SPILL: Raising women’s voices for a transformative Africa

Speaking Intelligently, Ladies Lead, affectionately known as SPILL has emerged as Africa’s premier forum for the amplification of women’s voices.

Established in 2017 by Tomide Olukuade, a media entrepreneur and passionate advocate for gender equality, SPILL is redefining how women of African descent share their stories, ideas, and visions for the future. At its core, SPILL is driven by a mission to mainstream and elevate women’s voices, fostering social equilibrium and change.

The recent edition, themed “Woman Capital,” held on June 29, 2024, in Abuja, exemplified the transformative power of the platform. Seven distinguished women speakers took the stage, each weaving a narrative of resilience and innovation. Hansatu Adegbite’s talk, “Undefeated by the Gravitational Pulls of No,” captured the essence of perseverance, urging women to excel and seize opportunities with unparalleled determination. Diane Okoko’s “The Majority in One” explored the profound strength found in solitude, while Naomi Osemedua’s compelling story challenged attendees to discard limiting labels in favour of self-empowerment. Esteemed voices such as Dr. Dayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Sotonye Ehimiaghe, Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, and Sarah Adekunle-James further enriched the discourse with their insights.

The event, supported by prominent sponsors such as Flour Mills of Nigeria and the Whitefield Foundation, highlighted the significant investment in amplifying African women’s voices. These sponsors, which also included Checkers Custard, Blue Velocity Media & Entertainment Ltd., Nordic Hotels, and FC Accessories, are crucial in sustaining the platform’s reach and influence. Their backing reflects a broader recognition of the importance of women’s empowerment on the continent.

Tomide Olukuade, the driving force behind SPILL, emphasises the necessity of male allyship in the fight for gender equality. His leadership underscores a vital truth: men play an essential role in elevating women’s voices, and together, we can achieve lasting change.

Attendees left the event profoundly moved. Akaoma Onyemelukwe described it as “awesome and amazing,” noting that it exceeded her expectations. Faith Emmanuel lauded SPILL as “premium value,” remarking that she had never been surrounded by such remarkable minds before.

With ambitious plans for “Africa’s biggest knowledge party for women” to expand to the UK, Europe, America, Canada, and beyond, SPILL is poised to make a global impact. By offering a platform for women to share their experiences and ideas, SPILL is bridging the gender gap and fostering a more inclusive world.

As the speaking platform looks to the future, the upcoming SPILL LAGOS event promises to continue the momentum. Scheduled for October, this seventh edition aims to be the most significant gathering yet, offering another opportunity for women to connect, inspire, and lead. The anticipation surrounding SPILL LAGOS suggests it will further solidify the platform’s role as a catalyst for change.

In the words of Tomide Olukuade, “It’s not a man’s world. It’s not a woman’s world; it is our world.” SPILL stands as a testament to what can be achieved when we unite for a common cause—a brighter, more equitable future for all.

This piece is from Adelani Atanda. Atanda is a women development enthusiast resident in Kenya.