ABUJA – Ms Toun Sonaiya, Chief Executive Officer of Women Radio 91.7 FM in Lagos, announced that preparations are in progress for the 7th edition of the Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2023), slated for October 25 in Abuja.
According to a new release by News Agency of Nigeria, the conference carries the theme, “Repositioning Women for Greater Impact,” and aims to modify societal norms and institutional frameworks that inhibit women’s advancement. This, Sonaiya explained, will help women assume more pivotal roles in governance and leadership.
Leaders, policymakers, advocates, and stakeholders from across Africa are expected to gather in Nigeria for this significant event. The conference seeks to offer a platform for dialogue and the discovery of innovative solutions to address the gender imbalance in leadership and governance. Speakers from Namibia, Kenya, Liberia, and host country Nigeria will share practical strategies concerning women’s economic empowerment, financial resource allocation, and inclusion in leadership roles.
The outcome of the conference will be transformed into a strategic policy document to enhance women’s involvement in governance and leadership. “Although various policies and advocacy efforts exist to advance gender parity, substantial gaps remain in the domains of economic empowerment and leadership,” Sonaiya stated.
Notably, the Vice Presidents of Nigeria and Liberia, along with other leaders from Namibia and Kenya, are among the expected speakers at the conference. Additionally, state governors and their spouses are also slated to participate.
The conference will leverage expertise from various African countries including Namibia, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, and Nigeria. It aims to amplify women’s voices in leadership roles, given their proven capabilities in multiple sectors, from entrepreneurship to corporate settings.
VOW2023 aims to combat economic disparities faced by a significant number of women and unveil strategies to harness their economic potential.
The event is organized by Women Radio 91.7 FM, Nigeria’s sole radio station dedicated to women and their families, in partnership with Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation. Support for the event comes from the MacArthur Foundation and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, among other partners like Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), Sterling Bank, Lagos Inland Revenue Service, and Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI).