Why Mentorship Matters: Empowering Women on International Women’s Day
What if one conversation could change the trajectory of a young woman’s life?
On this International Women’s Day, we recognize that leadership is not just about individual achievement — it’s about lifting others as we climb. In alignment with this vision, Red Dot Foundation hosted the 10th edition of the Vital Voices Global Mentoring Walk in Mumbai. The event matched 27 senior women from government, corporates, and civil society with young women from vulnerable backgrounds. Over the next three months, these pairs will embark on a transformative mentoring journey, fostering growth, confidence, and opportunities for the next generation of female leaders.
Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for building leadership, and my experience in the Tällberg Leaders Mentoring Leaders Program where I am a mentee reinforces this belief. In today’s world, leaders must navigate a minefield of misinformation, rising inequality, and the erosion of trust in institutions. Structured mentorship equips young women with the skills and confidence to address these challenges head-on. Whether in business, policy, or grassroots activism, structured mentorship provides young women with access to networks, skills, and insights that are otherwise out of reach. It is an investment in future leadership, ensuring that those who have historically been excluded from decision-making spaces can find their voice and place. Even if you are an experienced and not-so-young leader, mentorship can help you navigate challenges and transitions in your own professional and personal journey.
The impact of mentorship extends far beyond individual growth. Many of our young mentees have expressed an interest in postponing marriage, driven by their aspirations to start businesses, become data analysts, join the police force, and run their own non-profits. Without role models in their immediate families, mentors serve as crucial reference points, demonstrating what is possible. Almost all of them want to speak English with confidence, recognizing that sometimes, it is the small things that can make a big difference. One of our young mentees told me she dreams of starting her own business but did not know how to go about it. Luckily for her, she was paired with an entrepreneur in the logistics business. With her mentor’s guidance, she now sees a clear pathway to making her business a reality. Another young girl aspires to be a choreographer in the film industry, but she lacked the guidance to navigate her path. This aspiring choreographer was matched with a filmmaker who is helping her clarify her goals and set a plan in motion.
When women support and uplift one another, entire communities benefit. A young woman who gains confidence through mentorship is more likely to become a leader in her own right, advocate for others, and break cycles of poverty and exclusion. Organizations that invest in mentorship don’t just build stronger leadership pipelines — they cultivate innovation, enhance employee retention, and create workplaces where diverse voices thrive.
At Red Dot Foundation, we’ve always believed in the power of community-driven solutions. Our mentorship program is an extension of that philosophy — creating structured opportunities for women to support and learn from each other. While it may seem that mentees benefit the most from these relationships, reverse learning also takes place, with mentors gaining fresh perspectives, new insights, and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by younger generations. We are not just celebrating International Women’s Day; we are actively shaping the future of women’s leadership.
The world does not lack talent — it lacks opportunities. From grassroots movements addressing inequality in Latin America to climate activists in Europe and Africa, the spirit of action-driven leadership is alive. Red Dot Foundation’s mentorship program is one thread in this global tapestry of change. The question is not whether young women are capable of leading but whether they are given the guidance and support they need to do so. Through mentorship, we can bridge this gap, ensuring that the next generation of women leaders emerges with confidence, resilience, and the skills to drive change.
Imagine a world where each of us rises to the challenges of our time with empathy, courage, and conviction. Where leaders inspire collaboration and create lasting change. This world is possible, but only if we take the first step. Mentorship is not a privilege; it is a responsibility. As we reflect on what leadership means today, let us commit to creating pathways for the next generation. Whether through formal programs or everyday guidance, each of us has the power to uplift another.
Who has mentored you in your journey? And who will you now mentor to pay it forward?
