…Women Are Leaders of Today, Not Leaders of Tomorrow – Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
By Nkechi Eze
At a time when global conversations around gender equity are gaining fresh urgency, Nigeria once again placed the spotlight on the power of women in shaping the nation’s democratic future. The 9th edition of the Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW 2025) convened in Abuja brought together an array of leaders from government, civil society, advocacy groups, and the private sector, all united by a common cause, the advancement of Nigerian women as indispensable partners in nation-building.
The conference, which over the years has grown into a formidable platform for women’s voices to be amplified, carried the theme “Nigerian Women and the Power of Collective Action.” The discussions and interventions at this year’s gathering underscored a shared resolve to move beyond rhetoric into policies and actions that would secure stronger representation and protection for women in governance, enterprise, and public life.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, delivering his goodwill message, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening women’s inclusion under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He acknowledged the resilience, sacrifices, and invaluable contributions of Nigerian women, describing them as the bedrock of the nation’s progress and an irreplaceable force in its development story.
“Our ever-supportive and resilient Nigerian women, as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I salute the 9th edition of the Voice of Women Conference. The story of our nation is incomplete without the strength of her women,” the President declared.
Tinubu emphasized that women must be seen and empowered not only as guardians of the family but also as innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders whose collective ingenuity can drive Nigeria toward its ambition of a trillion-dollar economy. His words echoed the spirit of the conference, which sought to position women as co-pilots in steering the country’s development trajectory.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, lending his voice to the deliberations, described the conference theme as both “timely and timeless.” He painted a picture of women as the backbone of the nation’s resilience and the vanguard of its future, reiterating the government’s determination to unlock their full potential under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Former Deputy President of South Africa and past United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, delivered a powerful call to action, urging African women to embrace their rightful place in leadership and governance. Speaking with conviction, she reminded participants that the struggles for equity and representation remain unfinished, and that deliberate choices must be made to accelerate progress.
Dr. Mlambo-Ngcuka, who has long been recognized globally as a leading advocate for gender equality, drew from her vast experience in politics, activism, and international service to highlight the urgency of women taking up leadership responsibilities. She recalled her early years in grassroots organizing, where she learned that leadership is not about lofty offices but about being present with the people, listening to their challenges, and delivering real solutions. “The people want to see us where they are, to feel that we are with them. They want roads, schools, and basic infrastructure. Leadership means showing up, listening, and providing answers that impact their lives,” she said.
Addressing the double standards that women continue to face in politics, she lamented that women leaders are often held to higher scrutiny than their male counterparts. However, she insisted that such realities should not discourage women, but rather strengthen their resolve to lead with excellence. “Mediocrity in leadership hurts all of us. If women do not step forward, democracy is weakened. At the current pace, it could take over 100 years before we achieve gender balance in politics. That is far too long, and it is unacceptable,” she warned.
Central to her message was the call for collective action and solidarity among women. Dr. Mlambo-Ngcuka emphasized that women cannot afford to remain divided along political, ethnic, or economic lines if they hope to shape policies that affect their lives. She also cautioned against framing the struggle as a battle against men, reminding participants that many men have been crucial allies in advancing women’s rights. “We must remember that some of our strongest supporters are men who understand the value of women’s leadership. This is not a battle of women against men; it is about all of us working together for just and inclusive societies,” she stated.
She also spoke strongly on the importance of mentorship, describing it as a two-way exchange between older and younger generations. According to her, while older women provide guidance and institutional memory, younger women bring innovation, energy, and new perspectives that must be valued. “We must invest in one another. The younger women are not leaders of tomorrow—they are leaders of today. Their voices and actions are needed right now,” she stressed.
Turning to Nigeria, Dr. Mlambo-Ngcuka threw her weight behind the Reserved Seats Bill, describing it as a necessary instrument to institutionalize women’s participation in governance and align the country with global best practices. She noted that without intentional legal frameworks, progress would remain slow and uneven. “Nothing will just happen on its own. Rights are never guaranteed; they must be fought for, protected, and expanded. Passing this bill is a decisive step to ensure that women have a permanent seat at the decision-making table,” she said, urging the National Assembly and the Presidency to take urgent action.
Beyond legislative reforms, she raised broader concerns about global and regional pushbacks against women’s rights, citing threats to reproductive health, rising gender-based violence, and shrinking democratic spaces. She cautioned that progress achieved over decades is at risk of reversal unless leaders act intentionally to safeguard them. “We are seeing hard-won rights being rolled back in many parts of the world. This is why we must remain vigilant and united. Protecting women’s rights is both a legal duty and a moral imperative,” she declared.
On the scourge of gender-based violence, Dr. Mlambo-Ngcuka called for shared responsibility, urging men to take a stand alongside women. “The fight against violence cannot be left to women alone. Men must call out other men, speak against abuse, and take responsibility for changing harmful cultures. Only then can we break the cycle,” she urged.
She concluded with a heartfelt appeal for women to continue investing their full commitment in leadership, not waiting for perfect conditions but seizing every opportunity to make change. “Leadership is about courage. It is about stepping forward, even when the path is difficult. We owe it to the next generation of women to build a world where leadership is not a graveyard for women, but a space of innovation, justice, and shared progress,” she said.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, gave perhaps one of the most strategic interventions of the event, when she stressed the urgency of passing the Reserved Seats Bill. She explained that the proposal was not an act of benevolence but a necessary legislative mechanism to align Nigeria with global best practices and guarantee women’s rightful place in governance structures. “The Reserved Seats Bill is a strategic necessity,” she insisted, commending President Tinubu for prioritizing the welfare of women, children, and vulnerable groups, and acknowledging the support of the 10th National Assembly in moving the proposal forward.
For the Convener of the Voice of Women Conference and Awards, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, the moment was an opportunity to issue a direct charge to the country’s leadership. She urged President Tinubu to ensure that the Reserved Seats Bill becomes law, stressing that his administration and the 10th Assembly would be remembered in history as champions of women’s rights if they delivered on this commitment.
“Your leadership is needed to turn promises into policy and back words with action. The passage of the bill is a crucial step towards promoting gender balance and inclusive governance in Nigeria,” Sonaiya declared. She further noted that grassroots women, despite constituting the largest voting bloc, continue to have their political choices largely shaped by men. She called for women across political, ethnic, and economic divides to forge stronger collective action in pursuit of equity.
The President of the League of Women Voters, Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, raised an even more sobering issue. Drawing attention to the disturbing trend of increasing deaths of female political leaders, especially in Lagos State, she lamented that insecurity, intimidation, and stress have become major deterrents for women aspiring to public service. “When women are absent in governance, our democracy is weakened. When leadership becomes a graveyard for women, who will dare to walk the path tomorrow?” she asked, casting a somber reflection on the sacrifices women pay in the political arena.
Over the years, the Voice of Women Conference has become more than just an annual gathering. It has emerged as a beacon of solidarity, advocacy, and strategic engagement, creating a national platform where the voices of women are not just heard but amplified in shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey. VOW 2025 continued in that tradition, highlighting the imperative of inclusive governance and the urgent need to dismantle systemic barriers that limit women’s participation.
With the President’s pledge of support, the Vice President’s reassurances, the Women Affairs Minister’s strategic push, and the urgent appeals from civil society leaders, this year’s conference underscored a singular truth: that Nigeria’s march toward progress cannot be sustained without the full and equal involvement of its women.
