SpeakHER conference to help women speak up confidently

The third annual SpeakHER Conference, themed “S.A.Y. — Speak. Amplify. You.”, will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at The Dome, This Present House, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

The conference is expected to bring together professional women, entrepreneurs, advocates, emerging leaders and young professionals for practical learning, networking and conversations aimed at helping women communicate more effectively and confidently.

According to a statement issued by the organisers on Wednesday, the conference is designed to equip participants with skills to speak with clarity, negotiate effectively, advocate for themselves and others, and participate meaningfully in workplaces, businesses, communities and public life.

The event will feature practical sessions, conversations, networking opportunities and the Speakathon, SpeakHER’s platform for women and girls to speak publicly on issues of importance to them.

The 2026 Speakathon will focus on four areas: Leadership and Governance; Women’s Health and Wellness; Advocacy; and AI and Digital Transformation.

Speaking on the conference, the Co-founder of SpeakHER, Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, said women often have the ideas and capacity to lead but may lack the confidence, skills or opportunities to communicate their ideas effectively.

She said, “Women have ideas, ambition, and the capacity to lead. What can sometimes be missing is the confidence, skill, or opportunity to communicate those ideas when it matters most.

“SpeakHER was created to help close that gap. With S.A.Y. Speak. Amplify. You. We are encouraging women to speak with confidence, amplify what matters to them, and show up fully in the rooms where their voices can influence outcomes.”

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Also speaking, the Co-founder of SpeakHER, Ayo Mairo-Ese, said the conference would encourage women to recognise the value of their voices and develop the skills to use them effectively.

She said, “Speaking up is only the beginning. We want women to recognise the value of their voices, develop the skills to use them effectively, and understand that their perspectives can shape the spaces they occupy.

“SpeakHER 2026 is about creating more opportunities for women to step forward, be heard, and turn their voices into meaningful action.”

The organisers said the conference would also provide participants with opportunities to exchange ideas, build connections and become part of the SpeakHER community.

SpeakHER is a platform focused on helping women and girls develop the confidence, skills and opportunities to use their voices to communicate, advocate and lead.

The platform operates under the mission, “Shaping Narratives. Inspiring Change.”