The Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) is preparing to host its 23rd Annual Conference, a flagship event renowned for empowering women and fostering leadership across Africa and beyond. This was officially announced during a press briefing which took place on Wednesday, 9th October, 2024. This year’s conference is scheduled for the 7th and 8th of November, 2024 and the theme is “Dream. Dare. Do” will be held in a hybrid format thereby allowing both virtual and in-person participation. During the conference, delegates from countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Ghana, Cameroon, Canada and the United Arab Emirates will engage in transformative discussions aimed at inspiring women to take bold steps in their careers and personal lives.
Event Overview
The 23rd Annual WIMBIZ Conference promises to be a landmark gathering, drawing prominent leaders from across sectors. Among the key figures headlining the event is former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who will deliver the keynote address. Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, the first female Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, will serve as the Chairperson for this year’s conference.
L-R: Conference Sub-Committee Communications and Publicity Chair; Mabel Adeteye; Executive Director, WIMBIZ, Omowunmi Akingbohungbe; Conference Chair, Opeyemi Oduwole at the Press Conference organised at the WIMBIZ Headquarters Ikoyi on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Photo: WIMBIZ
The event will feature a robust agenda that includes five plenary sessions, three interactive workshops, and a business pitch competition designed to inspire action among participants. At the heart of these sessions is the idea that women, in the face of global economic challenges, have the power to turn adversity into opportunity.
Key Themes and Plenaries
Reflecting the conference’s theme, “Dream. Dare. Do.”attendees will gain actionable insights and strategies for success in various sectors. Notable sessions include:
• “Diversifying into Entertainment: A Viable Business Opportunity”: This session will explore Africa’s booming media and entertainment sectors, providing a roadmap for women looking to tap into this expanding industry.
• “Overcoming Emotional Hurdles in Women’s Bold Journey”: Aimed at addressing the psychological challenges faced by women leaders, this session will offer practical tools for managing stress, building resilience, and achieving work-life balance.
These sessions and workshops are designed to offer not only knowledge but also opportunities for skill-building, leadership development, and business growth.
What You should Know About WIMBIZ: Advocating for Women’s Leadership
For over two decades, WIMBIZ has been at the forefront of advocating for gender equality in leadership roles across Africa. With a global network of over 2,800 accomplished women, the organisation has touched the lives of more than 330,000 women through its various programs, which focus on leadership development, mentorship, and policy advocacy. Speaking at the press briefing, Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, Executive Director of WIMBIZ, underscored the significance of the conference and WIMBIZ’s commitment to empowering women. She also highlighted the importance of creating platforms where women can thrive in leadership positions, particularly in sectors traditionally dominated by men.
“We are constantly advocating for equal representation of both genders in leadership positions across all sectors. We have seen some improvement in the financial sector with 30% female CEOs in the banking industry,” Akingbohungbe stated, stressing the need for more balanced perspectives in leadership.
Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, Executive Director of WIMBIZ
Why You Should Attend
The WIMBIZ Annual Conference is a must-attend for women aspiring to lead, innovate, and make impactful contributions to their industries. This year’s event presents a unique opportunity to learn from and network with some of the brightest minds in business, academia, and public service.
Opeyemi Oduwole, Chair of the Conference Planning Group (CPG), emphasised the theme’s importance in today’s economic climate. “The theme ‘Dream. Dare. Do.’ reflects the urgency for women to step into their power, especially in these challenging economic times,” she noted. Oduwole pointed out that several global companies, such as Disney and FedEx, were able to thrive after economic downturns, offering hope and inspiration to women seeking to seize opportunities in difficult times.
Networking will also be a key component of the conference. Oduwole stressed the importance of building strong professional relationships, stating, “Your network is one of the most powerful assets you’ll ever have in life.”
Opeyemi Oduwole, Chair of the Conference Planning Group (CPG)
Innovative Features and Accessibility
This year’s conference will be accessible through both the WIMBIZ website and a dedicated WIMBIZ app. The app will allow virtual attendees to engage with live sessions, participate in discussions, and network with other participants globally. Mabel Adeteye, Chair of the CPG Communications & Publicity Committee, encouraged all interested participants to register early through the WIMBIZ platform to secure their spot.
Conference Sub-Committee Communications and Publicity Chair; Mabel Adeteye
Sponsors and Partners
WIMBIZ’s mission of empowerment and advocacy is supported by a range of notable sponsors, including Doyenne Circle, First Bank, Standard Chartered, Wema Bank, BMO Advisory, Ardova Plc, and the MTN Foundation, among others. Their partnership underscores the importance of gender diversity in leadership and the shared commitment to fostering opportunities for women in business, management, and public service.
As anticipation builds for the WIMBIZ 23rd Annual Conference, the event is set to be a transformative experience for women across Africa and the globe. With an inspiring lineup of speakers, actionable workshops, and networking opportunities, this is an event that promises to shape the future of women’s leadership.
For more information on how to register, visit the WIMBIZ website at https://www.wimbiz.org or download the WIMBIZ app to stay connected with the latest conference updates.
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