Growth Through Shared Experience: Esther Chinecherem George on Mentoring From Both Sides

Esther Chinecherem George is based in Nigeria, where she works as an IT specialist at the Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation. Her work combines technology with water resource management and the protection of water resources against environmental risks. She also serves as a Gender Inclusion Champion, focused on creating opportunities for women to participate in and grow within the WASH sector.

Esther takes part in the Women in WASH & RWSN mentorship programme as both a mentor and a mentee.

As a Mentor: Passing On What Guidance Gave Her

Esther’s decision to mentor comes from her own experience. “I became a mentor because I know from my own experience how valuable it is to have someone who provides guidance, encouragement, and a different perspective. I wanted to create support for others, particularly women interested in WASH and professional development because I lacked guidance during my early career days.”

What she finds most rewarding is watching that support translate into action. “What I find most rewarding is seeing my mentoring partner become more confident and take steps towards opportunities they may previously have thought were beyond them.”

A Small Step That Made an Impact

Esther points to something that seems modest on its surface but carries weight for her. “Even when the outcome is as simple as someone applying for an opportunity they initially felt they were not fit for, it is rewarding to know that my conversation, a bit of guidance, and encouragement helped them take that step.”

How Mentoring Has Shaped Her

Esther describes mentoring as changing how she communicates. “Being a mentor has taught me to listen more, communicate differently with different people, and be more intentional about sharing my experiences. It has also made me reflect on my own professional journey and the lessons I have learned along the way.”

Her Advice to First-Time Mentors

Esther encourages new mentors to let go of the pressure to have every answer. “Don’t feel that you need to have all the answers. Listen, share honestly, ask questions, and help your mentee think through their options. Sometimes your experience and encouragement can be enough to help someone see a possibility they had not considered before.”

Why She Believes Mentorship Matters

Esther connects mentorship to broader participation in the WASH sector. “Mentorship creates a space where people can learn from experience, build confidence, and access networks and opportunities. In WASH, it can also help us bring more young people and women into the sector and support them as they develop their careers.”

As a Mentee: Learning to Look Beyond the Familiar

Esther’s own reason for seeking a mentor was rooted in wanting more than technical knowledge. “I sought mentorship because I wanted to learn from people with more experience and gain guidance as I navigated my professional development. I was looking not only for technical knowledge but also for different perspectives, honest feedback, and a better understanding of how to approach new opportunities.”

A Breakthrough in Seeing Her Skills Differently

Working with her mentor, Robin Lloyd, Esther learned not to limit herself to what already felt familiar. “My mentor, Robin Lloyd, has encouraged me to look at my skills from different perspectives while sharing his experience at UNHCR. He has also helped me recognize how my experience in technology, water, and gender can come together in meaningful ways.”

What Having a Mentor Has Given Her

Esther describes the relationship as a space for honest reflection. “Having a mentor has given me a safe space to ask questions, reflect on decisions, and receive honest feedback. It has also helped me become more confident about putting myself forward for opportunities and thinking more intentionally about the direction of my career.”

Her Advice to Anyone Considering Becoming a Mentee

Esther encourages people not to wait for a crisis before seeking guidance. “Be open to learning and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You don’t have to wait until you have a major problem before seeking mentorship. Sometimes the most valuable conversations are the ones that help you think ahead, recognize opportunities and prepare for what comes next.”

When asked what mentorship has meant to her, Esther describes it as a chain of support passed forward. “Mentorship, to me, is growth through shared experience, learning from someone ahead of you while eventually becoming that support for someone else. If we can help even one person move closer to achieving their goals, then we have contributed, in our own small way, to making the world a better place for everyone.”

What She Recommends

When asked for a book, tool or resource recommendation, Esther points to a dedicated knowledge platform. “I recommend the RWSN Knowledge Hub because it provides access to practical resources, research, and professional experiences from across the WASH sector.” She adds that direct connection with other professionals has been just as valuable. “I have also found connecting with other professionals particularly valuable, as it allows me to learn from experiences and perspectives beyond my immediate work environment.”