In recent years, the global movement for women’s empowerment and rights has gained momentum and has been recognised as a vital tool for nation-building. The reason is that educated and empowered women contribute their skills to the workforce, raise healthier children, and help fuel sustainable economies.
When women live safe, fulfilled, and productive lives, they can reach their full potential, contributing their skills to the workforce and raising happier and healthier children. Additionally, empowered women help fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity at large.
This was the focal point of the Limitless Woman 2024 conference held in Lagos recently. This second edition featured accomplished women in various fields, to drive home the importance of women’s empowerment.
The conference focused on the theme ‘FlourisHER’, highlighting the need for women to flourish in all aspects of their lives. “Women empowerment is not just a concept; it is a transformative force that shapes societies and drives progress,” Grace Ofure Ibhakhomu, the visionary behind the Limitless Woman conference, said in her opening remarks.
“Women empowerment is very empowering a nation,” she continued. “I am very passionate about women, especially their finances, education, growth, etc because it is so important. A woman makes a community, a woman makes a nation, so women empowerment is so important to us.”
Her words embody the essence of empowerment, highlighting its profound impact on individuals, communities, and nations.
Reflecting on the theme ‘FlourisHER,’ speakers delved into the essence of empowerment, urging women to embrace their boundless potential.
Tara Fela-Durotoye, the renowned Nigerian beauty entrepreneur, addressing the audience, stated the importance of creating conducive environments for growth and development. She spoke passionately about managing power responsibly, underscoring the need for control mechanisms to prevent corruption.
Her insightful words on power control also resonated deeply with the audience, urging women to wield their influence wisely. She noted the importance of recognizing the change that comes with growth and power. “As you flourish, change is taking place, you are obtaining power,” she said. “But as we accept and come to that place where we recognise that we are becoming more and more powerful, it becomes important that we not just have power, but it’s important to have control over the power that we have.”
Fela-Durotoye’s message pointed out the need for women to maintain a balance of power and humility, ensuring that their influence is used for the greater good.
Furthermore, Hansatu Adegbite, executive director of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) in Lagos, stressed the importance of being limitless in her keynote address. urging women to transcend barriers and embrace their full potential.
She said, “Nobody remembers people that start the race. We only remember people who finished those races. So in being limitless, irrespective of whatever challenges you face, just keep moving on till you cross the finish line.”
Speaking further, Adegbite highlighted the transformative power of a mindset that looks beyond obstacles and envisions a future filled with possibilities. She encouraged women to persevere, stating the importance of determination and networking in the pursuit of one’s dreams. “In challenging circumstances, there are often hidden opportunities. Identify these opportunities and leverage them as positive solutions to problems,” she advised.
Ezinne Ezeani, the founder of SheCan Nigeria and deputy managing director for MBR Signature, shared her perspective on the conference. She said, “This conference is very transformational. It speaks to me personally as a woman, speaks to women out there, that there is nothing we put our hearts to that can limit us from achieving any of our dreams.”
Another speaker, Omon Odike, the CEO of U-Connect Human Resources Limited and host of Omon’s Couch, emphasised the need for women to break barriers and be resilient. She said, “This year, we are enlightening women to believe that they can do it all. Maybe not all at the same time, but they can do it. So this year, we’re igniting them, telling them we need to flourish and we need to do extraordinary things.”
The Limitless Woman 2024 conference served as a platform to inspire and empower women to break boundaries, embrace their power, and contribute to the development of their communities and nations. It highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment as a catalyst for positive change and progress. As women continue to flourish and empower each other, they pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.
