The call was made at the 10th Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2026), held in Lagos to commemorate a decade of advocacy, conversations and amplification of women’s voices. The conference, organised by the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation and Women Radio WFM 91.7, was themed “A Decade of Voices and Impact”.
Delivering the keynote address, businesswoman and philanthropist Mrs Folorunso Alakija urged women to move beyond raising concerns and begin to translate their voices into practical solutions and lasting impact. Alakija said the past 10 years had demonstrated what could happen when women were given platforms to speak, adding that the next decade should focus on what women could achieve by turning their voices into transformation.
Also speaking at the conference, Dr Stella Okoli, founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, challenged women to convert their voices and ideas into value through entrepreneurship, innovation and enterprise. Okoli encouraged women to start from where they were and build steadily, stressing that women could contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic development by creating businesses, industries and solutions.
Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, congratulated Women Radio and VOWEF for sustaining a platform that has brought issues affecting women to public attention over the past decade. She noted that while women had made progress in education, enterprise and public service, gaps remained in economic opportunities, healthcare, education, leadership and participation in governance.
Salako-Oyedele urged women to support and mentor one another, stressing the importance of creating opportunities for others as they advance. “Lift as you rise,” she said. She also called on participants to translate conversations from the conference into practical action through stronger networks, partnerships and renewed commitment.
Former First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, challenged societal expectations that place disproportionate domestic responsibilities on working women. Fayemi criticised what she described as the expectation of the “one-hour woman”, where working women are expected to use their lunch breaks to rush home to prepare meals for their husbands before returning to work.
The conference featured discussions on women’s leadership, political participation, enterprise, representation and the need to create more opportunities for women across different sectors. Awards were presented to individuals recognised for their contributions to advancing women’s voices, empowerment and health, including Dr Stella Okoli, Dr Olasupo Olusi, Hon Kafilat Ogbara, and Mr Ayodele Zubair.
Key points
- Nigerian women have been urged to turn their voices into value, influence, and impact in society.
- The 10th Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2026) was held in Lagos to commemorate a decade of advocacy and conversations on women's empowerment.
- Women were encouraged to support and mentor one another, and to translate conversations into practical action through stronger networks and partnerships.
