Women Urged to Turn Voices into Value and Impact at VOW2026

Nigerian women have been urged to move beyond having a voice to using their voices to create value, influence decisions and drive meaningful change in society.

The call was made at the 10^th Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2026), held on Tuesday in Lagos, to commemorate a decade of advocacy and amplification of women’s voices.

The conference, organised by Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation in collaboration with Women Radio WFM 91.7 and themed “A Decade of Voices and Impact,” brought together leaders from business, governance, civil society and enterprise.

Delivering the keynote address, businesswoman and philanthropist, Apostle Folorunso Alakija, urged women to move beyond raising concerns to translating their voices into practical solutions and lasting impact.  Mrs. Alakija said the past 10 years had demonstrated what can happen when women are given platforms to speak, adding that the next decade should focus on turning voices into transformation. She charged women to ensure that their voices count, their competence delivers results, their visibility has purpose and their influence drives action.

Also speaking, Dr. Stella Okoli, Founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, challenged women to convert their voices and ideas into value through entrepreneurship, innovation and enterprise. She encouraged women to start from where they are and build steadily, noting that women can contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic development by creating businesses, industries and solutions.

In her remarks, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, 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 have made progress in education, enterprise and public service, gaps remain in economic opportunities, healthcare, leadership and participation in governance. She urged women to support and mentor one another. “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. She criticised what she described as the “one-hour woman” syndrome, where working women are expected to use their lunch breaks to rush home to prepare meals for their husbands. Fayemi said women should be able to use their breaks to rest, network, engage mentors, connect with family or pursue personal development, without feeling that their worth is tied to domestic duties. “Women have suffered enough. Girls are going through too much already. We should stop investing in our own oppression,” she said. She also called for boys to be raised to become responsible partners who understand mutual respect and shared responsibilities.

The conference featured discussions on women’s leadership, political participation, enterprise, representation and the need to create more opportunities for women across sectors.

In a major highlight of the event’s commitment to economic empowerment, ASHA Microfinance Bank gave grants of N250,000 each to 10 small women entrepreneurs and promised to do more to upscale women’s businesses.

Another highlight was the presentation of awards to individuals and institutions recognised for their contributions to advancing women’s voices, empowerment and health. Among the honourees were Dr. Stella Okoli, Founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries; Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director of the Bank of Industry; Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Member of the House of Representatives, Kosofe Federal Constituency; Mr. Ayodele Subair, Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS); Barr. Olumide Omosebi; as well as honourees from Kwara and Ekiti States, among others.

The conference was headlined by FirstBank and the Government of Ekiti State, with support from partners including ASHA Microfinance Bank, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), LASENA, Nigerian Breweries Limited (NBL), United Nigeria Airlines, Air Peace, WRAPA, Amandla and the media. Their involvement reinforced the importance of private and public-sector partnerships in advancing conversations and initiatives focused on women and families.

According to the Executive Director of VOWEF and Chair, Board of Directors of Women Radio WFM 91.7, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, the 10^th anniversary is not just a celebration of the journey, but a call to deepen impact.

As VOW begins its second decade, the focus is shifting from simply giving women a voice to ensuring those voices translate into value, influence, action and measurable impact.

Emmanuel Olonade Communications Specialist