The Gambia on Thursday, November 27, 2025, hosted one of Africa’s most influential women-focused gatherings as the International Women Power Conference (IWPC) 2025 convened at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul.

The event brought together high-profile dignitaries, policymakers and leading voices on women’s empowerment from across Africa and beyond.

The conference was attended by the First Lady of The Gambia, Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, who led a delegation that included the Second Lady, spouses of cabinet ministers, senior government officials and the country’s former Vice President. Their participation signalled the Gambian government’s continued commitment to advancing women’s leadership and national development.

The IWPC Africa Chairperson, Ambassador Zainab Darboe Musa Jammeh, provided overall coordination for the event, receiving praise from delegates for her role in delivering a successful edition. The IWPC Global President, Ambassador Dr Chris Oko Odey, also addressed participants, urging greater collaboration in strengthening women’s roles in economic growth and global affairs.

A key moment of the conference was the keynote address by Lady Adaora Chukwudozie, Chairman of Keystone Bank Limited, who spoke on financial inclusion, innovative leadership and the need for sustained investment in women-led enterprises. Her speech drew widespread commendation from attendees.

The event also featured prominent humanitarian and public figure Tonto Dikeh, whose presence added cultural appeal and advocacy support.

Delegates attended from countries including Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Senegal, South Africa, and from parts of Europe, Asia and the Americas—making IWPC 2025 one of the most internationally represented editions to date.

Supported by partners such as Air Peace, Africell, GamGo and Global Properties, the conference concluded with widespread praise for its organisation and impact. Observers say the 2025 edition has set a new standard for women’s leadership conferences on the continent.