Quick information guide

To choose a good mentor:

  • Identify areas that need strengthening: what skills do you need to learn immediately?
  • Assess your mentor: are you likely to clash with him/her? Do you have the same values? Is he/her a good listener?
  • Accept challenges: are you encouraged to learn/try something new?
  • Get ready to return the favour: what can your mentor learn from you? 

For mentorship to succeed, both mentor and mentee should mind:

  •  Timing
  • Clarifying expectations
  • Logistics (management)
  • Respecting their energy
  • Accepting feedback 
  • Personalising mentorship

Types of mentorship and benefits

1. Outside the company
 This is an informal linkage with suitable experts, these mentors are generally neutral and objective. The mentee gets a chance of being connected to:

Benefits

  • wider knowledge and experiences
  •  business owners (especially for senior business managers)
  • wider network and contacts

2. Within the company

This is a formal, structured employee learning through linkage with senior experienced people in a given Organisation/Company. This type is generally used as a way of  nurturing an internal pool of good employees and leaders for succession.

Benefits

This type of mentorship helps to:

  • Build strong organisational culture and employee morale
  •  Plan for succession easily
  • grow the company in a focused and measurable way

Mentorship in Uganda

"The key to success is your commitment, both to your business and to your mentoring relationship" - Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET)

Mentorship is very important for your professional growth - especially when running your own business. A more experienced person (mentor) with strong networks understands your struggles and is able to provide guidance as you (mentee) grow your business. 

This is an invaluable support and learning tool but for the mentor/mentee relationship to work, both parties have to receive positive benefits from it.

In Uganda, organisations that support women in business usually provide mentoring services. 
 

 4 steps to creating a structured company mentoring programme

  • Define programme objectives (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timed - SMART)
  • Create structure to deliver
  • Train participants on mentorship and launch
  • Continuously assess and improve

Tips for a successful mentorship

  1. Timing
    Mentors: Find a mentee - it's never too late
    Mentees: express your need clearly
  2. Clarify expectations
    Mentors: Why?
    Mentees: What do you want out of this?
  3. Manage logistics
    Mentors: How and where and regularity of meetings
    Mentees: Be proactive with scheduling
  4. Respect their energy
    Mentors: Invest in your mentee's success
    Mentees: Your mentor's time is valuable - treat it that way
  5. Embrace feedback
    Mentors: Give open, honest input - even when it's hard
    Mentees: View feedback as a gift
  6. Personalise mentorship
    Mentors: invest yourselves in the success of your mentee
    Mentees: Build trust with your mentor
angle-left Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET)

Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET)

About the Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET)

WOUGNET is a Gender and ICTs NGO that supports and promotes the use of Information Communications Technologies (ICTS) among women as a tool to sustainable development.

WOUGNET is the nominating partner of Cherie Blair Foundation for the E-mentoring program. This unique opportunity offers women entrepreneurs a chance to build their businesses, skills, networks and profiles through cross-border, online mentoring.  

Areas covered by Mentorship
  1. Leadership & marketing skills
  2. Business plan development
  3. Developing SWOT analysis of you business
What is the enrollment procedure and what is required from mentees?

If you are:

  • running (or about to launch) a business,
  • able to meet with your mentor online at least twice each month,
  • able to access the internet weekly,
  • proficient in English, and
  • passionate about working with a global mentor.
Apply online to become a mentee
What is the enrollment procedure and what is required from mentors?

If you: 

  • A professional or entrepreneur with at least seven years of experience?
  • Able to commit for one year?
  • Able to meet online with a mentee at least two hours a month?
  • Open to intercultural exchange and learning?
  • Keen to participate in our online community, forums and events?
  • Willing to complete a feedback form at the end of the programme?
  • Fluent in English?
  • Ready to embark on a life-changing relationship and join a vibrant mentoring community?

Apply online to become a global mentor

What are the organisation’s links to e-Learning resources if available on men (texts and videos)

 

N/A

What additional services beneficial to women entrepreneurs are provided?

The Foundation’s programme is personalised and tailored to your needs. It is all done online using tools like Skype and WhatsApp video, which allows for flexibility and freedom. 

You’ll be matched with an accomplished mentor from a different country and sector who can offer new perspectives, a source of support, key business skills, motivation and accountability as you work to achieve your objectives.

You’ll also gain access to a vibrant community of accomplished entrepreneurs and professionals, and have access to a wealth of support and resources

What kind of events organised by the WOUGNET
Contacts

Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET)

Email: info@wougnet.org
Tel: +256414532035
Web: wougnet.org