Akume, Alakija, Fayemi, Others To Headline 10th Voice Of Women Conference

A woman in a Lagos office, her phone buzzing with the latest tweet from Senator George Akume. She pauses, smiles, and says, “This one na levels.” That buzz is the pulse of the 10th Voice of Women Conference & Awards, a decade‑long celebration that’s about to light up Harbour Point on 6 October 2026. The event is more than a gala; it’s a living, breathing platform where women’s voices shape policy, business, and culture across Nigeria.

The Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation (VOWEF), in partnership with Women Radio WFM 91.7, has been the heartbeat of Nigerian women’s advocacy for ten years. From the first conference, a modest gathering of activists, to now a national stage, VOWEF has carved out a space where women can speak, be heard, and influence the conversations that shape society. The theme, “A Decade of Voices and Impact,” captures the journey: from grassroots mobilization to national policy influence.

Look, this isn’t just a retrospective. It’s a launchpad for the next chapter. The conference will ask the hard question: what comes next for women and girls, and who will shape it? The answer lies in the mix of leaders, innovators, and activists who will convene.

The line‑up reads like a who’s‑who of Nigerian women. Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, brings political heft. Folorunso Alakija, a business magnate and philanthropist, adds the entrepreneurial edge. Erelu Bisi Adeleye‑Fayemi and Hansatu Adegbite round out the roster, each with a track record of breaking barriers. Their presence signals that the conference is not just for activists; it’s for anyone who can influence policy, business, and culture.

The diversity of voicespoliticians, business leaders, civil society championsmirrors the conference’s mission to bridge gaps between sectors. It reminds us that gender equality is not a niche issue; it’s a cross‑sector imperative.

The VOW2026 Awards will spotlight individuals, organisations, and institutions that have made tangible contributions to women, families, and society. Categories include:

• Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring a career of sustained impact.
• Family‑Focused Organisation Award, recognising entities that strengthen family dynamics.
• Gender‑Balance Empowerment Company Award, celebrating workplaces that model gender parity.
• Social Media Innovation Award, for digital campaigns that amplify women’s voices.
• Woman of the Year Award, the pinnacle of individual achievement.
• Government Agency Supporting Women & Families Award, acknowledging state bodies that deliver on gender commitments.
• Civil Society Organisation Supporting Women & Families Award, for NGOs driving change on the ground.

These categories are not gimmicks; they map the ecosystem of women’s empowerment. By honouring both macro‑level institutions and micro‑level initiatives, the awards create a feedback loop that encourages more stakeholders to step up.

One of the conference’s flagship sessions is “The Power of Women: Across Generations, Shaping What Comes Next.” It will bring together women from entry‑level activists to seasoned leaders. The premise is simple yet powerful: experience and fresh perspectives together can catalyse systemic change.

In a country where traditional hierarchies often stifle youth voices, this session is a radical act of inclusivity. It acknowledges that the next wave of leaders will be a blend of seasoned wisdom and innovative thinking. The conversation will likely spill into policy recommendations, business strategies, and cultural narratives that resonate beyond Lagos.

VOW2026 will not stay confined to Harbour Point. Live broadcasts on television, radio, and digital platforms will extend the dialogue to audiences across Nigeria and beyond. This multi‑channel approach ensures that the conference’s impact is not limited to the attendees. It turns a single event into a national conversation, inviting people from the six geopolitical zones to participate virtually.

The live streaming also democratizes access. Women who cannot travel to Lagos can still engage, comment, and contribute to the national dialogue. It’s a smart move that aligns with VOWEF’s mission to amplify women’s voices at every level.

Nigeria is at a crossroads. Gender‑based disparities persist in education, employment, and political representation. Yet the country also boasts a vibrant youth population and a growing digital economy. The 10th Voice of Women Conference & Awards sits at the intersection of these forces.

By convening leaders from all sectors, the conference creates a platform for cross‑fertilisation of ideas. The awards spotlight best practices that can be scaled. The intergenerational dialogue ensures that the next generation is not left behind. And the media strategy guarantees that the conversation reaches every corner of the country.

In short, VOW2026 is not just a celebration; it’s a blueprint for the future of gender equality in Nigeria.

The next chapter will be written by those who attend, those who watch, and those who act on the insights shared. As a culture writer, I’m excited to see how this dialogue translates into policy, business, and everyday life. The conference is a reminder that when women speak, society listens. And when society listens, change follows.