Stakeholders from government, media, business, civil society and development organisations have called for increased representation, leadership opportunities and empowerment for women, insisting that conversations around gender equality must translate into measurable impact and greater participation of women in decision-making spaces.
The call was made at the third edition of Eve’s Lounge, an annual women-focused leadership and advocacy convening held on June 19, 2026, at Mauve 21 Event Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan.
The event, themed “The Liberated Woman: Power, Voice and Choices,” was convened by broadcast journalist and media entrepreneur, Damilola Amoo, who brought together policymakers, elected officials, development practitioners, corporate leaders, media professionals, advocates and grassroots stakeholders to discuss pathways to gender equity and inclusive development.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honor, the Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, emphasized the critical role women play in societal development, noting that the well-being of women directly influences the progress and stability of communities.
According to him, no society can achieve meaningful development without prioritising the welfare, rights and empowerment of women, stressing that investing in women is not only a moral responsibility but also a practical necessity for national development.
Speaking on women’s participation in governance, the member representing Oluyole Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, challenged societal structures that continue to limit women’s political participation.
She questioned the extent to which conversations around gender inclusion were translating into increased female representation in elective offices.
“How many women are going to be in the House of Representatives or Senate in 2027? We must ensure these conversations lead to measurable impact. I am willing to do anything ethical to get more women into the room,” she said.
Akande-Sadipe further stressed that women and men should be viewed as equals in terms of their capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.
“We should focus on what people can do, not whether they are male or female. We are all here to achieve greatness and contribute to society,” she added.
Also speaking, the Head of the Good Governance at the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Dr. Omolara Ejiade, described a liberated woman as one who possesses agency over her body, voice and decision-making.
“A liberated woman is one who has control over her body and can make choices without having to consult anyone. She has power, can make decisions and has a voice,” she said.
Representing the Chairperson of the Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Olufunke Comforter Olajide, Hon. Yetunde Tinuola Adeoye described a liberated woman as one who is educated, confident and solution-driven.
“A liberated woman is one who can make decisions without fear, create solutions and positively impact her community,” she noted.
Delivering goodwill remarks, the Group Chief Operating Officer of Cresthills Media, Adeolu Gboyega, challenged common misconceptions about women’s liberation, stating that a liberated woman is not one who seeks to compete with men or abandon cultural values.
According to him, a truly liberated woman is one who understands her potential, maximises her abilities and contributes meaningfully to societal development.
The Head of Station, Crest 91.1FM Ibadan, Olaide Abioye, urged women to uphold their values and integrity at all times, stressing that self-worth remains fundamental to dignity and respect.
During the panel discussions, entrepreneur and business leader Kemi Irinoye highlighted the importance of value, integrity and intentional growth in the journey towards liberation.
“A valuable woman is one who understands her power, knows how to use her voice and is capable of making informed choices. A liberated woman has integrity, identifies opportunities, rises to the occasion and actively shapes the narrative rather than remaining passive,” she said.
Veteran broadcaster and media executive, Anikeade Funke-Treasure, described liberation as recognising one’s talents and deploying them for societal development.
“A woman who is aware of her gifts and empowered enough to contribute those gifts to nation-building and influence people is a liberated woman,” she said.
Reflecting on her career journey, she encouraged women to embrace opportunities and maximise their potential.
“There will never be a time when you have everything you need. The key to succeeding is knowing that you are enough, living in the moment and giving yourself to humanity,” she advised.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AKModel Group, Dr. Akeem Odegade, commended the vision behind Eve’s Lounge and reaffirmed the importance of supporting platforms that promote leadership, inclusion and social impact.
In her remarks, the Convener, Damilola Amoo, described a liberated woman as one whose voice is heard, whose choices are respected and whose opportunities are not limited by discrimination or marginalisation.
“A liberated woman is a woman that has power and can make choices. It is beyond having your career figured out and being able to afford basic needs. If you cannot walk into a gathering and be given a standing ovation without being marginalised, then you are not a liberated woman yet,” she said.
Addressing concerns about the impact of gender advocacy conversations, Amoo maintained that progress was gradually being made.
“People are listening. We are seeing more involvement of women in politics, including at the National Assembly. We want women who will implement gender policies; we don’t want them fighting inconsequential battles. There are many pressing issues, but conversations around gender should not be discarded,” she added.
Expressing optimism about the future of the platform, Amoo said:
“I am a lover of God and I like to put everything in His hands. He led this and He will continue to lead it. As long as Jesus tarries, Eve’s Lounge 4.0 will be bigger and better.”
She also appreciated sponsors, partners and supporters whose contributions contributed significantly to the success of the programme.
Special recognition was given to AKModel Group, Golden Penny Foods, and African Women in Media (AWiM)—an international organisation committed to advancing women in media across Africa—which emerged among the event’s major supporters. Several other organisations and individuals also supported the event in various capacities.
In line with its commitment to inclusion, the event also welcomed members of the Deaf Women Association in Oyo State and Hope Soars Foundation for Widows.
Originally established as a women-centred radio programme on Crest 91.1FM Ibadan, Eve’s Lounge has evolved into an annual platform for advancing conversations around leadership, governance, inclusion, gender equity and social transformation.
Powered by Damstar Media & Communications (DMC), the event attracted participants from diverse backgrounds, including government officials, entrepreneurs, development practitioners, media professionals, students, civil society organisations and community leaders.
