Women’s conference to focus on political participation ahead of 2027 polls
The 10th Voice of Women Conference and Awards will bring government, business and civil society figures together in Lagos on October 6. Organisers say the event will examine women’s leadership and representation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections, with five female candidates expected to join a national political discussion.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, businesswoman Folorunso Alakija and former Ekiti State First Lady Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi are among speakers expected at the 10th Voice of Women Conference and Awards in Lagos. The conference, organised by the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation in partnership with Women Radio WFM 91.7, is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island. The event marks the 10th anniversary of the Voice of Women platform.
Five women contesting the 2027 elections are also expected to participate in a national conversation on women’s political participation and representation in decision-making. The participants named by the organisers include Adijat Adeleye, Rukayat Shittu, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and Jennifer Agbaji. The political discussion will form part of an intergenerational conversation titled “The Power of Women: Across Generations — Shaping What Comes Next.” Organisers said the session would bring together established leaders, young women, students, entrepreneurs, policymakers, grassroots participants and civil society groups.
Participants from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones are expected, while the event will also be broadcast on television, radio and digital platforms. Organisers said the 2026 edition would focus not only on the platform’s history but also on its future impact on women and girls. Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, the conference convener and executive director of the foundation, said the anniversary was an opportunity to consider the next decade of the platform.
Programmes manager Aisha Sanni said the organisers wanted to broaden participation to women whose voices were often absent from national conversations. The conference will include awards for individuals, organisations, companies and government institutions supporting women, families and society. Asha Microfinance Bank is also expected to provide grants to 10 women as part of an economic empowerment component.
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