The Women of Worth (WOW) Africa Women’s Summit and Excellence Leadership Awards have honoured outstanding African women recognised for leadership, entrepreneurship, humanitarian service, public service and community development, including Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
The summit, held in Abuja, brought together women leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, development partners and professionals from across Africa to promote discussions on gender equality, inclusive leadership and women’s economic participation.
Founder of WOW Africa, Mrs Ginika Tor, said the initiative, conceived in 2018, was established to unite African women committed to humanitarian service, leadership and positive social transformation while providing a platform for lasting social impact.
According to her, WOW Africa was created to celebrate the transformative role of women across all sectors of society.
“Our vision is to break barriers, strengthen collaboration among African women and inspire transformative leadership across the continent,” she said.
Tor said the summit reflected the growing demand for platforms that empower women, foster collaboration and create opportunities for future generations of female leaders. She urged governments and citizens to reject xenophobia and discrimination, particularly attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, stressing the need for peaceful coexistence across the continent.
She also called on governments, private sector organisations and development partners to move beyond symbolic celebrations of women by expanding access to funding, mentorship, education and leadership opportunities.
Reaffirming WOW Africa’s commitment to continental impact, she encouraged women to pursue their aspirations confidently and support younger women.
“Africa’s future will be shaped by women who dare to rise, dare to lead and dare to transform their communities,” she said.
Speaking on mentorship, Founder of the Women of Divine Destiny Initiative, Nneoma Rochas Okorocha, said:
“Every step we take is influenced by the voices around us; some voices build us, some voices ruin us, some push us forward towards purpose, while others inhibit our growth.”
Founder of NINGIM Hope Alive Foundation, Dame Tumini Akogun, in a charge, said, “If Africa must truly ascend, then African women must not merely Merely being included is not enough; they must be empowered, equipped and entrusted with leadership. We must move from celebrating women in speeches to supporting women with policies, platforms, capital, education, mentorship and opportunities.”
Also, the wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) and Founder of the Reaching Every Adult and Child Foundation, Mrs Susan Lokpobiri advised women seeking political office to remain resilient.
“If you want to succeed in politics, you must keep pushing, remain focused and never give up. One day, your opportunity will come,” she advised.
On Security, the Force Gender Adviser to the Inspector-General of Police and President of the Association of Women in Law Enforcement in Africa (AWLEA), AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, advocated greater inclusion of women in Africa’s security architecture.
“Africa cannot achieve sustainable peace, effective protection or lasting stability without fully harnessing the leadership, expertise and contributions of women.”
She noted that the future of security must be inclusive. The future of security must be innovative. And the future of security must recognize the immense value that women bring to leadership and problem-solving,”
Panel sessions on “Raising Future Leaders: Empowering Young Women for Global Impact” and “The Invisible Load: The Importance of Mental Stability” highlighted mentorship, practical skills development, confidence building and mental health priorities for young women, with panellists calling for stronger values, self-care, better opportunities and solutions to barriers such as limited access to finance and under-representation in decision-making.
