Gbemisola Obolo on courage, leadership and supporting women

How does the “Give to Gain” theme reflect your volunteering experience?

Interestingly enough, I was involved in the Kennedys Pro Bono campaign last year and one my comments were “you gain more than you give.”

I suppose it goes back to my previous point of seeing volunteering as a long-term investment. The ripple effect of an act of kindness will water and aid the society we hope for. I believe that wholeheartedly.

From a more personal level, volunteering has never been a one-way learning experience. Certain conversations have made me query my own thoughts and positions on things. Certain initiatives have taken me out of my comfort zone and challenged to grow in a different area skill wise. Certain experiences have shifted my approach to real life issues. Certain collaborations have become lifelong friendships. The social value is hard to appraise but it is without doubt significant. I have given and truly gained tenfold. For that I am grateful.

What motivated you to become involved in mentoring and supporting students?

Where I can, it is important for me to fulfil a need I once had. Mentorship was definitely one of them. I am fully a product of people investing their time, resources and knowledge into me. The older you get, navigating the world becomes more daunting - especially where the answers you need are not immediately accessible. Mentorship and the support of individuals really demystified things for me, allowing me to be more decisive. It is such an honour to be able to provide that very same support and encouragement to students. It is even more of an honour when they share their achievements with me. It reminds me that what I am doing may feel small but is does make a difference. So with that I keep going, taking any opportunity to be a support or mentor.

 

Why is access to career guidance and professional networks so important, especially for young women?

It is what you know you will become. Access to career guidance and professional networks is crucial as it challenges any limiting ideas someone may have about what they can do in the future.

Many, especially young women, settle career wise as they may not be aware of professions that truly align with their skills and interests. Even if they are aware, there may be no clear path on how to get there.

Sometimes if there is a clear path, they lack the confidence needed to go for it. At these various stages of uncertainty, career guidance and professional networks fill the gap. I personally found that I had to constantly google things and find opportunities to learn more about the profession I wanted to enter. The initiative was good but sometimes all the information available was confusing or contradictory. Sometimes they were even too general. However, by having conversations with the right people I had insight into the nuances and intricacies of entering the law field. From attending events it became clear to me that I also deserved to be in the room. It is so important that young women are provided the chance to explore and be reminded that they to deserve to be in the room – wherever that they may be.

If you could share one message with employees this IWD about the power of volunteering, what would it be?

Volunteering is an investment, and its returns are not only expressed in the beneficiary’s life but generations to come.

A small act can change the trajectory of a person’s life, and everything connected to them in the present and future will be impacted by that change. Women are integral to the prosperity of society as a whole and that can only be achieved if we continue to support women.

What’s one message you would give employees this IWD about courage, leadership, and giving back?

Where you are today took courage and you should be proud of that. You may have also had some support along the way, and you are probably grateful for that. But don’t let it end there, give your courage and gratitude a new lease of life by supporting the advancement of women and girls.  "The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things."

There are so many great things to be unlocked in the lives of women if they are given the chance – so whether it be through advocacy, mentorship resources etc. give to gain this International Women’s Day and for the future to come.

What motivated you to become a social mobility volunteer?

Growing up I was opportune to see social mobility in motion via my mother’s efforts and success in her career progression. I came to understand that access to certain resources and spaces was not a given and often required individuals like my mother to be assertive enough to push through. I saw her literally beat odds and yet pursue excellence in every area of her life. Most importantly I saw her carry other people along with her. My mother worked hard to enter certain rooms but always held the door open. This window into the life of my mother is the basis of my motivation.

How can supporting young women help break long-term cycles of inequality?

Cycles of inequality are spurred on by choices predicated on survival. Women often bear the brunt of having to sacrifice their dreams and aspirations because of various pressures and responsibilities. Supporting young women empowers them to enter new spaces and make more informed choices. Furthermore, providing such support from an early age is so important as their outlook will help shape their future. It gives them the freedom to thrive and not just survive.