A Bridge Between Experience and Aspiration: Romany Rath on Mentoring From Both Sides

Romany Rath lives in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. With more than 20 years of experience working with NGOs on youth engagement, gender, disaster risk reduction, and WASH, particularly social accountability work, she graduated in management information systems in 2005 and now works as a governance advisor to district and municipality authorities.

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

As a Mentor: Passing On Two Decades of Lessons

Romany’s motivation to mentor comes from years of working directly with youth, communities, and local authorities. “I’ve seen firsthand how guidance can transform lives, and I wanted to pass on that knowledge.” What she finds most rewarding is watching that transformation happen. “The most rewarding part is watching mentees grow in confidence, seeing them lead campaigns, engage with government, and believe in their own potential.”

From Hesitant to Commanding the Room

Romany describes mentoring someone who struggled with public speaking and difficult decision-making. Through coaching and encouragement, the mentee went on to lead a youth forum and volunteer with a university. “Her transformation, from hesitant to commanding the room, reminded me why mentorship matters. It was a powerful moment of growth for both of us.”

How Mentoring Has Shaped Her

Romany describes mentoring as sharpening her own skills while reshaping how she thinks about leadership. “Mentorship has sharpened my listening and coaching skills. Professionally, it has strengthened my ability to adapt strategies to diverse contexts. Personally, it has reminded me that leadership is not about directing but about empowering others to find their own path.”

Her Advice to First-Time Mentors

Romany’s advice centers on patience over expertise. “Mentorship is not about having all the answers or benefits, it’s about walking alongside someone, sharing experiences, and creating space for them to grow. The impact you make will often surprise you.”

Why She Believes Mentorship Matters

Romany frames mentorship as a way of carrying lessons forward. “Mentorship is a bridge between experience and aspiration. It ensures that lessons learned in community development, governance, and resilience are passed on to the next generation, creating sustainable change, especially to help other younger women to grow in our community and society.”

As a Mentee: Seeking Guidance in Programme Management

Romany also sought her own mentor, drawn by a desire for deeper expertise in programme management and governance. “I hoped to gain practical skills, confidence, and a clearer vision for my career path, especially since I like learning always and exchanging ideas for future improvement.”

A Breakthrough in Leading Youth-Led Projects

The clearest gain from the relationship came in Romany’s ability to design and run youth-led initiatives. “With my mentor’s support, I successfully coordinated a campaign that engaged local authorities and improved community participation.”

What Having a Mentor Has Given Her

Romany points to communication and connection as the biggest gains from the relationship. “My mentor helped me strengthen my communication skills, build networks, and understand younger women’s feelings and needs. This guidance has accelerated my professional growth and given me confidence to take on leadership roles and supporting the next generation.”

Her Advice to Anyone Considering Becoming a Mentee

Romany encourages people to take ownership of their own learning. “A mentor can guide you, but you must take ownership of your learning. Ask questions, embrace challenges, and apply the lessons in real situations.”

When asked what mentorship has meant to her, Romany chose one word. “Empowerment: the mentorship journey has given me the courage and tools to lead.”

What She Recommends

When asked for a book, tool or resource recommendation, Romany points to something specific to her local context. “In Cambodia I recommend people to read the WASH program in their own development strategy, especially local context of WASH project documents and law of water management.”