-Durotoye didn’t wait for a mic. She built House of Tara, launched Africa’s first beauty business school, and kept showing up until the world couldn’t look away.

Ibukun Awosika, the first female Chairperson of First Bank Nigeria, didn’t let boardrooms intimidate her. She brought bold ideas to the table and wasn’t afraid to speak them out loud.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie? She turned one TED Talk We Should All Be Feminists into a global movement. Why? Because she chose to speak up with grace and clarity.

These women didn’t wait to be discovered. They showed up, spoke out, and owned their voices, and the world listened. They all said something, and the world listened. So… What about You? This is your moment to start showing up. That business idea you’ve been cooking? Share it. That small win at work or school? Celebrate it. That opportunity you want? Ask for it. No more shrinking girl! No more waiting to be discovered. Because nobody hears what you don’t say.

Let’s Talk in the Comments! I want to hear from you. 

What’s one thing you’re brilliant at but rarely talk about? Drop your answers in the comments; I’ll be reading.

Ready to work from anywhere? 
Your remote career journey starts here!

Join Inspire Her Afrika’s first Virtual Mastery Session of 2025:
"Landing Your First Remote Job: A Practical Guide to Success."

Led by remote work expert Dr. Faith Nwaobia, this session will walk you through proven strategies to land your first remote role with real, actionable steps.

🎯 Date: June 12, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM (WAT)
🔗 Click here to register now ➡️ https://bit.ly/IHA-VMS 

Don’t miss out!   Your remote dream job is closer than you think!

From: Marvelous for the IHA Team.

Joan Found Her Gold! Now It's Your Turn!

Hey, inspired woman!

Searching for a job can feel like digging for gold in a mine. It’s exhausting, uncertain, and sometimes discouraging. The opportunities exist, but finding the right one requires persistence, strategy, and sometimes- a helping hand. Joan had spent months sending out job applications, each rejection email chipping away at her confidence. She had the qualifications, the passion, and the drive, but breaking into the job market felt like an impossible task.

Just when she was about to give up, Joan reached out to her mentor at Inspire Her Afrika. Her mentor had always believed in her potential and, recognizing her struggles, recommended her for an internship opportunity at IHA. That single recommendation changed everything. Now, Joan is interning as a Communications Officer at IHA, where she is learning essential skills and gaining the experience she once struggled to find. What seemed like a hopeless search turned into an opportunity to grow,all because of the power of mentorship and the right connections.

This is why mentorship matters. It’s not just about guidance; it’s about opening doors that once seemed closed. If you’re navigating career uncertainty, never underestimate the power of having someone in your corner who believes in you.

And Now, It’s Your Turn! 

The Inspire Her Afrika Bootcamp isn’t just another program, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn, grow, and be part of an empowering sisterhood. So, show up with enthusiasm, ready to find the gold you need. Ask questions, take notes, and put yourself out there. The more you invest, the more you gain! Think back to the energy, determination, and (let’s be real) even the heartfelt prayers you poured into your application. Now that you’ve secured your spot, it’s time to get intentional and maximize every moment.

What’s one big goal you plan to achieve during the Inspire Her Afrika Bootcamp? Drop it in the comments, I’d love to read it!

Catch up on our latest podcast episode where our host, Mbatemua, chats with the incredible Eva Nghivelwa, a Client Account Executive, about breaking career barriers, owning your worth, and boldly claiming your seat at the table here.