csrreporters 
The Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) has reignited its commitment to advancing women’s leadership and strengthening the global feminist movement as it prepares for its 24th Annual Conference this November.
With the bold theme “OWN” an acronym for Own your story, Walk in power, and Nurture the future this year’s gathering serves as a rallying cry for women to embrace their identities, assert their influence, and pave the way for future generations of female leaders.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the Chairman of the WIMBIZ Board of Trustees, Bisi Adeyemi, described the conference as more than an event, it is a platform for women’s empowerment and a symbol of progress for gender equality in leadership.
“This is the most anticipated event on Nigeria’s women’s calendar. Delegates are coming from across the world. With our diverse line-up of international and local speakers, the 24th Annual Conference promises to be a defining moment for women determined to lead change,” Adeyemi said.
Since its inception, WIMBIZ has championed women’s inclusion and advancement across business, public service, and governance. Over the last 24 years, the organisation has become a driving force for female empowerment and gender parity in decision-making spaces.
Rolake Akinkugbe Filani, a member of the WIMBIZ Board of Trustees, reflected on the organisation’s journey and its growing influence in the feminist movement.
WIMBIZ has come a long way. For more than two decades, we’ve built a community that transforms ambition into action. This conference is not just a celebration, it’s a call to sustain the fight for women’s voices to be heard and respected. Executive Director, Omowunmi Akinbohungbe, explained that the theme “OWN” emerged from months of reflection on the evolving role of women in society. OWN challenges women to embrace their stories the perfect and imperfect parts and draw power from their lived experiences. It’s about walking in confidence, not competition, and nurturing the future by mentoring and uplifting other women, she said.
Sessions at the conference will tackle internal and systemic barriers facing women such as imposter syndrome, societal bias, and fear of visibility while providing strategies for overcoming them and advancing gender equality in leadership.
Conference Planning Chair, Bimbola Wright, said the 2025 edition comes at a critical time globally.
“We are at a turning point, both nationally and internationally. While challenges persist, women have more opportunities than ever to influence change. This conference bridges generations where wisdom meets innovation and advocacy meets action,” Wright noted.
The 2025 Conference will be chaired by Justice Amina Augie (Rtd), with the keynote address delivered by Arume Ote, a globally acclaimed financial strategist. Other notable speakers include Olori Atuwatse III, Natalie Beinisch, and Dr. Morenike Molehin. WIMBIZ’s influence continues to grow beyond Africa, with delegates expected from over 15 countries, including the UK, U.S., Canada, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Singapore, and Belarus.
“Our reach is now global,” Akinbohungbe added. Women everywhere are uniting through WIMBIZ to champion equality, leadership, and collective progress. This is what modern feminism looks like women owning their stories, leading with purpose, and lifting others as they rise. The 24th WIMBIZ Annual Conference is not just a celebration of women’s achievements, it is a movement reaffirming that feminism is power, inclusion, and the future.