By Loth Makuza.
In a celebration of resilience, innovation, and leadership, the recently concluded 2024 edition of the International Woman Leadership Conference (TIWLC) in Dubai provided a platform for women across borders to amplify their voices, share insights, and inspire transformative change.
Among the distinguished speakers who took center stage were former South African Vice President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Zambia’s Dolika Banda, whose powerful messages resonated with attendees from diverse backgrounds.
Themed “Woman in Leadership… Leading With Courage,” the conference showcased the remarkable achievements and unwavering determination of women leaders from South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, the United States, the United Kingdom and beyond.
Mlambo-Ngcuka, in her keynote address, emphasized the importance of authenticity and service in leadership. She urged women to embrace their unique strengths, stand firm in their beliefs, and continue to learn and grow. Her words echoed throughout the conference, inspiring attendees to lead with courage and conviction.
In her address to the August gathering, Mlambo-Ngcuka noted that leadership is about service, solutions, accountability, and accepting being questioned. She charged women to raise the bar and embrace authenticity and change.
“In leadership, you must remember to be authentic. There is only one you, and you are enough. People will know what you stand for, so you have to be intentional about your beliefs. You also have to keep learning and developing intrinsic value,” she encouraged.
After a goodwill message from the Senior Vice President of International Operations at Dubai Economy & Tourism, Hoor Alkhaja, Nigerian entrepreneur, author, and convener of TIWLC Ibukun Awosika, set the tone for the conference with her opening speech, charging attendees to lead the drive for change and positive disruption.
“The energy and enthusiasm at TIWLC 2024 has been truly electrifying. This is a time of empowerment, connection, and transformation for every woman. The interactions among women today will shape the future. I guarantee that no one will leave this conference the same way they came; it’s a life-changing experience,” said Ibukun Awosika.
Dolika Banda, Zambian executive leader renowned for her governance and investment expertise, challenged participants to break free from their comfort zones and approach leadership with unwavering determination. Her insights resonated deeply with African women, encouraging them to define and defend their values and never to avoid using their voices for positive change.
The conference also featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including Nigeria’s former Central Bank Governor HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who shared insights on leading change with courage, and a plenary session moderated by GM & Group Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Development at Zenith Bank, Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, tagged “Experiences from the Real World.”
Multiple A-list speakers contributed vital insights and practical experiences during the plenary sessions. These intrinsic sessions were led by accomplished speakers with years of valuable experience in critical areas.
The array of speakers included Founder of Ubu Investment Holdings Pty Ltd. and former COO at Trade & Investment South Africa, Portia P. J. Derby; global speaker, strategic leadership expert and lead pastor of Daystar Christian Center, Dr Sam Adeyemi; Special Adviser to the Nigerian President on Policy and Coordination & Head, Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman; Fmr British Member of Parliament, Rt Hon. Nick Hurd; Founder at TIG Africa and former CEO of Uganda’s National Oil Company (UNOC), Josephine Wapakabulo; Chief Operating Officer for Friendship Bench Zimbabwe, Lena Zamchiya; Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Airtel Africa, Segun Ogunsanya; Fmr Board Chair at the Nokia Corporation & founder of F-Secure and WithSecure Corporations, Risto Siilasmaa; as well as Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy, Damilola Oginbiyi and more.
The success of the TIWLC Dubai 2024 conference underscores the power of women’s leadership in driving meaningful change and fostering collaboration across borders and industries. As South Africa looks towards the future, events like TIWLC serve as catalysts for empowerment, innovation, and collective action among women leaders.
Looking ahead, the TIWLC leadership has announced the dates for the 2025 conference, reaffirming its commitment to advancing women’s leadership and empowerment on a global scale. South African women are invited to join this transformative journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
For more information on The International Woman Leadership Conference Dubai, visit www.tiwlc.com or follow @theiwlc on Instagram.