Posts

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...

International Day of the Girl Child: Her Voice, Her Future

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Every October 11 , the world pauses to celebrate girls , not as a symbol of tomorrow, but as leaders of today. Yet, millions of girls still face barriers to education, opportunity, and agency. At SkillHer, we believe the solution is simple: invest in girls. This year’s theme, “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being,” is a reminder that empowerment goes beyond access. It is about equipping girls with the skills, confidence, and networks to write their own stories. Through our programs, we’ve seen shy voices turn into bold leaders, learners grow into trainers, and young women step into roles once deemed out of reach. Our pledge remains clear: Expand training and mentorship for girls. Build safe spaces for learning and leadership. Break down barriers that hold them back. To every girl: you are not only the future:  you are the present. And at SkillHer, we stand with you every step of the way. Happy International Day of the Girl Child. Let’s not jus...

The Power of Preparation: How Readiness Attracts Opportunities

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Opportunities rarely announce themselves — they simply show up. And when they do, the question is: will you be ready? At SkillHer, we’ve learned that preparation is the quiet force behind every breakthrough. Whether you’re a student preparing for your next big step, a career woman seeking growth, a business owner building something new, or someone waiting for the next season to unfold, one truth remains: readiness attracts opportunities. Preparation builds confidence. It sharpens your thinking, strengthens your capacity, and helps you see doors others might miss. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being positioned. Keep refining your skills. Keep updating that proposal, your portfolio, or that pitch deck. Read, learn, and connect. Stay ready in your spirit and your mind. Because when the right opportunity comes — and it will — it will meet you prepared, not panicked. Remember: you don’t rise to the level of your dreams; you rise to the level of your preparation. So wherever you ...

The Power of Reflection, Rest, and Growth

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Every journey of learning and skill-building isn’t just about the destination —it’s about the process . Too often, we rush from one task to the next without pausing to reflect, unwind, and draw lessons from the road we’ve already traveled. Reflection helps us notice the progress we’ve made, even in small steps. Unwinding gives our minds and bodies the space to recharge. And learning from the process reminds us that challenges and mistakes are not failures—they are teachers. At SkillHer, we believe that growth happens when we take a moment to ask ourselves: What did I achieve this week? What could I do differently next time? How am I taking care of myself as I grow? So as you step into the weekend, give yourself permission to pause, celebrate your wins (big or small), and prepare to start the new week with fresh energy. 

Inside SkillHer SAW: A Week-by-Week Recap

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The Skills Acquisition Workshop organized by SkillHer & powered by the dRPC  has been an inspiring journey, combining hands-on training, mentorship, and empowerment. Each week drew in diverse groups of participants — women from different walks of life, eager to learn, connect, and apply new knowledge. With every session, momentum grew, blending technical skills with entrepreneurial confidence. Here’s how the program's been unfolding week by week: Facilitators’ Workshop Before the first participants came on board, our facilitators convened to align on the big picture. This was more than just logistics, it was about setting the tone, harmonizing approaches, and ensuring the women we would serve got maximum value from start to finish. More on the Facilitator's workshop here Week 1: Project Management, Research & Finance The opening week welcomed participants who were eager to strengthen their organizational and financial foundations. They explored project management ...

Stirring More Than Jollof: What We Can Learn from Hilda Baci’s Latest World Record Attempt

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During the last weekend, the world watched in awe as Chef Hilda Baci once again put herself and Nigerian cuisine on the global stage. Her ambitious attempt at the Guinness World Record for the largest pot of jollof rice wasn’t just about cooking. It was about vision, courage, and the kind of grit it takes to attempt what many would consider impossible. From the start, Hilda’s journey was marked by adaptability. Originally planning to cook 250 bags of rice, she adjusted down to 200 due to equipment limitations. Even with this shift, the scale of the project remained monumental. And when the giant pot unexpectedly collapsed during weighing, it was a powerful reminder that setbacks can show up even in our best-planned journeys. Yet what stood out was the spirit around her: no panic, just resilience, community support, and an unshaken belief that her effort had already made history. At SkillHer, we see stories like this as more than headlines. They carry lessons for every woman striving...

Effective Leadership, Communication & GBV Prevention; highlights from an insight packed SAW session

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One thing we love about our SAW sessions; whether physical or virtual is how they always bring fresh energy and practical tools. Our session with Mrs. Funke Femi-Ojo Falade:  a passionate public health practitioner and advocate for women’s issues was no different. Together, we explored how leadership and communication can be powerful tools in preventing gender-based violence (GBV). Mrs. Falade reminded us that leadership goes beyond titles; it’s about inspiring change. From everyday women driving community initiatives to icons like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, history shows women have always shaped society. Yet Nigerian women remain underrepresented in leadership and politics, despite unlimited potential. Communication as a Superpower We also leaned into communication as a superpower. Skills like active listening, using “I statements,” being assertive without aggression, and paying attention to non-verbal cues can strengthen influence and shift outcomes. In GBV contexts especially, they...