UpYou Women Conference offers financial freedom for 100 Nigerian women

By Josfyn Uba

In a powerful display of unity and purpose, the UpYou Women Conference 2.0, held in Lagos under the theme, ‘Through the fire: Triumphing in adversity,’ brought together a coalition of women-focused groups with a singular mission: to break the cycle of poverty for 100 women across Nigeria. This pledge for economic empowerment through skills development and financial support marked a significant moment at the conference, which emphasized the transformation of personal challenges into pathways to success.

The convener of the conference, Ezinne Kufre-Ekanem, announced the launch of ‘EmpowerHer’, a groundbreaking pilot initiative set to equip 100 women by 2025. Through comprehensive training, mentorship and financial backing, the project will empower women from all regions of Nigeria to become financially independent and contribute to economic vibrancy.

“Through this collaborative effort, we aim to create a sustainable ecosystem where women uplift one another, fostering an environment of empowerment and economic independence,” Kufre-Ekanem said. She explained that the women will be selected via a rigorous application process, ensuring inclusivity and representation from across the country. The keynote address was delivered by Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, who highlighted the dual importance of spiritual strength and financial literacy in achieving true empowerment. She reminded attendees that everyone is at different points on the “barometer of pain,” encouraging them to build a “wall of accolades” to celebrate their journey.

Olumide-Ojo emphasized that women must “look good” even in adversity, as it is an essential part of their armor for success.

Former First Lady of Akwa Ibom, Dr. Martha Udom Emmanuel, delivered a powerful speech on resilience, noting that adversity serves as a crucible that refines character, leading to wisdom and inner strength. She shared her own experiences of triumphing through trials, inspiring the audience to view challenges as stepping stones rather than setbacks.

Sola Adesakin, a certified financial educator and entrepreneur, reinforced the idea that “walking through the fire with your head held high” is key to wealth creation, reassuring participants that the tools for their success are already in their hands.

The event also featured Eden A. Onwuka, whose emotional and candid session inspired women to “shame their shame” and embrace their scars with grace. She emphasized that “adversity has not come to erase you, but to advance you,” urging attendees to approach challenges with a positive mindset to transform setbacks into triumphs.

Amb. Unyime-Ivy King focused on the crucial role of mindset in adversity, reminding women that “nothing means anything unless the meaning we give it.” She explained that a resilient attitude is vital in overcoming life’s obstacles.

Fadekemi Olumide-Aluko tackled the unique challenges faced by divorced women. With her characteristic wit, she encouraged participants to “feel the pain, don’t ignore it,” as healing can only begin when we acknowledge our struggles. She left the audience with a powerful message: “We repeat what we don’t repair.”

Olaide Omosebi’s empowering words to “never give up” and “never say never” further underscored the conference’s central theme of resilience, reminding everyone that every setback is simply a setup for a remarkable comeback. The day was rounded off with a range of enriching activities, including panel discussions, raffle draws sponsored by the Jane Onwumere Foundation, a guided exercise led by Dr. Ruth Gorman, and captivating musical performances by Yinka Davies. There were also giveaways from Jumbo Sports and ample networking opportunities. As the curtains closed on the UpYou Women Conference 2024, one resounding message remained: women’s empowerment is essential for creating a more equitable and financially independent society. The journey through adversity strengthens the resolve to succeed and the collaborative spirit fostered at the conference is just the beginning of a transformative movement for women across Nigeria.

The 2025 edition is scheduled for August 29thand 30th, with promises of even greater impact and success.