The 10th Voice of Women Conference & Awards (VOW2026) is set to take place on October 6 at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event, organised by the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation (VOWEF) in partnership with Women Radio WFM 91.7, will mark a decade of the conference's existence. This year's theme, “A Decade of Voices and Impact,” will focus on the future of women and girls, with particular attention to leadership, political participation, intergenerational collaboration, and economic empowerment.
The conference will feature prominent leaders, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; business leader and philanthropist, Apostle Folorunso Alakija; and Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi. Other notable attendees will include women leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, grassroots women, young women, students, civil society organisations, development partners, media professionals, and advocates from across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.
One of the key sessions, “The Power of Women: Across Generations — Shaping What Comes Next,” will bring together women at different stages of leadership to explore how experience, fresh perspectives, and collective action can strengthen women's participation and influence in society. The conference will also spotlight five women contesting the 2027 elections, providing a platform to discuss women's political participation, leadership, and representation in decision-making.
The conference will provide direct economic support to women, with Asha Microfinance Bank set to award grants to 10 women to support their businesses and economic aspirations. The VOW2026 Awards will also recognise individuals, organisations, companies, and government institutions contributing to the advancement of women, families, and society. Categories include Lifetime Achievement Award, Family-Focused Organisation Award, and Woman of the Year Award.
Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, Convener of the Voice of Women Conference & Awards and Executive Director of VOWEF, said the anniversary was both a celebration of the platform's achievements and an opportunity to define its next phase. She noted that the conference has provided a space where women can speak, be heard, and contribute meaningfully to conversations that shape society.
Aisha Sanni, Programmes Manager, VOWEF, said the anniversary edition was designed to broaden participation and bring more women and young people into national conversations. She added that the next decade would focus on extending the impact from grassroots communities to national leadership and creating stronger pathways for younger women to participate in shaping society.
Over the past decade, VOW has positioned its conference and awards as a platform for advocacy, empowerment, leadership, dialogue, and recognition, providing women with opportunities to share experiences, access knowledge, and influence conversations. The conference will be broadcast live on television, radio, and digital platforms, connecting audiences across Nigeria and beyond to the discussions.
Key points
- The 10th Voice of Women Conference & Awards will focus on leadership, political participation, and economic empowerment.
- The conference will provide direct economic support to women through grants from Asha Microfinance Bank.
- The event will be broadcast live on television, radio, and digital platforms to reach a wider audience.
