The Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy held its maiden edition of the International Woman Leadership Conference at the prestigious Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, Dubai from March 29th to 31st with over 400 c-suite delegates from across Africa and all over the globe in attendance.
The Conference which is Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy’s flagship programme was held in partnership with Dubai Tourism and Dubai Events; with the theme “Women in Leadership…Playing to Win”.
The 3-day event which commenced with a networking cocktail reception on Tuesday wrapped up on Thursday evening with a conference gala.
Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy Conference – Value sessions
Speakers that cut across various industries and expertise facilitated robust discussions and provided life and career-enhancing takeaways for attendees. There were practical tips on how women can derive authentic leadership, position themselves strategically for success, learn to hone & own the art of personal branding, push for greater representation of women in the public sector, and also coping skills for overcoming traumatic events in their personal and professional lives.
Aside from the corporate world, there was great representation from the government and the diplomatic corps. Nigeria’s Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo joined the conference live via an online telecast to deliver inspiring keynote remarks.
Wife of the VP, H.E Dolapo Osinbajo delivered the goodwill message to kick off the conference Wednesday morning in Dubai. Reminding the women about the power of choice. “What you choose today will be the reality of your tomorrow” she said.
From the convener of TIWLC 2022
Convener of the IWLC Ibukun Awosika who is a successful entrepreneur and renowned business leader herself revealed that the rationale behind the International Woman Leadership Conference is to impact women and empower them to be the best in all areas of life. In her words, “if we are going to take women to the top, we need to be deliberate and we need to be strategic.”
“Women have so much power but they have silos power, once you have silos power it is disconnected. You need to have a connected power so you can be the best of yourself and create a support system for other women.” she added.
From the keynote speakers
The keynote speakers for the final plenary were, Author and former CEO of Unilever, Paul Polman; Chairperson of The Board of Directors Zenith Bank Plc, Freda Duplan; the County Minister for Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, in Kisumu, Kenya, Achie Ojany- Alai; CEO, Ghana Deposit Protection Authority, Pearl Esua Mensah; Author and Founder and of Eventful, Yewande Zaccheus.
In his Keynote speech on managing power, Paul Polman recognised the positive change women have brought about in the society but he noted that to continue winning, women “need to move at the skill and speed that is required to play to win, think multi-generationally and know that leadership is first of all about first being a good person.”
The IWLC was attended by over 400 women from all parts of the globe who came to deliberate on a broad range of issues centered on a contemporary theme that is topical and relevant to women in the business, corporate, public and development sectors.
Attendees
Apart from Nigeria, delegates from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Ghana, Burundi, Barbados, Jamaica or Barbados, United Kingdom, United States of America, Lebanon, Northern Ireland and more, graced The International Woman Leadership Conference in Dubai.
To learn more about the International Woman Leadership Conference (IWL), the speakers and all the activities, visit www.tiwlc.com or follow on social media @theiwlc. Use #TIWLC2022 to see live updates and join the conversation online.
See more photos from the conference
