The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; business leader and philanthropist, Folorunso Alakija; and former Ekiti State first lady, Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, are among prominent figures expected to headline the 10th Voice of Women Conference and Awards in Lagos.
The anniversary edition, scheduled for 6 October at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, will bring together women leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, young women, grassroots advocates and five female political aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.
Organised by the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation (VOWEF) in partnership with Women Radio WFM 91.7 and themed “A Decade of Voices and Impact,” the conference will mark 10 years of providing a platform for women to speak, be heard and influence conversations around issues affecting society.
The organisers say the 10th edition will not only celebrate the platform’s journey but also focus on a bigger question: what comes next for women and girls, and who will shape it?
Spotlight on women in politics
One of the major attractions of VOW2026 will be a special spotlight on five women contesting the 2027 elections, providing a platform for discussions around women’s political participation, leadership and representation in decision-making.
Among them are Adijat Adeleye, Ogun State House of Representatives candidate; Rukkayat Shittu, Kwara State House of Assembly candidate; Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, a barrister and Abia State House of Representatives candidate; and Jennifer Agbaji, Kaduna North Senatorial candidate.
The session comes at a time when the participation and representation of women in political leadership remain major issues in Nigeria.
According to the organisers, the conference will also feature “The Power of Women: Across Generations, Shaping What Comes Next,” an intergenerational conversation designed to bring together women at different stages of leadership and from diverse backgrounds.
The session will explore how the experience of established women leaders, fresh perspectives from younger women and collective action can strengthen women’s participation and influence across society.
Participants are expected from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including established women leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, grassroots women, students, young women, civil society organisations, development partners, media professionals and advocates.
10 women to receive grants
Beyond speeches and panel discussions, VOW2026 will provide direct economic support to women through grants as Asha Microfinance Bank will provide grants to 10 women to support their economic aspirations and help translate empowerment into practical opportunities.
The conference will also feature the VOW2026 Awards, which will recognise individuals, organisations, companies and government institutions contributing to the advancement of women, families and society.
The award categories include the Lifetime Achievement Award, Family-Focused Organisation Award, Gender-Balance Empowerment Company Award, Social Media Innovation Award, Woman of the Year Award, Government Agency Supporting Women & Families Award, and Civil Society Organisation Supporting Women & Families Award.
The organisers said the awards will focus on leadership, innovation, commitment and measurable impact in advancing the rights, opportunities, participation and wellbeing of women and families.
Looking ahead to the next decade
The Convener of the Voice of Women Conference and Awards and Executive Director of VOWEF, Toun Okewale-Sonaiya said the 10th anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate the platform’s journey while deliberately shaping its future.
“VOW2026 is a celebration of 10 years of voices, stories, courage and impact. For a decade, the Voice of Women platform has provided a space where women can speak, be heard and contribute meaningfully to conversations that shape our society,” she said.
Ms Okewale-Sonaiya said the anniversary was not merely about looking back. “As we mark this milestone, we are not only looking back at the journey; we are looking ahead to the next decade and the kind of impact we want to create,” she added.
The Programmes Manager, VOWEF, Aisha Sanni said the organisers deliberately designed the anniversary edition to reflect the diversity of women across Nigeria and create room for voices that are often absent from national conversations.
“A decade is an important milestone, but for us, it is also a responsibility. We want the next decade to reach further, to women whose voices are often missing from national conversations, and to young women and students who will become tomorrow’s leaders, decision-makers and changemakers,” Ms Sanni said.
She added that VOW2026 was about creating the space, confidence and opportunities for such women to participate in shaping the future.
From voices to meaningful change
Over the past decade, the Voice of Women Conference and Awards has evolved into a platform for advocacy, empowerment, leadership, dialogue, recognition and action.
According to VOWEF, the platform has provided women with opportunities to share their experiences, access knowledge, influence conversations and translate their voices into meaningful change.
The 2026 edition is expected to build on that record by bringing together voices from the grassroots and the highest levels of leadership.
The conference will be broadcast live on television, radio and digital platforms, allowing audiences in Nigeria and beyond to follow the discussions and participate in the wider national conversation.
With participants expected from across the six geopolitical zones, organisers say the 10th edition will celebrate a decade of progress while creating space for the women who will shape the decade ahead.
