By Hannatu Sulaiman Abba
Marking a year of remarkable success with over 2000 beneficiaries in monthly mentorship dialogue sessions, Kano Ladies Mentors and Mentees Dialogue (KALAMED) emerges as a force in reshaping societal narratives.
Inspired by the vision of fostering positive change, KALAMED addresses challenges faced by Northern women, tackling issues such as abuse, discrimination, stigmatization, tribalism, and other social factors hindering the pursuit of their dreams.
Initiated after the Kano Youth Summit organized by YOSPIS and supported by the Aminu Magashi Garba Foundation, KALAMED gained momentum when a YOSPIS member, inspired by the composed delivery of Zainab Nasir, the executive director of YOSPIS, envisioned creating a platform for women’s mentorship.
The member according to Hannatu, with a cool inner voice, speaks in the Hausa language how wish I can do it? (Da ma zan Iya) with no doubt, I answered her with oh yes you can, nothing is impossible, we can change the narrative, I always have this idea to find a solace avenue for ladies on mentorship.
Leading up to the discussions, the initiative delved into volunteering, offering support to young girls in the state with training on self-esteem, mental health, digital entrepreneurship, breast cancer awareness, CV writing, negotiation, self-branding, Sustainable Development Goals, and leadership skills.
Notably, community outreach efforts in Takai Local Government Areas focused on breast cancer awareness, targeting over 300 women and schoolgirls.
Prof. MB Shittu from Bayero University praised KALAMED as a transformative force, stating that it stands as the best version for women supporting women in the state.
The initiative’s impactful mentors, including Amina Idris Ibrahim, Dr. Maryam Nasir, Malam Ahmad Muhammad, Fatima Musa Aliyu, Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi, and Dr. Mustapha Shehu, have contributed significantly to this movement of societal change in Kano.”