21 Feb Bridging Worlds Through Mentorship

Elizabeth, a Blaan woman from southern Mindanao in the Philippines, has dedicated her life to preserving her community’s cultural heritage and sharing its stories with the world. Her commitment to uplifting her people led her to join Wedu’s mentorship programme, where she discovered a space to connect with women globally and exchange perspectives.

Through her mentorship journey, Elizabeth explored the shared challenges and aspirations of women from different contexts, finding inspiration in the common threads that unite them. Drawing on the principles of indigeneity—empathy, interconnectedness, and collective well-being—she reflects on the importance of listening, learning, and building meaningful connections.

Read Elizabeth’s reflections below as she shares how her mentorship experience deepened her understanding of global solidarity and the strength of women supporting women.

As an indigenous woman from the Philippines, I have spent my life championing the stories and resilience of my community. However, joining Wedu as a mentor allowed me to step beyond my immediate world and connect with women globally. What began as an opportunity to share my knowledge has evolved into a profound experience of mutual growth and discovery.

Discovering Shared Humanity

Three months ago, I met my mentee for the first time. A university teacher from Syria, Nermeen initially seemed vastly different from me—our backgrounds, environments, and life experiences seemed to have little in common. But as we shared our stories, I noticed a deeper connection.

Despite the physical distance between us, our conversations revealed the parallels in our lives. We both face challenges such as navigating difficult colleagues, confronting deeply rooted cultural patriarchy, and juggling responsibilities at home while striving for personal goals.

Mentoring Nermeen has been as much a journey of learning for me as it has been of guiding her. For instance, during a discussion about a video on the danger of a single story, we confronted our own biases. I shared how I once thought of Syrian women as meek or less academically driven—an assumption Nermeen’s remarkable achievements quickly disproved. In turn, she admitted her preconceived notions about Filipino women as uneducated, shaped by her interactions with Filipino domestic workers. This honest exchange helped us bridge cultural gaps through sincerity, kindness, and a willingness to broaden our perspectives. It reminded me that the struggles and aspirations of women are universal, and our shared humanity transcends borders.

Nermeen’s strength and resilience inspire me to reflect on my own journey. As a Blaan woman from the Philippines, a member of one of the country’s 118 ethnolinguistic groups, I am rooted in a collectivist culture that prioritises “we” over “I.” Balancing multiple roles in my personal and professional life, I’ve often felt the weight of accurately representing my community. Yet, through Nermeen’s perspective, I’ve come to see my role as part of a global network of women working together toward a better future.

“Through my mentee, I’ve come to see my role as part of a global network of women working together toward a better future.”

Our mentor-mentee relationship reaffirmed my belief in women helping women—through the shared determination to summon and nurture each other’s inner strength.

From Storytelling to Connection

Storytelling has always been my way of preserving the beauty and heritage of my people. Through narratives of indigeneity, I’ve sought to show the world the richness of our traditions and the resilience of our community. Yet, I’ve long yearned to extend my impact and connect with others beyond my cultural borders.

Wedu provided the perfect platform for this. Their mentorship programme, centred on partnership and exchange, reaffirms that leadership is not about hierarchies but collaboration. My mentee and I have grown from being strangers to becoming partners in learning—and even friends.

As a writer, I encourage her to keep a journal, knowing that the act of writing can be profoundly therapeutic. The power of written words lies in their ability to transform lives, enhance communication, and serve as a record of history—much like Anne Frank’s diary. Reading her entries has reinforced my belief in the power of writing as a way of expressing thoughts, dreams, and struggles. Storytelling is not just about sharing; it’s about listening. Through listening, we build bridges, find common ground, and create the foundations for meaningful connections.

I’ve poured this same passion for storytelling into my book, Dili Pwede Mogawas ug Ubang Mga Sugilanon (Can’t Go Out and Other Stories), a collection of narratives that delve into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of my community. Each story is a tribute to our heritage and a window into the soul of our people. Whether you are seeking to understand the spirit of resilience or are simply looking for compelling tales of humanity, this book invites you to listen and connect through the universal language of stories.

The Power of Indigeneity in Global Challenges

As Indigenous women, we inherit a deep responsibility to care for our communities. This interconnectedness—rooted in empathy, mutual respect, and collective well-being—is a cornerstone of indigeneity.

Through Wedu, I’ve realised how these principles can guide solutions to global challenges. Across the world, women face marginalisation, violence, and inequity. Addressing these issues requires the same collective approach that has sustained indigenous communities for generations.

By embodying these values in our mentorship relationship, my mentee and I contribute to a global movement of women supporting women. This is not just an exchange of knowledge; it’s an act of solidarity.

“Embodying indigenous values in our mentorship relationship is an act of solidarity.” 

When I joined a virtual session for mentors, I learned that as mentors we really need to assess our biases as well. Self-consciousness is vital in building a relationship with your mentee. When we are aware of our prejudice, we can assess ourselves on which particular areas we need to improve. We are not better or superior to our mentees; we are their friends, confidantes, sisters, and even sounding boards. Therefore, we need to be mentally, physically, and spiritually prepared to take up the challenge as a mentor.

The practices I’ve embraced through Wedu reflect the essence of mentoring as a reciprocal process. It requires introspection and a willingness to grow alongside our mentees. This approach not only strengthens our relationships but also amplifies the collective voice of women tackling global challenges. Together, we build bridges of understanding, compassion, and shared purpose, fostering a future where all women can thrive.

Growing Together for a Shared Future

The past three months have been a period of self-discovery. I approached mentorship expecting to teach, but I’ve emerged as a student, learning from my mentee’s insights, strength, and determination. Together, we are not just building skills or sharing stories; we are planting seeds for a more equitable and inclusive future.

“I approached mentorship expecting to teach, but I’ve emerged as a student, learning from my mentee’s insights, strength, and determination.”

Wedu is like a thriving plant, nurtured by the collective efforts of women across the world. Each mentee and mentor adds a new leaf, a new flower, and a new root. And through this interconnected growth, we can inspire others to lead with empathy, listen with intention, and act with purpose.

To anyone considering joining a mentorship programme, I urge you to embrace the experience wholeheartedly. Let your stories be told and your ears be open. Together, we can create a future where women guide, support, and uplift one another, living out the values of indigeneity on a global stage.