As the world celebrates International Women’s Week, stories of impactful women are taking centre stage, highlighting the far-reaching effects of mentorship, encouragement, and selfless dedication. One such story comes from the life of a 92-year-old Nigerian nurse whose career has transformed countless communities in the South-South region of the country.
Martha Ehizele, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Verve International, shared a personal reflection on her grandmother’s journey, emphasizing how the theme for this year’s International Women’s Week, “Give to Gain”, resonates with real-life legacies built on generosity and support.
Ehizele recounted that her grandmother, inspired by her father — a surgical nurse who cared deeply for his patients — pursued a career in nursing at a time when few girls were encouraged to enter professional fields. “It was not just her dream, it was his belief in her,” Ehizele explained. That support, she says, became the foundation for a career that would impact generations.
Her grandmother’s work went beyond standard medical practice. Throughout her career, she witnessed the stigma faced by women struggling with fertility issues. Refusing to accept societal misconceptions, she dedicated herself to research, guidance, and care that helped many women conceive, earning the gratitude and respect of families who even asked her to name their children.
Ehizele highlighted the ripple effect of this act of giving. “The quiet but powerful role of someone who gave her the chance in the first place… my great-grandfather’s support rippled across towns, families, generations, and even into the lives of everyone who encountered her,” she said.
This narrative, she asserts, is a testament to how mentorship and opportunity can multiply impact far beyond the initial act. It underscores the power of enabling women to pursue their potential, showing that support and encouragement can spark change across communities and generations.
In her message, Ehizele also recognized the ongoing efforts of women who contribute brilliance, empathy, and leadership daily, as well as the men and allies who create spaces for women to thrive. She specifically acknowledged her experience at Interswitch Group, highlighting how access to opportunities allowed her to be part of a pioneering team transforming payments technology across Africa.
“Sometimes the greatest impact we make is how the contributions we give today lay the foundation for greater things in the years to come,” she wrote, celebrating the principle that giving — whether support, opportunity, or mentorship — generates enduring benefits.
The story underscores the importance of intergenerational mentorship, advocacy for women’s professional development, and investment in human capital. Experts say such legacies demonstrate that gender-inclusive support structures can have long-term societal benefits, from healthcare access to economic empowerment, ultimately shaping the future of communities in tangible ways.
As International Women’s Week continues, Ehizele’s reflection serves as a reminder that both individual and systemic support are critical in enabling women to achieve their full potential — and that even small acts of belief and encouragement can ripple across generations.
ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU