This year, as the world marked International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, Beyond The Classroom Foundation continued its commitment to supporting adolescent girls through its Sisters for HER initiative. The initiative focuses on mentoring girls through honest conversations about education, self-worth, purpose, and the choices that shape their futures.
Sisters for HER is a growing collective of women who are committed to standing alongside adolescent girls—both in physical spaces and online, by creating safe environments where girls can ask questions, share their concerns, and receive guidance from women who have walked similar paths. Through storytelling, open dialogue, and practical mentorship, the initiative connects girls with women who can help them navigate adolescence with greater confidence and clarity.
Mentorship remains one of the most powerful tools for shaping the lives of young girls. During adolescence, many girls face pressures around identity, relationships, expectations, and education. In these moments, having access to supportive female role models can make a meaningful difference, helping girls strengthen their self-worth, stay focused on their goals, and make more informed decisions about their futures.
Activities for the initiative began on Thursday, March 5, with a radio conversation on The Amplify Show on Eagles FM Abuja. During the programme, Raquel Kasham Daniel, Founder of Beyond The Classroom Foundation, spoke about the importance of women investing their time, knowledge, and experiences in younger girls.
The episode, titled “Give to Gain: The Benefits of Women Mentoring Girls,” featured Francisca Nzeagwu of Daurama Foundation, who shared insights from the Samira Buhari Mentorship Programme, a mentorship and skills development initiative supporting young women as they transition into the workplace or grow their businesses.
Throughout the discussion, the speakers emphasized how mentorship can help girls build confidence, develop leadership skills, and remain focused on their aspirations despite the many social pressures they may face.
As part of the International Women’s Day engagement, the foundation also hosted an online awareness campaign on March 8, bringing together women who are committed to supporting and mentoring the next generation of girls. Over 30 women participated in the engagement, amplifying the message that women can truly “give to gain” by sharing their time, encouragement, and experiences with younger girls.
The initiative concluded with a school mentoring outreach on Monday, March 9 at Junior Secondary School (JSS) Aliyeta, Lugbe, Abuja, where 100 adolescent girls participated in structured mentoring sessions.
During the outreach, the girls took part in small group mentoring circles, guided discussions, personal reflection activities, and open conversations with women mentors. The sessions created a supportive atmosphere where the girls could ask honest questions, reflect on their dreams, and strengthen their commitment to their education and future.
Speaking about the initiative, Raquel Kasham Daniel highlighted why mentorship remains central to the foundation’s work.
“Many girls today are navigating pressures and distractions that can easily derail their dreams. Through Sisters for HER, we are reminding girls that their education matters, their voices matter, and their future is worth protecting. We want every girl to know that she is not alone—there are sisters who are ready to stand with her and stand for her.”
Beyond The Classroom Foundation also noted that engagement with the school will continue through termly follow-up mentoring sessions, ensuring that the girls continue to receive encouragement and guidance beyond the initial outreach.
Through Sisters for HER, the foundation continues to strengthen a culture of mentorship, where women intentionally support girls to grow with confidence, stay committed to their education, and pursue their full potential.
