Experts urge women to embrace leadership, financial independence

Women leaders in business, technology, health and academia have called on Nigerian women to be bolder, financially independent and mentally resilient, saying these are key to personal and national development.

They made the call at the 2026 Multiwoman Conference on Saturday, organised by the Multiwoman Network in Lagos.

Speakers at the conference urged participants to embrace leadership roles and maximise their potential.

The conference, themed “UNLEASH: Unlocking New Levels of Excellence, Audacity, Success, and Healing,” attracted hundreds of participants physically and virtually, with attendees joining from within Nigeria and the diaspora.

Delivering the keynote address, Vice Chairman and Group Managing Director of Executive Group, Ajoke Ogunsan, said women must break societal limitations and take bold steps in leadership and governance.

“Excellence has no gender. Competence has no gender. Vision has no gender, and leadership also has no gender,” she said.
Ogunsan noted that Africa stands to gain significantly in economic growth if gender parity is achieved, adding that women have historically played critical roles in shaping societies and must continue to do so without hesitation.

The event, founded by Mary Ayuba, a broadcast journalist and mental health advocate, also focused on equipping women with practical tools for career advancement and personal development.

In another keynote, architect Brenda Unuaburu challenged women to increase their visibility and stop limiting themselves, urging them to take ownership of their ambitions.

Drawing from her personal journey, she introduced a framework encouraging women to understand their identity, embrace audacity, and remain resilient in the face of challenges.

Speaking on mental health, UK-based consultant psychiatrist Adeola Adeyemi emphasised that emotional well-being is essential for achieving success.

She outlined steps including self-awareness, purpose-driven living, and community support as key to building resilience, noting that “healing is not separate from ambition but foundational to it.”

Panel sessions at the conference provided insights into career growth, financial management, and entrepreneurship.

Participants, including industry professionals, highlighted the importance of financial discipline, skill development, and strategic planning in achieving long-term success.

One of the panellists, Victoria Ndu, urged women to prioritise financial stability and continuous learning, stressing that integration not balance is key to managing career and personal life.

Another speaker, Praise Agbonighale, encouraged participants to assess their financial habits, noting that income alone does not guarantee wealth.

The conference also addressed women’s health, with medical experts providing guidance on reproductive health issues, including menstrual health, hormonal balance, and menopause.

The session underscored the need for increased awareness and access to healthcare information for women.
In addition, the organisers launched the Multiwoman Magazine and announced a 90-day transformational programme aimed at empowering women with practical skills and mentorship.

Speaking at the event, Ayuba reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting women to achieve their full potential.

“When women thrive, families grow, communities transform, and nations prosper,” she said.

The conference reinforced the growing movement for women’s empowerment in Nigeria, with stakeholders emphasising that inclusive development requires deliberate investment in women’s education, leadership, and economic participation.