The 10th Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW 2026) recently took place in Lagos, Nigeria, with a central message calling for greater participation of women in leadership and decision-making. The conference, held under the theme "A Decade of Voices and Impact," challenged women to convert advocacy, influence, and visibility into meaningful leadership and lasting change.
VOW Convener, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, highlighted the platform's evolution over the years, moving from conversations around economic empowerment, agriculture, and technology to broader issues, including gender-based violence, governance, and women's participation in leadership. Sonaiya stressed that women's voices must translate into results, arguing that women should not only be heard but must remain at the table where decisions are made.
Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil, Folorunso Alakija, delivered a keynote address, urging women to move from identifying problems to becoming part of the solution. Reflecting on her own career journey, she emphasized the importance of preparation, capacity building, and taking action when opportunities emerge. Alakija challenged women to think about their legacy beyond personal success and consider who they are taking along with them and what opportunities they are creating for others.
Veteran broadcaster Bimbo Oloyede reflected on the qualities required to sustain the platform into its next chapter, using the letters in "Voice of Women" to identify guiding principles. She encouraged the platform to expand beyond Nigeria and take its conversations to women across the continent while continuing to build credibility through consistency.
Erelu Bisi Fayemi, board member of Women Radio 91.7FM, challenged the culture that expects women to continually give their time and energy to work and family without adequate space for rest, recovery, and personal wellbeing. Fayemi argued that women cannot continue to be expected to carry multiple responsibilities without recognizing the importance of support, partnership, and time for themselves.
The event featured panel sessions examining innovation, leadership, political participation, and the conversion of advocacy into power. The panels brought together women from different sectors, driving innovation and contributing to a more inclusive, human-centered future. The discussions underscored the growing role of women not simply as participants in emerging industries but as architects of solutions, businesses, and systems shaping the future.
A major highlight of the 10th edition was the presentation of awards to individuals recognized for their contributions to advancing women's voices, empowerment, health, and development. Among those recognized were Dr. Stella Okoli, Founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, and Hon Kafilat Ogbara, Member of the House of Representatives representing Kosofe Federal Constituency.
Key points
- The conference called for women to move beyond advocacy and visibility into positions where they can directly influence policy, governance, and decision-making.
