INTERNATIONAL WOMENS SOCIETY OF NIGERIA POWER BREAKFAST: AS TOLD BY A FIRST TIME ATTENDEE
March 8th, the day set aside to celebrate the social, economic and political importance of women worldwide, was a flurry of activity this year; filled with a number of power packed events, workshops, seminars and Facebook Live conversations all aimed at reminding us of our power as women.
The theme Bold for Change was the subject of all the speeches held across almost all the countries in the world. Amongst the various events held to commiserate that day, was the power brunch hosted by IWS Nigeria.
IWS (International Women Society) is unarguably God’s gift to women. Founded in 1957 by a group of public spirited women in Lagos, it is a society that aims to provide cultural exchanges for women of all areas, particularly for the advancement of women and children in Nigeria and working to encourage and develop the common interest of women of all nationalities age and religion.
The power breakfast which held at the stylishly unique newly opened Sugarcane restaurant was truly power packed. I must confess as a first-time attendee, I was blown away, and had mentally started clearing my schedule for next year’s breakfast. I could totally relate to a young lady who I presume was also a first-time attendee, she expressed sadness at just now finding out about the Society which had existed for sixty solid years, with an awesome line up of phenomenal women excelling in their different fields.
The event was hosted by ace film maker and actor Ego Boyo who is also the 60th President of The International Women’s Society. Other amazons in the room were Honourable Bisi Erelu, Adesuwa Onyenokwe TW Magazine, Mrs. Ndidi Nwuleni, Lala Akindoju, Kate Henshaw amongst others. We also enjoyed performances from Ebele- The Flutist and a surprise performance by Hadiza Blell aka Di’ja of Mavin crew.
Dija Peforming
Ebele – The Flutist Performing
The take home from the event was a firm reminder that women have and will always be powerful. Each empowering speech had the same message at its heart: “we are phenomenal women, the time to own that power and use it intentionally to be bold for change is right now.” I looked around the room at women from different generations, culture and social class and the one thing we all had in common was our power as phenomenal women. A power we had just been reminded of (not that we had forgotten though). I went home feeling reinvigorated and charged with a consciousness that will definitely last me through the year.
It is surprising how an event that was absolutely free, was satisfyingly value adding and inspiring, talk about making a difference. Thank you, International Women’s Society, and well-done.
If you are looking for a community of phenomenal women, an opportunity to be mentored and mentor, the chance to network and make a difference, then the International Women’s Society is for you, trust me it will be the best choice you’ve ever made.
Check out all the photos from the event below!
Erelu Bisi Fayemi Speaking
Ndidi Nwuneli Speaking
Adesuwa Onyenokwe and Dija.
Erelu Bisi Fayemi
Bukki Tijani
Kemi “Lala” Akindoju
Ego Boyo
Kate Henshaw
Ndidi Nwuneli
Sola Apata
Moji Akinkumi and Kemi Dallass
Kate Henshaw and Gbemi Shasore
Kemi Lala Akindoju, Ego Boyo and Kate Henshaw
Ufuoma Ejenobor-McDermott, Ego Boyo and Kate Henshaw
Tope Mark-Odigie
Susan Peters
Yewande Adewusi
Susan Peters
Brenda Ophopho
Bukki Tijani
Dija
Dochi Nwaigwe
Dr. Eniola Ajayi
Ego Boyo and Susan Peters
Ego Boyo and Kemi Dallass
Follow the International Women’s Society on Instagram – @iwsnigeria.
IWS power breakfast Partners are- P&G.
Sponsors include: Main Events, Temple Productions, Cambridge, Quramo, Zaron, Expressions, Foradora Fabrics, JAM-The Coconut Food Company (@jamcoconutfoods), Zee, Arewa Pot, Kwamuhle
Media partners are: TW and Genevieve
Written by: Aziza Uko