By Vivian Onyebukwa
Recently, African women gathered in Dakar, Senegal, for the 2025 Duchess International
Women’s Conference. The women, included leaders, professionals, and change makers from across the continent. Designed around the themes of unity, action and sustainable progress, the conference provided a platform where ideas flourished, networks deepened, and hearts aligned.
Over four days, delegates immersed themselves in rich cultural, intellectual, and emotional experiences from grassroots action to historical reflection, policy dialogue to recognition of excellence. It wasn’t just an event; it was a movement with rhythm, roots, and reach.
Delegates arrived, each bringing their own story, energy, and expectations.
Among women in the Nigerian delegation were Hajia Zaynab Nasare Nasir Idris, the wife of Kebbi State governor; the Commissioner for Education, Kebbi State, Isah Abdullahi-Tunga, and several notable women leaders from Kebbi. Their presence was a strong signal of high-level support for women centred development. Prof. Ifeyinwa Nsude, a senior lecturer, Department of Mass Communication, Ebonyi State University, was among the Nigerian delegates.
Also present was Clara Agomuoso of First Bank, Senegal, a key partner who played an instrumental role in facilitating the participation of local delegates.
Ambassador Betty Mahugu delivered opening remarks that stirred excitement and reflection in equal measure. The evening had the soul of a homecoming where women met not as strangers but as collaborators in something far bigger than themselves.
The second day focused on something crucial yet often overlooked -Environmental stewardship. Delegates travelled to Diamniadio, just outside Dakar, for a tree-planting initiative that would later be recognised by Senegal’s DGPU News. This was no symbolic photo opportunity, but a meaningful step toward sustainable impact.
Hajia Zaynab Nasare Nasir Idris planted the first tree, a gesture rich with symbolism. She was joined by Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa, President of Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA); Duchess Abolaji Odunuga, the visionary convener of the conference; and the Senegalese Director of Environment, Madeleine Diouf Sarr.
Delegates worked side by side, sleeves rolled and hands deep in the soil, planting trees and sharing their hopes for a greener, more resilient Africa.
This initiative sparked conversations about climate resilience and the critical role of women in shaping eco-conscious futures. It was a reminder that sustainable leadership isn’t about theory-it’s about action, taken together.
The third day of the conference carried a weight of history and remembrance. Delegates visited Gorée Island, the House of Slaves and African Renaissance Monument. It is a place where silence says more than words ever could. The tour of the House of Slaves was deeply moving, each room, each corridor, and especially the “Door of No Return,” told stories of unimaginable loss and extraordinary endurance.
Prof Nsude noted that as participants walked through the same stone pathways where millions were once shackled and stolen from the continent, emotions ran deep. There were quiet tears, clasped hands, and silent prayers. The visit sparked meaningful conversations about collective memory, identity, and healing.
“Delegates left more grounded in the truth that the future we are building must honour the past we carry,” Prof. Nsude stated.
Afterward, the group visited the African Renaissance Monument, the tallest statue in Africa. Standing 49 metres high, it symbolises Africa’s strength, rebirth, and hope. At the base, looking up at the towering figures of a man, woman, and child, delegates were reminded of what is possible when they rise together. The panoramic view of Dakar from the top offered not only beauty but clarity of purpose, place, and potential.
On the last day, the conference opened with an energising address by the convener, Duchess Abolaji Odunuga, who spoke on the urgency of action and the power of women to lead change.
This was followed by a stirring keynote from Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa, President of DEPOWA, who charged every woman to own her space, lead with intention, and drive tangible impact in her community.
Throughout the day, a dynamic line-up of speakers took the stage, including Prof. Nsude. Her paper presentation titled, “Unlocking the Potentials of Communication for Empowering African Women And Enhancing Sustainable Economic Growth,” connected academic insight with real
world change. She addressed three basic questions in line with the topic, which included, “Who are these African women?’ Why should they be empowered?” and “How can communication facilitate their empowerment and leadership role?”
She identified the domestic, agricultural and motherhood roles of African women. She mentioned some African women entrepreneurs, which included a Nigerian, Folorunsho Alakija, one of the richest women in Africa, Mosunmola Abudu, owner of Ebony Life TV, also a Nigerian, Bethlehem Alemu of Eco-friendly footwear manufacturer from Ethiopia, and Sibongile Sambo of South Africa, who is a big player in the aviation industry.
She, however, stated that the current economic status of women shows that, one in every ten women lives in extreme poverty. “Women have less access to aids from financial institutions, disadvantaged by the digital divide, and in governance”, she added.
Prof Nsude pointed out the importance of communication in the lives of women. “Communication can be a powerful tool for women to enhance their voices and visibility. Communication skills boost educational and employment opportunities, create spaces where women can freely articulate their opinions, assert their aspirations and define their realities. Communication and the media can influence social norms and perceptions about women in the society. Good communication skill can help women in leadership positions, and also empower them economically,” Prof Nsude said.
Another speaker, Mrs. Ndeye Fatou Mbodj, emphasized the need for localised leadership and community development.
A standout panel session featured Dr. Safiya Stephanie Musa, Barr. Ete Winifred Eyewuoma and Ambassador Betty Mahugu. Together, they unpacked themes of intergenerational leadership, cross-border cooperation, and authentic governance. The energy in the room was electric-ideas flowed, and spirits soared.
It was also an evening of dinner and awards-a glamorous celebration of women making waves across industries and sectors.
Dressed in dazzling African attire, guests gathered under twinkling lights for a night filled with music, elegance, and deep appreciation.
Awardees included Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku who was bestowed with “Outstanding Leadership in Public Service and Women’s Empowerment Award”, Mrs. Mayokun Oluwemimo, Excellence in Expanding Financial Access and Empowering Small Businesses Award, and Mrs. V. Ekpiteta, Commitment To Financial Inclusion And Community Advancement Award.
Others included, Hajia Zaynab Nasare Nasir Idris who got the “Inspirational Leadership in Grassroots Development Award”, and Adeola Esther Ajibade, Visionary Innovation and Creative Excellence in African Fashion Award.
Reacting to the programme, Prof Nsude said, like any event of this scale, every conference comes with its own challenges. “While it didn’t take away from the spirit of the conference, it did raise an important concern. Events like this are built on trust, mutual respect, and fairness. When some choose to bypass that, it reflects a bigger issue-one that’s not new. Africans often speak of how the world, particularly the West, treats us unfairly. And it’s true, racial discrimination and systemic bias exist. But what is also true, and perhaps more uncomfortable to admit, is how Africans often treat each other.”
She wondered why an African woman feels safer in Europe than in another African country. “Why do we talk about unity, but act in ways that exclude or exploit one another? These aren’t rhetorical questions. They are real issues that need real answers, because until we begin to treat each other with respect and dignity, our complaints about how the world treats us will always ring a bit hollow”, Prof Nsude said.
She continued by saying that events like the Duchess International Women’s Conference are not just about networking or inspiration, but are also about building a new way of thinking. “We want to see an Africa where women lift each other up, not pull each other down. We want to see borders become bridges, not barriers. That’s why we don’t hold this conference in one country, we take it across Africa, so the message is clear-We are one.”
Looking ahead, the next Duchess International Women’s Conference is expected to take place in Namibia in 2026. According to the organisers, Namibia isn’t just another host country. It is a country that’s setting a remarkable example for the continent.
“In 2025, it made history by becoming the first African nation to have both a female President and a female Speaker of Parliament. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah took office as President, and Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who served previously as Prime Minister, became Speaker of the National Assembly. Beyond these two names, women in Namibia make up over 75% of the cabinet, playing active roles in shaping policies, economies, and social reform.
“These are not symbolic positions, they are leadership roles backed by real power, and more importantly, real results. Namibia shows us what is possible when women are given the room to lead. That’s why it’s the perfect place to continue this journey. Not because it is perfect, but because it is a country moving in the right direction, led by women who understand the weight of leadership and the need for lasting change. We’re going to Namibia in 2026, not just for another conference, but to keep the work going-to learn, grow, and to keep building the Africa we want to see,” Prof Nsude added.