Sa’adatu Abdullahi Aliero, a student of Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, joined the WVL-N Young Women Leaders Mentorship Programme as a shy young woman who struggled with self-confidence, public speaking, and decision-making. Although she aspired to become a leader, fear and the influence of others often prevented her from taking initiative.
Selected as one of the mentees from tertiary institutions across Kebbi State, Sa’adatu embraced the six-month mentorship programme as an opportunity for personal growth. Through training and mentorship, she developed essential leadership, communication, public speaking, advocacy, and lobbying skills that transformed her confidence and ability to engage in public spaces.
Determined to apply her new knowledge, Sa’adatu used her advocacy skills to support a friend who was experiencing domestic violence. By engaging the family and advocating for intervention, she contributed to a positive resolution. This experience became a turning point in her leadership journey and demonstrated the practical impact of the skills gained through the programme.
Following the mentorship, Sa’adatu continued investing in her personal and professional development by completing several capacity-building programmes, earning certificates in Building Gender IQ from UN Women, Action to End Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse from End Violence in partnership with UNICEF, Green Business, and the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs.
Motivated to create change in her community, she mobilized young people to establish the Association for the Enlightenment, Empowerment and Development of Youth, Women and Children, where she currently serves as Vice Chairman. Through the association, she has led community outreach activities, including visits to hospitals and orphanages and the distribution of food and support to vulnerable groups.
Sa’adatu’s journey reflects the impact of WVL-N’s commitment to strengthening female participation and leadership. Today, she actively occupies leadership spaces within her community, inspires other young women to pursue leadership opportunities, and contributes to decision-making processes that advance community development.
“Before the mentorship programme, I was influenced by the opinions of others, but now I am courageous and confident enough to speak in public spaces.”
“My leadership capacity has been strengthened, and today I am inspiring other young women to develop leadership ambitions and become agents of change in their communities.”