VOALS 2023: Empowering African Women in Leadership

The inaugural Voice of Africa Leadership Summit (VOALS) took place from August 25 to August 27, 2023, organized by Dr. Yetunde Folami. The summit aimed to empower African women to reclaim their voice and leadership roles.

It gathered business leaders, executive coaches, philanthropists, and change-makers from Nigeria, Kenya, the UK, and the US. The event began with a service at the University of Nairobi, where pharmacy students received empowerment lectures and gifts.

A pre-summit dinner facilitated networking among high-value women leaders. The main summit featured a welcome address by Dr. Folami on the theme “Leadership Renaissance: Reclaiming Identity, Voice and Influence.” Keynote sessions included discussions on personal transformation in leadership by Bola Matel-Okoh and human-centered leadership by Dr. Wale Akinyemi.

An executive fireside conversation with Dr. Akinyemi, Coach Matel-Okoh, Lillian Ngala, and Dr. Folami addressed the values necessary for Africa's future leaders. Additional sessions focused on the modern executive woman's playbook and untold stories of women in leadership.