The Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation (VOWEF), in partnership with Women Radio WFM 91.7, is set to mark its 10th anniversary with the 10th Voice of Women Conference & Awards (VOW2026). The conference, themed “A Decade of Voices and Impact,” will hold on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event will feature distinguished leaders, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, renowned business leader and philanthropist, Apostle Folorunso Alakija, and Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi.
VOW2026 is not just a celebration of the past decade but a platform for asking a critical question: what comes next for women and girls — and who will shape it? The conference will bring together established women leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, grassroots women, students, young women, civil society organisations, development partners, media professionals, and advocates from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The event aims to create a national conversation around women’s participation, leadership, and representation in decision-making.
A major highlight of the 10th anniversary edition will be the VOW2026 Awards, recognising individuals, organisations, companies, and government institutions making meaningful contributions to women, families, and society. The awards will spotlight leadership, innovation, commitment, and measurable impact in advancing the rights, opportunities, participation, and wellbeing of women and families. The award categories include Lifetime Achievement Award, Family-Focused Organisation Award, and Woman of the Year Award.
The conference will feature an intergenerational conversation, “The Power of Women: Across Generations — Shaping What Comes Next,” bringing together women at different stages of leadership and from diverse fields. This session will explore how experience, fresh perspectives, and collective action can strengthen women’s participation and influence across society. The event will also spotlight five women contesting the 2027 elections, creating space for conversations around women’s political participation.
To extend participation beyond the conference venue, VOW2026 will be broadcast live on television, radio, and digital platforms, enabling audiences across Nigeria and beyond to follow the conversations and participate in the wider national dialogue. Asha Microfinance Bank will provide grants to 10 women, supporting their economic aspirations and helping turn empowerment into practical opportunity.
Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, Convener of the Voice of Women Conference & Awards and Executive Director of the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation, said the anniversary is an opportunity not only to celebrate the journey but to deliberately shape the future. Aisha Sanni, Programmes Manager, Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation, said the 10th edition was deliberately designed to ensure that the next chapter of the platform reflects the diversity of women across Nigeria.
VOW2026 is supported by several organisations, including FirstBank, Asha Microfinance, Lotus Bank, Ekiti State Government, and ActionAid. The conference aims to create tangible opportunities for women and expand its reach from the grassroots to the highest levels of leadership, and from today’s women leaders to the young women who will carry the conversation forward.
Key points
- The Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation marks its 10th anniversary with the 10th Voice of Women Conference & Awards in Lagos, Nigeria.
- The conference will feature distinguished leaders, including Senator George Akume, Apostle Folorunso Alakija, and Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi.
- The event aims to create a national conversation around women’s participation, leadership, and representation in decision-making.
