Women tasked on society, family transformation

By Agatha Emeadi

The spirit of the 1995 Beijing Women’s Conference resonated at the fourth edition of the Up You Women Conference at Eko Hotel, Lagos. The event challenged participants to move beyond temporary inspiration and take deliberate action as agents of transformation in their families, communities, and society.

Convener Ezinne Kufre-Ekanem explained that the initiative, launched in 2023, was born from a conviction that equipped women become powerful forces for change. “We created this conference as a platform where women can discover, align, connect, and act to create tangible impact,” she stated.

The conference featured speakers addressing personal development and purposeful living. Julia Oku-Jacks spoke on genuine sisterhood, describing it as a network that “does not compete, but completes; does not withhold, but reaches,” reminding attendees that meaningful progress requires mutual support.

To ensure lasting impact, Kufre-Ekanem noted that empowerment does not end when the conference concludes. Through Project EmpowerHer, the organization provides continuous mentorship, training, and business support. A recent strategic partnership with FCMB SheVentures will further strengthen financial literacy and access to financial solutions for participants.

Having reached over 1,000 women across Nigeria since its inception, the initiative prioritizes sustainable transformation over mere numbers. Kufre-Ekanem urged women to stop waiting for perfect conditions, summarizing the core message in three words: “Go, do, and become.”