NNEW SUMMIT 2026: WOMEN LEADERS ADVOCATE EMPOWERMENT, INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim
The NECA Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) Summit 2026 has brought together women and key stakeholders at NECA House, Alausa, Lagos, to explore women’s leadership, empowerment, professional development and their role in driving positive change across society.
Held under the theme “Rise, Lead, Transform,” the summit provided a platform for discussions on the importance of women recognising their potential, embracing leadership opportunities and contributing meaningfully to organisational growth, economic development and national transformation.
The gathering emphasised the need to equip women with the knowledge, skills, mentorship and institutional support required to overcome barriers, advance their careers and succeed in their respective fields.
The summit’s theme highlighted the importance of moving beyond conversations about the challenges women face towards taking practical steps to advance their personal, professional and leadership aspirations.
Participants reflected on persistent barriers to women’s advancement, including unequal access to opportunities, societal expectations, limited professional networks and challenges associated with career progression.
The discussions underscored the need to create an enabling environment where women can develop their capabilities, build confidence and contribute their expertise to businesses, institutions and communities.
Leadership was also presented as more than occupying positions of authority. It involves demonstrating integrity, taking initiative, inspiring others and creating opportunities for meaningful change.
In her goodwill message the Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Princess Mojisola Lasbat Meranda emphasized that women are not simply participants in development; they are drivers of it. According to her, reaching more than 6,000 women through capacity building, mentoring, networking, business linkages and advocacy represents a significant contribution to Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Empowering women must go beyond celebrating their potential; it must involve creating the conditions for that potential to thrive. We must strengthen policies that promote equal opportunities, improve access to capital and business support, and create an environment where women-owned enterprises can grow, compete and thrive. When a woman rises, she should not have to rise alone; she should be empowered to lift others along with her.”
She commended NNEW and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) for their sustained commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs since 2005.
The summit highlighted the importance of increasing women’s representation in decision-making across professional, economic and social sectors.
Greater inclusion of women in leadership positions can bring diverse perspectives, encourage collaboration and promote more inclusive approaches to addressing organizational and societal challenges.
Participants emphasized the need for organizations’ to provide women with opportunities to demonstrate their abilities, access professional development programs and participate in strategic decision-making.
Mentorship, networking and collaboration were also identified as important tools for helping women navigate professional challenges, expand their influence and prepare for greater responsibilities.
By encouraging women to take active roles in leadership, the summit reinforced the importance of building institutions that recognize talent, promote equal opportunities and support professional growth.
The former Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Edo State, Afie Braimoh highlighted that Our greatest strength lies not only in what each woman can achieve individually, but also in what we can accomplish when we connect, collaborate and create opportunities for one another.
“To rise is to recognise our potential and overcome the barriers that seek to limit us. To lead is to take responsibility, influence positive change and create opportunities for others. To transform is to turn our ideas, experiences and influence into lasting impact.”
Another important focus of the summit was preparing younger women for future leadership responsibilities.
Mentorship and knowledge-sharing were identified as essential to women’s professional advancement. Experienced professionals can help younger women navigate workplace challenges, make informed career decisions and develop the confidence to pursue leadership positions.
Similarly, accomplished women can support the next generation by sharing their experiences, providing guidance and creating opportunities for collaboration.
The summit also emphasized that the impact of women’s leadership should extend beyond individual achievements to positively influence workplaces, families and communities.
The message of Rise, Lead, Transform therefore reflects both individual responsibility and institutional commitment. While women are encouraged to take initiative and pursue their ambitions, organisations and policymakers must create the conditions that enable their talents and contributions to flourish.
The NNEW Summit 2026 provided an opportunity to highlight the value of platforms that bring women and stakeholders together to exchange ideas, strengthen professional relationships and explore solutions to shared challenges.
Speaking at the summit, The President, Neca’s Network for Entrepreneurial Women, Mrs. Bolanle Edwards, stressed that empowering women must go beyond celebrating their potential to creating the conditions necessary for them to thrive.
She called for stronger policies promoting equal opportunities, improved access to capital and business development support, expanded skills acquisition programmes and an enabling environment for women-owned enterprises to grow and compete.
Bolanle also emphasised the importance of mentorship and intergenerational partnerships, urging accomplished women to open doors for others and help expand opportunities for emerging female leaders.
The summit’s central message reinforced the need for collective action involving women, employers, professional organisations, policymakers and other stakeholders to create opportunities for women to develop their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
The lasting impact of the summit will depend on translating its discussions into practical initiatives, stronger professional networks, expanded opportunities and measurable progress in women’s leadership and empowerment.
Ultimately, empowering women to rise, lead and transform is not merely an investment in individual achievement; it is a vital step towards building stronger organisations, a more inclusive economy and a better future for society.
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