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By Media360Impact
Women have been urged to move beyond seeking opportunities to creating platforms, businesses, policies and initiatives capable of transforming communities and shaping the future.
The call was made at the 5th Standup For Women Society (SWS) International Conference and Summit 2026, held under the theme, “Women Securing the Future: Leadership, Prosperity and Global Impact.”
The conference brought together women from different backgrounds, professionals, leaders, development partners, government representatives, traditional and religious leaders, members of the diplomatic community and other stakeholders to discuss women’s leadership, economic empowerment and their role in sustainable development.
In her opening address, the International President and BOT Chair of SWS, Mrs. Deborah Libera, described the theme as more than a conference slogan, stressing that it represents a call to action for women to become active participants in shaping the future.
She said the rapidly changing world, driven by technology, artificial intelligence, climate change, economic transformation and global conflicts, requires women to develop the skills and courage necessary to remain relevant and influential.
According to her, women should no longer wait for opportunities to be handed to them but should create opportunities and platforms that can benefit others.
“Women are no longer asking for a seat at the table we are building new tables,” she stated in her address.
She noted that women are increasingly influencing policies, driving innovation, creating businesses and contributing to the transformation of societies.
The SWS International President also challenged women to think beyond personal achievements and embrace the broader responsibility of building communities where women and girls have access to education, economic opportunities, digital skills, quality healthcare, justice, security and equal opportunities.
She explained that the conference was designed to serve as a platform for learning, collaboration, mentorship, innovation and strategic partnerships.
She said the organisation’s vision was rooted in the belief that empowering a woman has a ripple effect on families, communities and nations.
“When a woman rises, a family rises; when families rise, communities prosper; and when communities prosper, nations become stronger,” she said.
Mother of the Day calls for stronger investment in women
The Mother of the Day, Her Excellency Zinaria Nneoma Rochas Okorocha, in her remarks, called for sustained investment in women and girls, particularly in education, entrepreneurship, leadership development and skills acquisition.
She encouraged women to recognise their capacity to influence positive change within their families and communities, stressing that meaningful development cannot be achieved when a significant part of the population is left behind.
Her remarks focused on the need for women to embrace leadership with responsibility, build economic independence and use their positions to create opportunities for other women.
She also commended SWS for providing a platform where women from different sectors and backgrounds could connect, share experiences and develop partnerships aimed at advancing women’s empowerment.
Chairman highlights importance of collective action
The Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Friday Michael, also called for greater collaboration among women, government, the private sector, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting women.
In his remarks, he emphasised the importance of supporting initiatives that equip women with practical skills, leadership capacity and economic opportunities.
He noted that empowering women should not be treated merely as a social responsibility but as an investment capable of strengthening families, communities and the wider economy.
He encouraged participants to translate the lessons and conversations from the summit into practical actions that would produce measurable results in their various communities.
Women receive emergency-response training
One of the practical highlights of the conference was an emergency-response training session designed to equip participants with basic skills for responding to life-threatening situations.
The session was facilitated by Dr. Chineze Nnwuwa, Chairman of Emergency Response International, who trained participants on how to respond when a person suffers a cardiac emergency or becomes choked while eating.
The training exposed participants to basic emergency-response principles and the importance of taking immediate and appropriate action while professional medical assistance is being sought.
The practical session added a life-saving dimension to the conference, highlighting the importance of ensuring that women are equipped not only with leadership and economic skills but also with knowledge that can help protect lives within their homes and communities.
Women begin conference with early morning road walk
Ahead of the commencement of the main conference activities, participating women also took part in an early morning road walk.
The activity provided an opportunity for participants to promote physical wellness, interact and build camaraderie ahead of the day’s programme.
The road walk also reflected the conference’s broader emphasis on holistic empowerment, recognising the importance of healthy and active lifestyles in achieving personal and professional goals.
From conversations to action
The SWS leadership said the conference would focus on meaningful dialogue, capacity building, networking, mentorship, leadership conversations, exhibitions and strategic partnerships.
The organisation also called on participants to ensure that the ideas generated during the summit do not end with speeches and conference materials.
The message running through the conference was that women must be prepared to take ownership of their future by developing relevant skills, creating economic opportunities, supporting one another and participating actively in decision-making.
The International President urged delegates to leave the conference with renewed courage, wisdom and determination to make a difference.
She also expressed appreciation to the keynote speakers, facilitators, sponsors, development partners, supporters, delegates and members of SWS for contributing to the success of the gathering.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, she reminded participants that “it always seems impossible until it is done.”
She declared the 5th Standup For Women Society International Conference and Summit 2026 officially open and called on participants to work collectively towards a future where women are empowered to lead, prosper and make lasting contributions locally and globally.
The conference ended its opening session with a renewed call for women to move from participation to leadership, from ideas to action and from individual success to collective impact.
