Why I Applied to Inspire Her Afrika: Precious' Story.

 

There is a strange feeling that comes with standing at the edge of a chapter while having no clear idea what the next one will look like. For many young African women, that season often comes during NYSC. One moment, life feels structured. The next moment, you are applying for opportunities, trying to figure out your next move, and hoping something finally works out.

For Aboje Precious, that season felt exactly like that. So we asked her a few questions about her journey, what led her to Inspire Her Afrika, and what the experience has been like so far.

What was life looking like for you before Inspire Her Afrika?

During NYSC, I spent a lot of time applying for opportunities and online graduate trainee programs, internships, and anything that felt like a step forward. I just knew I didn’t want to become idle after service. There was this constant feeling of trying to prepare for the future without fully knowing what that future would look like. But one quote stayed with me during that season: A moving person always meets their luck. So I kept moving.

How did you come across Inspire Her Afrika?

Honestly, I didn’t even realize it was a mentorship program at first. At the time, I thought it was another graduate trainee opportunity, so I applied normally, like I had been applying to other things online.

Then I got the acceptance email. I remember feeling genuinely excited because, for the first time in a long while, I had received positive feedback from an application. Out of the many people who applied, I was selected, and that alone felt like a step forward for me. And I think that moment reminded me that sometimes, all you need is one opportunity to remind you not to stop trying.

What made you say yes to the bootcamp opportunity?

One of the reasons I immediately said yes was because I have always wanted to improve my communication and public speaking skills. I admire people who can confidently express themselves and step into opportunities without fear, and I knew those were areas I wanted to grow in. I also want to become more confident in taking risks, especially in spaces like business and finance, even without having all the background or resources figured out yet. I think many young women silently struggle with that fear, wanting more for themselves but feeling unsure if they’re “ready enough.”

Has the experience started changing anything for you?

Definitely. Through my tribe, I am learning more about communication, teamwork, and confidence. I have also gained practical knowledge in using tools like Google Docs and Google Calendar for collaboration and organization. But beyond the practical skills, I think the biggest shift has been realizing that growth can happen in small ways every day. Sometimes, being in the right environment changes the way you see yourself.

A lot of young women struggle with self-doubt while trying to grow professionally. What would you say to someone currently feeling that way?

I would say: keep going anyway. You don’t have to feel fully confident before applying for opportunities or trying something new. Sometimes, growth happens while you are moving, not before. A lot of us think we need to have everything figured out first, but that’s not always how life works.

For women currently struggling with imposter syndrome or self-doubt, this conversation continues at our upcoming Virtual Mastery Session.

In this panel session, we’re bringing together African women who have been where you are; women who have questioned whether they belong, doubted their abilities, and shown up anyway. They’ll be sharing their experiences with imposter syndrome in their careers and what they’ve learned about navigating it without letting it hold them back.

🔗 Register here: https://luma.com/imx8m2cj

What does Inspire Her Afrika mean to you now?

For me, Inspire Her Afrika is more than just a program. It is a reminder that growth can come from unexpected places and that sometimes, simply taking a step forward can open doors you never planned for. And honestly, I think that’s the lesson I’m carrying with me from this season: You don’t always need certainty before you begin. Sometimes, the opportunity that changes you arrives disguised as something ordinary. And sometimes, the “yes” you almost overlooked becomes the beginning of growth you never expected.

What is one opportunity you almost didn’t apply for, but are now grateful you did?

Marvelous, for the IHA Team

My Mentorship Story (1): The Guidance I Didn’t Know I Needed

 When was the first time you heard the word mentorship?

For many African women, it doesn’t come as a formal introduction. No applications, no structured programs, and no clear definition. For Miracle, it started quietly, and it didn’t look like mentorship at the time. It looked like an aunt who paid attention. She noticed her academic curiosity early, the way she asked questions and approached her books with seriousness. And without making a big announcement about it, she stepped in.

At first, it was small things. She would send her materials for exams: past questions, study guides, and resources she didn’t even know existed. Then it became more. She began to guide her on how to study smarter, not just harder. She showed her what excellence required, not just effort, but strategy. Miracle didn’t call it mentorship then; she simply thought, “I’m lucky to have someone who helps me.” But the guidance didn’t stop after exams. When it was time to think about life after school, the questions became bigger. What next? Where do I apply? What does the process even look like?

Again, her aunt stepped in. From reviewing applications to explaining options she had never considered, she walked that journey with her. Not by carrying her, but by showing her how to walk it herself. That was when it began to click that this wasn’t just help. This was guidance and mentorship.

What Miracle Learned (And What Many Women Realise Too Late)

Mentorship is not always loud, and it doesn’t always come with a title. Sometimes, it looks like someone who sees your potential before you fully see it, someone who shares knowledge you didn’t know you needed, or someone who shortens your learning curve. And sometimes, it looks like what you wish you had. Because for many African women, that kind of guidance is missing.

Preparing for Mentorship: What You Should Know

As mentorship opportunities open and the Inspire Her Afrika 2026 Bootcamp starts, think and plan on how to show up to get the results you need. Here are three things you can do to prepare better for the Bootcamp and IHA Mentorship. 

Be clear about what you need 

Mentorship is not just “I want to grow.” What exactly do you need clarity on? Career? Confidence? Direction? The clearer you are, the more you will gain.

Come ready to do the work

A mentor will guide you, but they won’t do the work for you. Growth requires effort, reflection, and action.

Stay open and teachable

Sometimes, the guidance you receive will challenge you. It may stretch your thinking, but that’s where growth happens.

Miracle’s story is not rare. Many women have experienced fragments of mentorship from a teacher, a friend, a family member, or a leader. But imagine what happens when that guidance becomes intentional. That is what Inspire Her Afrika is building: a space where African women don’t just hope for guidance but have access to it.

💬 Tell us in the comments:

When was the first time you experienced guidance that changed something for you?

Marvelous, for the IHA Team. 

What No One Tells You About Taking Up Space.

“Take up space”, “Get the bag”, “Be loud about your wins.” If you’re an African woman today, you’ve probably heard these words more times than you can count. At work, at school, on social media, and even in conversations with friends. And while they sound empowering, no one really tells you what it actually looks like to take up space. Because the truth is, taking up space is not always loud. Sometimes, it is quiet or unseen. We often imagine “taking up space” as the big moments of landing the dream job, buying a car, building a house, or making a major announcement.

But what about the moments that don’t trend? What about the small, consistent, often invisible decisions that shape who you are becoming? What no one tells you is this: taking up space often looks like showing up when no one is clapping. It looks like posting consistently as you build your brand, even when the numbers are not growing yet, it looks like applying for opportunities even after rejection emails. It looks like investing in yourself, even when it feels “too small” to celebrate. It looks like choosing growth even when it’s uncomfortable and lonely. It looks like refusing to shrink.

Because many African women were not raised to take up space, we were taught to be always quiet and accommodating.  And while those values are not wrong, they often come with an unspoken expectation to not be too much. So we second-guess ourselves, downplay achievements, wait for permission, or hesitate to show up fully.  But taking up space is not about becoming loud for the sake of it. It is applying, even when you are unsure, speaking even when your voice shakes, showing up even when you feel behind, and moving on even when it feels like no one is watching.

And maybe this is what we need to understand: Your “small” wins are not small, they are foundations and evidence of your growth.

At Inspire Her Afrika, we see this every day: women showing up quietly, consistently, courageously. Women choosing growth, even when it is not glamorous.

And one thing is clear: no woman truly takes up space alone. There is power in guidance, and being surrounded by women who see you, challenge you, and support you. That is why mentorship matters. Because sometimes, taking up space is easier when someone reminds you that you deserve to be there.

This is your gentle reminder as we step into Q2; you don’t have to wait for the “big moment” to take up space. What will you do differently to take up space this quarter? Whatever it is, do it.

If you’re ready to grow with intention, gain clarity, and be supported on your journey, the Inspire Her Afrika Mentorship Program is here for you. Apply to be a mentee here: https://bit.ly/IHA-MenteeApplication2026 

And if you need guidance right now, Notes From Your Big Sisters is a great place to start, a collection of honest lessons and practical wisdom from women who have walked this path.

https://selar.com/notes_from_your_big_sisters

Tell us in the comments:

What is one way you will take up space in Q2?

What I Wish I Had

Growing up as an African girl child is one journey. Growing up without a sister, older or younger, is another journey entirely. For a long time, I didn’t know how much that absence shaped me. I walked my path alone,  strong on some days, brave on most days, but quietly lonely on many nights. I learned early how to figure things out on my own. How to keep my questions to myself. How to pretend I had everything under control. And for a while, I thought that was enough. Until life began to ask harder questions, decisions became heavier, mistakes became costlier, and uncertainty became louder. That was when I realised what I had been missing. I had never had a big sister to hold my hands and say,

    “Here’s what I learned the hard way.” “

    Here’s what you don’t need to struggle with.” 

    “Here’s how to     walk into that room with confidence.” 

    “Here’s how to protect your heart, your dreams, and your future.”

I didn’t have someone to correct me gently, answer my questions without judgment, share her mistakes so I wouldn’t repeat them, or teach me boundaries, workplace confidence, and self-worth. So I learned by trial, error, tears, late nights of self-doubt, by silent prayers, sometimes, by heartbreak. It wasn’t until I got into university that God began to answer a prayer I didn’t even know how to pray. He surrounded me with women; some became sisters, mentors, safe spaces, and some became mirrors that showed me who I could become. Through them, I learned that sisterhood is not about blood, it is about presence, guidance and walking together.

Maybe you’re reading this and seeing yourself. Maybe you didn’t grow up with a sister. Maybe you have sisters, but still feel alone in your journey. Maybe you’re navigating career, purpose, faith, and life with more questions than answers. Maybe you’re tired of figuring everything out by yourself. If that is you, I want you to know that you don’t have to do life alone. That is why the IHA Mentorship Program 2026 exists.

It is more than a program; it is a space where young African women are guided, affirmed, challenged, and equipped. If you are an early-career woman seeking clarity, confidence, and direction, this is for you. If you are ready to unlock your potential and become the best version of yourself, this is for you. Apply to be a mentee here: https://bit.ly/IHA-MenteeApplication2026 

For the Women Ready to Become “Big Sisters”

Maybe you’re on the other side of this story, as the woman I once prayed for and the big sister someone else is longing for to be a voice of wisdom and guidance.  If you are passionate about helping young women find their feet, build confidence, and avoid unnecessary struggles, then mentorship is your calling. Join the IHA 2026 Mentors and use your experience to inspire, empower, and shape the future of young female professionals across Africa.

Apply as a mentor here: https://bit.ly/IHA-Mentor2026 

Notes From Your Big Sisters: A Gift for Your Journey

Still wishing you had someone to talk to at midnight, or reassure you when you feel stuck? That is why we created Notes From Your Big Sisters. This book is our gift to you. It is a collection of heartfelt lessons, honest reflections, practical advice, and real stories from women who have walked this path and are still walking it. This book was written with you in mind.

Download your copy here:  https://selar.com/notes_from_your_big_sisters

If you're tired of guessing your way through life and you need guidance, this is your invitation to grow, connect, and rise, whether as a mentee, mentor, or through the pages of a book. 

What do you wish you had access to as an African woman? Tell us in the comments. 

Letters to the Woman I’m Becoming: A January Reflection.

January usually arrives with a loud bang, full of public declarations and "new year, new me" energy. But for many African women, the new year begins quietly. We often step into January carrying the weight of the previous year: unfinished dreams, unspoken disappointments, and the pressure to perform.

Beneath the noise, a quiet question lingers: Who am I becoming?

In our culture, we are often taught to focus on outward achievements. But "becoming" is different. It is layered, emotional, and often happens in the dark before it is ever seen in the light. This January, instead of rushing into resolutions, we invite you to pause and tell the truth.

We asked a few women in our community to write a short line to the woman they are becoming this year. Their words were honest, tender, and deeply familiar:

“Dear me, I hope this is the year you stop apologizing for wanting more.” “I’m becoming a woman who asks questions instead of pretending I know it all.” “This year, I want to learn how to hold my ambitions without burning out.” “I’m becoming someone who chooses community instead of suffering in silence.”

These aren't just quotes; they are intentions. They represent the gap between where we are and where we want to be.

Take a moment. If you were to write a letter to the woman you are becoming, what would it say? Writing the letter is the first step; it provides clarity. But at Inspire Her Afrika, we know that clarity is only half the battle. The woman you are becoming needs more than just a wish; she needs a system of support.

Growth rarely happens in isolation. The "woman who stops apologizing" needs a tribe to cheer her on. The "woman who avoids burnout" needs a mentor to help her set boundaries. This is why mentorship is at the heart of what we do. It’s the bridge between the letter you write today and the life you live tomorrow.

Join Our Information Session

If these reflections stirred something in you, don't let the feeling fade. We invite you to take the next step toward the woman you are becoming.

We are hosting an Information Session for the Inspire Her Afrika Mentorship Program. Whether you are looking for guidance as a mentee or want to pour back as a mentor, this session will show you how our community provides the reflection, accountability, and support you need to grow.

• Register here: https://bit.ly/IHA-InformationSession

The woman you are becoming doesn’t need to have everything figured out yet. She just needs honesty and a community that refuses to let her walk alone.

Tell us in the comments: What is one sentence you would write to the woman you are becoming this year?

The IHA North Compass: So Where Are We Headed Anyways?

Every year begins with questions

Not the loud ones about goals and numbers, but the quieter ones we carry into January - Are we still building the right thing? Are we listening well enough? Are we moving with intention, or just momentum?

Over time, I have learned that every journey needs a reference point.
Not a destination, but a direction.

That is what a north compass is

If December Made You Question Yourself, Read This!

 December has a way of slowing everything down. The year begins to feel heavier. As the noise of daily routines fades, many African women are left alone with their thoughts, replaying moments, decisions, missed opportunities, and quiet wins. It often starts with a simple reflection: “This year didn’t go exactly how I planned.” I should have done more.” “I should be further by now.” “Others seem to have it all figured out.” What we don’t always admit is that December doesn’t just bring closure; it brings comparison, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome to the surface.

Many African women enter a new year with clear intentions. We plan. We pray. We commit to growth. Yet life has a way of interrupting even the best-laid plans. Some of us spent this year managing family expectations alongside personal dreams, navigating motherhood while trying not to lose ourselves, carrying responsibilities we never signed up for, or simply trying to stay afloat in a year that demanded more than we anticipated. So when December arrives, and success is loudly celebrated online, it’s easy to feel like you somehow fell short, even when you didn’t.

Imposter syndrome doesn’t always sound dramatic. Sometimes it whispers quietly, “You only made it this far because of luck.” “You don’t really deserve that opportunity.” “Next year, they’ll realize you’re not good enough.” For African women, this feeling is often intensified by cultural expectations to always “have it together.” Strength becomes a performance. Struggle becomes something to hide. But the truth is, many women who look confident are also questioning themselves behind closed doors. You are not strange for feeling this way. You are human.

Not all progress comes with certificates, promotions, or public recognition. Sometimes progress looks like choosing rest over burnout, setting boundaries with family or work, leaving environments that drained you, starting again after disappointment, or learning hard lessons that reshaped your priorities. These moments rarely make it into year-end highlights, but they matter deeply. They shape who you are becoming. And becoming is just as important as achieving.

Instead of only asking “What didn’t I achieve?” try asking: What did I learn about myself this year? What strength did I discover that I didn’t know I had? What am I grateful for, even if the year wasn’t perfect? Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard part; it helps us see that growth happened, even in quiet ways.

Looking Ahead: Creating Space for Support

As we prepare for a new year, one thing is clear: many women don’t just need motivation; they need conversation, clarity, and safe spaces to be honest. That’s why at Inspire Her Afrika, we are introducing Inspire Her Hour in the New Year, a free, one-hour mentorship consultation created for women who need guidance outside our main mentorship program.

 Our January Edition is especially for mothers. Motherhood is beautiful, but it can also be overwhelming and lonely. Many women are raising children while trying to rediscover themselves, manage guilt, and carry invisible emotional loads. Inspire Her Hour is a gentle pause; a space to talk, to be heard, and to gain clarity. We will be selecting two mothers for an intimate, one-on-one session designed to support them as they step into the New Year.

Registration is now open! Register here: https://bit.ly/IHA-InspireHour

As this year comes to a close, remember this: you may not have done everything you planned. But you did something brave, you kept going. And that counts.

We’d love to hear from you. What is one thing you are grateful for this year?

Share it with us in the comments.

 

Marvelous, for the IHA Team