The Katuka Mentorship Programme recently concluded its annual cycle with a certificate handover ceremony held on 21 November at the Kubata Conference Centre.
As the event marked the end of another successful year, both mentors and mentees took the opportunity to reflect on their experiences and achievements.
Organiser of the Namibian Businesswomen Projects which Katuka falls under, Desere Lundon-Muller said the programmes empower and encourage entrepreneurs, business, and professional women to achieve their goals.
“A total of 150 mentors and mentees applied in 2024. Of these 45 mentors and mentees were accepted and 43 completed the orientation training in February and continued with the programme and 3 participants withdrew halfway,” she explained.
She stated that mentees obtained an insider perspective on navigating their career paths, gained diverse perspectives from well-experienced mentors, were exposed to greater knowledge of career success factors, and had access to a lasting professional network.
“While mentors played a catalytic role in creating an enabling environment for self-empowerment and skills acquisition. It is a nurturing role which requires dedication and commitment underpinned by igniting a spark in other individuals, building leadership and management skills and it is also a way to give back to respective associations and professions,” she added.
2024 mentee, Angeline Shaningwa who is an Estate Agent at Yellow Square Properties said her mentor Helena Ilovu, who is the Senior SME Development Officer at the Namibia University of Science and Technology taught her how not to be so hard on herself.
“Focusing on my goals took time and effort. I was afraid of making mistakes, but I learned that I learned from my mistakes which made me a better person, and I am grateful for Katuka,” she said. Shaningwa thanked her mentor Ilovu, for believing in her when she did not believe in herself.
Long-standing mentor, Simonee Shihepo-Mulamata, owner of Protégé Investor International said she started as a mentee in 2012, which gave her confidence and self-esteem. “When I became a mentor I also grew and learned from my mentees. The journey is not easy, but you learn to run your race and not compare yourself to others,” she added.
She said the programme is needed for people to grow because most of us are caught between a job and a dream. “Mentoring produces leaders and teachers you to come to the table without a box,” she emphasised.
Head; of Stakeholder Engagement CSR and Sponsorship at Bank Windhoek, Bronwyn Moody said for them as the main sponsors of the programme is about building trust between mentors and mentees and understanding what each of you needs to move forward and making an impact as Namibian women in business. “We understand that women’s empowerment is essential in creating an inclusive society, and the benefits are endless. Empowered women contribute to economic productivity and improve entire communities’ living standards,” she added.
She stated that they have witnessed so many young women embark on self-discovery and empowerment. “Since its inception, this programme has empowered and encouraged business and professional women to achieve their goals. As a result, close to 500 entrepreneurs and businesswomen have completed the programme. A huge congratulations to all the graduates, we look forward to celebrating your achievements and hearing authentic stories of transformation, both as mentors and mentees,” she said.
Inge Zaamwani Kamwi, Patron of the Katuka Mentorship Programme, emphasized the importance of legacy building during the recent certificate handover ceremony. She urged participants to consider their lasting impact and strive to empower women through their actions.
“Making an impact is touching one person at a time, growth is continuing and we are not in competition with others, but with ourselves,” she advised.
She said the most successful people in life are the ones who are committed to lifelong learning. “Your background does not matter, if you are committed to mentorship you can make it work, put in the work. I wish you success in the future,” she said, further announcing that she will be a mentor next year.
