Organisers of the Women Economic Forum (WEF) on Thursday said the 107th edition of the forum would hold for the first time in West Africa, specifically Lagos, Nigeria, from Dec. 13 to Dec. 15.
Dr Alex Okoroji, President of WEF in West Africa, made this known at a news conference in Lagos.
Okoroji, who doubles as the G100 Global Chair for Media, Arts and Communications, said that the 107th WEF would be preceded by the G100 West Africa Meetings to hold from Dec. 11 to Dec. 12 in Lagos.
She said WEF was an international conference platform for women’s greater visibility, voice, recognition and networking for pursuing “business beyond borders”.
According to her, WEF West Africa kicked off its two-part event with a digital conference in March to mark the International Women’s Day with participants and attendees from many countries.
She noted that the second part would feature a three-day cross-cultural engagement to create a global circle for conversations, connections, collaborations and celebration.
“The three-day event will take place at the Lagos Oriental Hotel from Dec. 13 to Dec. 15 after the G100 West Africa Meetings happening Dec. 11 to Dec. 12 at the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Lagos with a VIP Meet & Greet with policymakers.
“The WEF West Africa edition is the first-of-its-kind regional edition that brings together women leaders and men allies from across the world and within our region into Nigeria.
“This is to discuss the most pressing issues and global solutions for women in business, society and across industries.
“This is a unique opportunity to connect with influential women leaders, learn from their experiences, share ideas, build networks and create opportunities for economic growth.
“It is also a chance to raise awareness of the challenges facing women in business while advocating for policies and programmes that support women’s economic empowerment,” she said.
Okoroji said that the WEF was organised with support from the WICCI Nigeria-India Business Council in partnership with G100.
She described the G100 as an influential group of 100 global women leaders from across the world in 100 diverse sector wings, supported by eminent He for She champions and 100 country clubs for powerful advocacy, awareness and impact across governments and global organisations.
Okoroji said that the WEF-West Africa 2023 edition would include in-person discussions and digital sessions, networking and collaborations to promote leadership around the world.
“It is meant to encourage women to grow their businesses, build successful careers and amplify their influence, impact and income.
“Day 1 will focus on “Amplifying Women’s Influence for a Resilient Future” with a keynote address and VIP plenary sessions featuring presentations and panel discussions on leadership and management.
“There will also be presentations on education, health and wellness, art, media and entertainment, fashion and beauty as well as culture and tourism.
“Day 1 will conclude with a VIP gala and honour ceremony, were 100 women will be celebrated and honoured at the WICCI Entrepreneurs Gala in collaboration with WICCI Nigeria-India Business Council.
“Presentations and discussions on Day 2 will focus on “Amplifying Women’s Impact for an Egalitarian Future”.
“The final day of the conference will focus on “Amplifying Women’s Income for a Sustainable Future” and will feature presentations and panel discussions as well,” she said.
Earlier, Shweta Srivastava, Secretary, WCCI Nigeria-India Chapter, said, “I am glad to be part of this. It is time to explore the power of global networking to strengthen our businesses and learn from one another.
“I encourage everyone to be there.”
Also, Noela Ugwu, Nigeria Chair, Intercultural Dialogue for G-100, noted that the forum was of great importance in view of the fact that a lot of women had been noticed to be marginalised in trying to contribute to societal growth.
She said it was time to harness the endowments of women to bring about further growth in the society.
For Dr Carolyna Hutchings, Vice President, WICCI, WEF was not a platform for women to come together to kick men off, but a platform to work together to achieve common goals.
“We are here to collaborate not to compete,” she said.