…..…As founder Rachel Edeh urges women to discover their potentials
Wife of Enugu state Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah has called for support for women empowerment, commending GUTSY Women Network Mentorship Initiative , for it’s mentorship programme ,for women and youth, just as the founder, Mrs Rachel Edeh calls on women to rise up, discover their potentials and shine.
Both spoke at the “The GUTSY Experience 2025 held on Saturday at the Base event centre ,Enugu.
Representated by the Senior Special Assistant to the wife of the G fearovernor on Special Duties, Mrs Chidinma Egeonu, Mrs Mbah described the theme of the event, , “YOUR ERA TO BLOOM” as apt, noting that, ” this is a unique era in which every woman is called out of the shadows of limitation and into the radiant light of opportunity and self-actualisation”.
Pix:Mrs Mbah ‘s representative ( L) GUTSY founder( R)
She said ,”mentorship is a powerful tool. It bridges the gap between potential and success. Through mentorship, knowledge is shared, confidence is built, and dreams are given a clear path to reality.
” This laudable initiative recognizes that no woman should walk the journey of life alone. Behind every successful woman is a mentor who believed in her, encouraged her, and guided her steps,” Mrs Mbah said.
Dwelling on the sustainability of women development, the Governor’s wife said Women are the nurturers of families, and the architects of sustainable development. She observed that too often, many women face barriers that hinder their progress – whether due to lack of access to education, limited economic opportunities, or the absence of strong role models and mentors.
Pix: Participants at the event
” The Gusty Women Network seeks to change this narrative by creating a vibrant, supportive community where mentorship is the catalyst for transformation.
“To the young women and aspiring leaders here today, I say: This is your moment. Your era to bloom. Embrace the mentorship opportunities offered through this network. Seek boldly, learn eagerly, and grow confidently. Your talents are gifts, and with the right support, you impact will be boundless”.
To the mentors, seasoned professionals, community leaders, and trailblazers, she said, “your role in nurturing the next generation is invaluable.
“We envision a future where Enugu state stands tall as a model of women’s empowerment – where our women are entrepreneurs innovations, policy and change makers shaping the social are entrepreneurs innovators, policy and change makers shaping the social, economic and political landscape. This vision begins today.
“.I urge everyone to unite around this cause to invest in the potential of ourg women and to recognise that when women flourish communities succeed and nations prosper,”she said.
Pix: Founder, GUTSY Women Network
In her speech, the founder of GUTSY Women Network Mentorship Initiative,Mrs Rachel Edeh advised women to rise and develop themselves. She explained that the Desert Flower campaign is all about encouraging women to discover themselves, develop themselves and shine, adding that, ” flower does not grow in the desert. We need our women to bloom”.
She advised people not to be discouraged by challenges they face , rather they should get up when they fall and re- strategize .”This is your era to bloom. You have the right to rewrite your story,” she said.
Edeh said GUTSY Women Network Mentorship Initiative was established four years ago. They Inspire women and youth to discover themselves and be empowered.
In her speech on sustainability and development, the president and founder Joy Onyesoh Foundation, Prof Joy Onyesoh encouraged women to develop themselves, be transparent, and accountable. She urged them to work less and gain more. “Think of what you will do less and gain more. 20% of your efforts gives you 80% of success.. Prof Onyesoh called for collaboration,, visionary leadership, and structured mentorship, urging people to leave a legacy. For people who were not yet established , she advised them to look for sponsorship, for those who want collaboration, she advised them to think of the value they could bring to the table.
On his part, a male motivational Speaker, Chinedu Ifecheluobi urged women to realise their potentials and follow people who can groom them to be better.
Highlight of the event was presentation of “Desert flower “documentary .
Author: Maureen Ikpeama