ABOUT IHICA ’26
The Inspire Her International Conference & Awards (IHICA ’26) is a prestigious Pan-African conference designed to inspire courage, ignite excellence, and celebrate the strength of women across Africa and beyond.
Organized by the Inspired to Lead Initiative, and supported by Inspiring Youths Africa Initiative & Magazine and Rest Logic Nigeria, IHICA is a platform that brings together over 1,000 inspiring and impactful women — leaders in business, politics, innovation, academia, and humanitarian work — as well as He4Shes who advocate for gender equality and inclusion.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS
Inspired to Lead Initiative is a duly registered non-governmental, non-profit organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigeria. It is a non-partisan, all-inclusive advocacy platform that mentors and positions women and youths for active participation in leadership, policy formulation, and socio-development initiatives.
The Initiative’s projects and impact are driven through:
- Conferences & Leadership Summits
- Community Engagements
- Stakeholder Enlightenment
- Advocacy & Dialogue
Inspiring Youths Africa Initiative & Magazine is a trademarked publication and project of Rest Logic Nigeria, a subsidiary of Inspired to Lead Initiative.
About the 2026 Conference
Theme: Women Rising Through Barriers: Igniting Excellence & Strength for Generational Legacies
📅 Date: Thursday, 2nd April 2026
📍 Venue: Abuja, Nigeria
The 2026 edition is designed to inspire courage to dare the odds, instill hope to persevere, and drive advocacy for women inclusion and investment across Africa.
It will host high-impact sessions featuring global thought leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, addressing key issues such as:
- Women Inclusion in Leadership
- Human Capital Development
- Poverty-Ending Initiatives
- Work-Life Balance
- Gender Equality
Conference Segments
The Inspire Her Conference – A top value-driven session where global leaders and business founders share insights and leadership tools for women to thrive in the 21st century.
The Inspire Her Awards – Recognizes exceptional African women for their innovation, excellence, and impact in leadership, enterprise, and social development.
SMENAIJA Empower1000 Initiative – Supports women-led nano businesses with financial empowerment between ₦100,000 and ₦500,000 to drive economic sustainability.
Conference Target Audience
- Industry Leaders & Entrepreneurs
- Professionals & Academics
- Political & Religious Leaders
- Government Officials & Policymakers
- Investors, Innovators & Influencers
- Students and Aspiring Young Leaders
Facts About Women (Global Snapshot)
- 2.4 billion women lack equal economic rights as men.
- 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence.
- Women earn 23% less than men globally.
- 37% of women globally do not use the internet.
- 178 countries maintain laws that hinder women’s economic participation.
- At current progress rates, it will take:
- 300 years to end child marriage,
- 286 years to close gaps in legal protection,
- 140 years for workplace gender parity, and
- 47 years for equal political representation.
These statistics underscore the urgency of IHICA’s mission to accelerate action toward Goal 5 — Gender Equality.
💫 Why You Should Attend IHICA ’26
- Be Inspired: Hear from world-class thinkers, trailblazing women, and men who are championing gender equality.
- Empower Your Journey: Gain tools and mentorship for leadership, business, and personal growth.
- Network with Influencers: Connect with policymakers, investors, and leading professionals from across Africa.
- Celebrate Women of Impact: Witness recognition of outstanding African women making a difference.
- Access Business Support: Participate in the SME Empower1000 Initiative for funding and exposure.
- Experience Creativity & Culture: Enjoy innovation showcases, musical performances, and cross-cultural displays.
- Promote Your Brand: Sponsorship opportunities offer massive visibility, exhibition booths, and exclusive media mentions.
Highlights
✨ Innovation Showcase
🎭 Cultural & Cross-Cultural Displays
🎶 Inspiring Musical Performances
🤝 High-Level Networking Sessions
🏆 Excellence Honours & Awards
💼 SME Empowerment Support
