Women’s Empowerment Advocate Inspires Dangote Women’s Network at IWD Celebration

A leading global women’s empowerment advocate and the Registrar of McPherson University, Emi’ Alawode, has inspired members of the Dangote Women’s Network during the 2026 celebration of International Women’s Day held at the Ibese facility of Dangote Cement Plc in Ogun State.

The gathering brought together women professionals from across the Dangote Group for a vibrant event focused on leadership, collaboration, and empowerment.

The event, themed “Give to Gain, Give to Rise,” brought together women from multiple business units within the conglomerate to reflect on the evolving role of women in leadership, technology, and corporate transformation. More than a celebration, the gathering served as a platform for inspiration, mentorship, and renewed commitment to gender inclusion within one of Africa’s largest industrial enterprises.

In her keynote address, Alawode, an internationally recognised advocate for women’s empowerment and digital inclusion, challenged participants to view collaboration, resilience, and lifelong learning as essential tools for both personal growth and societal advancement.

“Giving is not simply about charity,” Alawode emphasised. “It is about investing in people, building communities of support, and creating opportunities for others to rise alongside you.”
Known for her work at the intersection of technology, social impact, and gender equity, Alawode serves on the boards of global communities including World Pulse and Lean In. Her keynote blended storytelling, professional insights, and interactive reflections, highlighting how women can leverage digital tools, networks, and leadership skills to shape more inclusive organisations and economies.

The celebration attracted women from across three major Dangote subsidiaries, which were the Dangote Cement Plc, Dangote Packaging Limited, and Dangote Cement Transport, stressing the conglomerate’s emphasis on cross-sector collaboration and professional development within its workforce.

Senior executives also joined the gathering, including Plant Director Ayyagari Subbaraidu, Chief General Manager (Maintenance) Hemant Dave, and Head of Human Asset Management and Administration Olugbenga Aina. The event was championed by Abolanle Balogun-Adesunloye, Lead Champion of the Dangote Women’s Network at the Ibese Plant and Head of Learning and Development.

Their presence highlighted the company’s growing commitment to inclusive leadership and workplace empowerment initiatives. Organisers noted that more than 200 participants attended the event, reflecting the expanding influence of the Dangote Women’s Network within the group’s corporate culture.

Beyond the corporate setting, the event also symbolised the growing synergy between academia and industry in advancing women’s leadership. Alawode’s participation as a university Administrator reinforced the importance of partnerships that support mentorship, research collaboration, and leadership development for women across sectors.

Globally recognised for her advocacy work, Alawode has spoken at international forums including the Women in Tech Global Conference and platforms such as Aspire Global Unity, reaching audiences in more than 30 countries with messages centred on digital inclusion, diversity, and cross-cultural communication.

As the celebration concluded, participants expressed renewed enthusiasm to support one another’s ambitions, pursue professional excellence, and champion inclusive leadership within Africa’s corporate landscape.

In an era where organisations worldwide are reassessing the role of diversity in driving innovation and resilience, the gathering at Ibese served as a reminder that empowering women was not only a social imperative, it is also a strategic investment in the future of business and society.