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Recharge and Rise: Highlights From the Wellness & Leadership Retreat

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At SkillHer, we believe that women lead best when they are well—mentally, emotionally, and physically. This belief was at the core of the  Wellness & Leadership Retreat , held in collaboration with the Oyo State Office of Student Affairs , where female student leaders from across Oyo State gathered for a day of rest, learning, healing, and connection. To capture the essence of the retreat, we are sharing this piece, guided by a heartfelt reflection from  Oluborode Oluwayanmife-Choice Dorcas , Oyo State Chairperson of the National Female Student Association of Nigeria (in the middle of the picture below). Her words express not just her journey, but the shared experience of several young women who participated. A Warm, Intentional Start From the moment participants arrived, the atmosphere carried warmth, intention, and sisterhood. The retreat opened with lively introductions and an energizing Zumba dance session—immediately breaking tension and helping everyone reconnect w...

Ending the Year Strong: Celebrating Microwins

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As the year winds down, it’s easy to slip into overwhelm — thinking about everything we didn’t finish, the goals that shifted, or the plans that took longer than expected. But at SkillHer, we’ve learned that progress is rarely loud. Most times, it shows up in small, steady, quiet ways. Microwins. Those tiny steps forward that often don’t make it to social media but keep us grounded, growing, and becoming. Maybe you showed up consistently for your learning goals this year. Maybe you reached out for help when you needed support. Maybe you healed. Maybe you took a bold risk. Maybe you didn’t quit. These are wins. Real ones. And in our community, we see them every day — a SkillHer member completing a course, another discovering confidence through our workshops or meet sessions, another setting boundaries, another landing her first gig, another finally giving herself permission to rest. None of us “have it all together,” but we are all moving, learning, and becoming better versions...

The Power of Community: Why No Woman Thrives Alone

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In a world that constantly demands more from women, the journey to sustainable wellness and productivity can often feel overwhelming. Between work, personal goals, family responsibilities, and societal expectations, many women find themselves running on empty. But the truth is simple: we were not designed to do life alone . Community is not a luxury — it’s a lifeline. At SkillHer, we see this every day, not because we have everything figured out, but because we’re learning, growing, and navigating the journey together with remarkable progress. Community as a Wellness Anchor Emotional and mental well-being is easier to nurture when you’re surrounded by people who understand what it means to be on a journey — imperfect, evolving, and finding balance one step at a time. A real, dynamic community offers: Shared experiences that remind you you're not the only one figuring things out. Honest conversations where women can admit struggle without fear. Connection that reduc...

From Purpose to Impact: Lessons from Olori Atuwatse III at WIMBIZ 2025

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At the 24th WIMBIZ Annual Conference, one moment stood out — the insightful, deeply grounding speech delivered by Olori Atuwatse III , Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom. Her message was a powerful reminder that purpose, courage, and intentional impact are three pillars every woman must build on, no matter her background or stage in life. For us at SkillHer , her words felt especially timely. Our work is rooted in helping African women elevate their skills, broaden their opportunities, and lead fuller, thriving lives. Olori’s message spoke directly to the heart of that mission. 1. Purpose Is the Starting Point Olori began by reflecting on the importance of understanding one’s purpose — not as a grand achievement, but as a steady light that guides our choices. She shared moments of uncertainty and the internal questions that many women quietly navigate. Her central point was clear: purpose isn’t found in a title; it’s discovered in alignment. At SkillHer, we see this daily. When w...

SkillHer SAW Wraps Up With High-Impact Capstone Projects & Government Commitment

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After weeks of immersive learning and hands-on workshops, the SkillHer Skills Acquisition Workshop (SAW) delivered in collaboration with dRPC and supported by the Ford Foundation, ended on a high note with a Capstone Showcase that highlighted the creativity, teamwork, and growth of our participants. With  118 participants  in total, the learners were all grouped into hybrid Capstone teams, each assigned a specific task and represented by two members who made the final presentations. This year’s challenge featured  three practical tracks , each designed to help the beneficiaries apply their new skills to real-world situations. Track 1: Research & Project Management — 1st Place Participants researched potential partners/supporters, designed a SkillHer-aligned mini project, and began early implementation during the workshop. Their clarity, structure, and execution readiness earned them 1st place and the top cash prize . Track 2: Web Development — 2nd Place Using their n...

Session Recap: The Power of Preparation; How Readiness Attracts Opportunities

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The recent SkillHer Meets session held on Saturday, 25th October 2025 , focused on an inspiring and practical topic — “The Power of Preparation: How Readiness Attracts Opportunities.” The session featured Adeyemo Blessing , Founder/CEO of Solacium Space and Jesbee Collections , as the guest speaker. Held virtually via Google Meet, the session brought together women from across the SkillHer community to explore what it truly means to be ready for opportunities and how intentional preparation shapes success stories. Key Takeaways from the Session 1. Preparation Creates Magnetic Energy Blessing emphasized that preparation is more than just ticking off tasks — it’s a mindset . When you prepare intentionally, you build a magnetic field that draws opportunities toward you. Readiness signals confidence, discipline, and capability. 2. Readiness Meets Opportunity Opportunities rarely wait for anyone. The people who appear “lucky” are often those who have been quietly preparing for their...

Failing forward & reaching for opportunities

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Earlier in the week on 13th October the world marked the International Day of Failure-a reminder that every misstep carries within it the seed of growth. But beyond failure itself lies something even more important: the courage to keep reaching for opportunities. Opportunities rarely come wrapped in certainty. They often appear out of reach or disguised as challenges, risks, new territories, or even detours from our plans. Yet it’s those who dare to reach — despite fear, doubt, or past disappointments — who find themselves growing in ways they never imagined. Failing forward isn’t about celebrating mistakes; it’s about using them as springboards. Each setback refines our vision, sharpens our instincts, and prepares us for the next opening that life presents. The more we stretch toward possibility, the more capable we become of turning the unknown into achievement. So as we reflect this season, let’s keep our hands — and hearts — open. The next opportunity may not look perfect, but it m...