By Justina Auta
Ms Toun Sonaiya, Chief Executive Officer, Women Radio 91.7 FM, Lagos, says efforts are underway to reposition women for greater impact on society.
Sonaiya stated this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, to announce its 7th edition of Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2023), scheduled for Oct. 25 in Abuja.
She explained that the conference with the theme, “Repositioning Women for Greater Impact” was designed to change societal norms and institutional frameworks that impede women’s progress.
This, according to her, will allow women to take on more significant roles in governance and leadership.
She disclosed that leaders, policymakers, advocates, and other stakeholders across Africa would converge on Nigeria for the conference.
She said that the conference would provide the needed platform to share knowledge and find innovative solutions to gender imbalance in leadership and governance.
“Although several policies, and advocacies are in place to promote gender balance, huge gaps still exist in economic empowerment and leadership.
“This is why we have invited speakers from Namibia, Kenya, and Liberia and host country Nigeria to share practical steps and strategies on women’s inclusion, economic empowerment, ownership, and effective allocation of financial resources.
“The outcome will be used to develop a strategic policy document to improve women’s inclusion and leadership,” she said.
She added that the conference would also galvanise actions that recognises the immense potential within women and underscores the necessity of their empowerment for the betterment of the nation.
The CEO disclosed that the Vice Presidents of Nigeria, Liberia, as well as other leaders from Namibia, Kenya, state governors and wives of governors were expected to speak at the conference.
According to her, VOW2023 is leveraging the collective wisdom of experts and practitioners from various African countries, including Namibia, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, and host country Nigeria.
“The aim is to have each expert share practical steps taken, both by individually and governments to amplify women’s voices in leadership.
“Women have consistently proven their ability to excel in various fields, from entrepreneurship to corporate leadership.
“However, a staggering number of women continue to face economic disparities that hinder their progress.
“VOW2023 seeks to address these disparities and unveil strategies to unlock the economic potential of women.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that VOW 2023 Conference and Awards is an initiative of Women Radio 91.7, Nigeria’s only radio station for women and their families.
The conference is being organised in partnership with Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation with support from the MacArthur Foundation and the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
Other partners are Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), Sterling Bank, Lagos Inland Revenue Service, and Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI).
