By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The former President of Ethiopia, Madam Sahle-Work Zewde has charged women across the continent to embrace authenticity, strengthen networks, and pursue power with purpose.

Speaking as the Keynote Speaker at the just concluded Inspiring Women Africa, IWA Series 14, Zewde with the at the theme “Leadership Redefined: Charting a New Path to Excellence”, she
stressed that leadership is not a privilege to be hoarded but “a big contribution to bring people together to find solutions.

She noted that too many people wait to be helped rather than stepping forward to help others, insisting that women in leadership “should be a transformative force,” not mere placeholders.

She cautioned against the misconception that women must alter their nature to thrive in positions of influence. “Power should not change the nature of women,” she said. “If we are sensitive, we are sensitive. We should not change. Power should not divert us from who we are.”

Drawing from her experience within the African Women Leaders Network and her tenure as president in Ethiopia, she emphasised the need for intentional training, targeted mentorship and active sponsorship. She shared how leadership programmes she pioneered helped many women gain confidence and rise to decision-making levels.

She called for structured pathways to ensure women apply their skills meaningfully, especially in conflict resolution and governance.

She lamented the persistent “one-size-fits-all” approach to African development and peace building, urging deeper grassroots engagement to understand what communities truly need. She decried the violence around elections in Africa, stressing the importance of civic education for young people, including familiarity with the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

On women’s political participation, Zewde who is the first female president of Ethiopia emphasized that, real change requires power while urging women to support female candidates.

Questioning why women who make up most of the continent’s voters do not elect more women into leadership, she warned that capable women often stay out of politics due to lack of networks, safe spaces and support systems.

She encouraged more women to join regional women’s networks, share experiences and build strength across borders. Pulling out her notepad, she revealed she has begun writing a book chronicling lessons from her life, which she hopes will inspire others.

Her closing message was one of limitless possibility:
“I was 37 when I was first appointed ambassador. From then till now, I have been called ‘Excellency.’ It may look like a fairy tale, but it is possible. Anything is possible. The sky is the limit.”

She urged women to dream boldly. “If your dream does not scare you,” she said, quoting former President Sirleaf, “then it is not worth dreaming.”

In her speech, the Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a new generation of women leaders.

Speaking to an audience of policymakers, entrepreneurs, and gender advocates, Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the conference as a catalytic platform redefining leadership in an era shaped by innovation, disruption, and transformation. She stressed that leadership today must be rooted in service, empathy, accountability, impact, and purpose.

According to her, Nigerian women are not merely participants in leadership spaces but “architects of new possibilities,” noting that their ingenuity continues to shine from Abia to Abuja, Enugu, Lagos, Ibadan, and across Africa and the diaspora.

As part of digital expansion efforts, the Minister urged Nigerian women to embrace the new Happy Women App, describing it as a gateway to verified information, economic prospects, mental well-being tools, legal guidance, safety resources, and direct access to ministry programmes.

“Every woman, regardless of location, deserves immediate, dignified, and reliable support,” she said.
To mark the conference’s 14th anniversary, the Minister unveiled 14 principles of excellence, which she said were essential for national transformation: purpose, prayer, positivity, passion, perseverance, persistence, planning, punctuality, practice, perspective, presence, politics, people, and play.

“Leadership is not just about action; it is about transformation and leaving every space better than we found it,” she said, urging women to expand their networks, open doors for one another, and “lift each other as we rise.”

Meanwhile, the founder of IWA Group, Kemi Ajumobi said the conference was an avenue to bring women who are charged with purpose, vision, and the unmistakable determination to rise beyond limitations.

“I am excited. I am grateful for how far I have come and where I am going. “Fourteen years is not beans. We must celebrate our wins and our struggles. Everything is part of the journey.”

But beyond the celebration, it was a day of deep reflection, learning, and empowerment. The program, designed to challenge, strengthen, and inspire, delivered an experience many described as life-changing.
“It is powerful. It is impactful. It deals with your mind positively. It is about women who understand there is a need to change, to break norms, to shatter glass ceilings,” she explained.

This year’s theme centred on leadership and it is a deliberate choice informed by what I described as the critical heartbeat of any thriving nation.

“Any nation can become better if leadership is right. Everything trickles down from the head,” she said. “We chose speakers who are leaders in every sense of the word. You never stop learning.”

According to her, leadership goes far beyond politics. “It is life. We need leaders who genuinely care about the citizenry. If we get leadership right, everything else will fall in place.”

She noted that many women possess exceptional skills and ideas but lack visibility. “One of the major challenges women face is the avenue to be seen,” she said. “Platforms like Inspiring Women Africa and programs like this help women connect, learn, collaborate, and scale their businesses.”

Sharing her own experience as a mentor and advocate, she highlighted how, over the years, her platform has consistently celebrated women and amplified their stories. “Women do not just need motivation; they need opportunities, connections, and access and that is what events like this provide.”

Looking ahead
With the next edition of Inspiring Women Africa already generating anticipation, Ajumobi hinted that 2026 would be extraordinary.

“Next year will be massive. We are planning already. Once you start hearing the promotions, make sure you come on board. You will have an impactful time you will never forget.”