The Guardian Woman Festival 2025 Edition Holds Friday

On Friday, March 14, a diverse audience will gather all day at Federal Palace Hotel Victoria Island, Lagos, for the second edition of The Guardian Woman Festival.

A flagship event of The Guardian Nigeria, this trailblazing event celebrates the achievements of female leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are revolutionising industries and creating transformative impact.

Themed “Women Mean Business,” this year’s festival will spotlight women’s critical role in reshaping economies and societies through innovation, leadership, and enterprise.

According to The Guardian’s convener and chief strategy officer (Global), Anita Athena Ibru, who expressed not only her enthusiasm but also the need for such an event, “The Guardian Woman Festival is more than just a celebration; it’s a movement that galvanises women to take charge of their futures, break boundaries, and influence meaningful change across industries.

To borrow the tagline of my brand, Investing In Women, we are gathering together at this live media event to press for progress.”

Attendees can look forward to an inspiring day with a keynote address by the minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, which will underscore the significance of women’s contributions to national and global economies. The festival will also feature panels and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and highlight actionable strategies for progress both on business and personal levels.

The festival launches the public vote for the Seven Wonder Women Awards in partnership with Investing In Women. These awards honour exceptional women across seven key sectors: the business of Culture (Media and entertainment, The Arts, Hospitality and tourism), the business of Financing and investment, the business of Technology, the business of Wellness and Care, the business of Academia and Learning, the business of Public Service, and the business of Philanthropy and Social Impact.

Panel discussions will feature thought-provoking topics, including Addressing Challenges in Business Financing, Personal Investing, and Wealth Preservation for Women; Driving Change: How Philanthropy, CSR, and Social Impact Can Strengthen Communities; Leveraging Coaching and Mentorship to Propel Women to the C-Suite and Empowering Women in Arts, Entertainment, and Lifestyle: Accelerating Action for Economic and Social Impact; as well as Care as a Business and Economic Driver of Progress in Nigeria.

Some of the speakers include: CEO of Leadway Asset Management, David Alao; Country Manager, Zoho Corporation, Nigeria, Kehinde Ogundare; Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende; Founder, Caring Africa, Blessing Oyeleye Adesiyan, Founder, GAIA Africa, Olatowun Candide-Johnson; and President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Prof. Pius Olanrewaju. The event will be hosted by the Founder of Talkademy, Joyce Daniels.

This year’s event is proudly sponsored by Leadway, a Gold Sponsor, alongside Zoho Corporation, Stanbic IBTC, and Caring Africa.