Celebrating a Decade of Empowerment: Centre of Learning's Mentoring Success in Belfast
Empowering Women, Building Futures
The Centre of Learning in Belfast recently marked a significant milestone, celebrating 10 years of dedicated female-focused mentoring. The program, which launched in 2015, has transformed the lives of over 1,000 women across Northern Ireland, offering them personal and professional development through an impressive 11,000 hours of mentoring.
A Decade of Impact
At its core, this mentoring initiative seeks to boost the presence of women in senior leadership roles. By providing a structured nine-month program of mentorship, knowledge-sharing, practical workshops, and personalized support, the Centre of Learning has equipped many women to realize their full potential, thereby strengthening the local economy.
Bridging the Leadership Gap
Despite its successes, Northern Ireland reported the lowest proportion of female-led businesses in the UK at 17.5%, according to the 2025 Gender Index Report. Enhancing female leadership is not just essential for gender equality but crucial for economic growth—a goal the Centre of Learning ceaselessly works toward.
Voices from the Centre
Laura Dowie, the Centre’s Director, regards this milestone as a reflection of the profound success and necessity of such initiatives. She emphasized, “Mentoring empowers women to elevate to the next level in their careers. Our tailored programs ensure they gain confidence, skills, and support, crucial for inclusive growth.”
A Collective Journey
Re-launched in 2024, the Centre now stands robust as a part of the WiB Group. Annually, it rolls out 50 development programs, magnifying its impact and reaching over 4,500 women to date. A moment of pride for both the mentors and mentees, their stories of progress illuminate a path of shared success.
Looking Ahead
With a focus on guiding women into thriving sectors such as technology, the Centre partners with initiatives like the Sync NI’s Summer 2025 magazine to promote gender balance in various fields. The journey continues, with optimism and renewed commitment to enlarging the circle of empowered women in leadership.
As they look back on ten years of achievements, the Centre of Learning remains anchored in its mission—fostering a community where every woman can reach her full potential. As stated in Sync NI, the impact of this program is a testament to the enduring power of mentorship.
