Young Muslim women gathered to be empowered and mentored at the second edition of the ‘Dare To Inspire’ event which took place at the Laroche Leadership Foundation, Gbagada, Lagos.

The second edition of the event, themed ‘Living a purpose driven life’, brought together thought-leaders and influential personalities in business, advocacy and other fields. The event provided an opportunity for young Muslim women to engage with and learn crucial business lessons from accomplished female entrepreneurs and experts in different industries.

Addressing the women, the keynote speaker, Access Bank Plc Chairman ‘Mrs Mosun Belo-Olusoga’ laid much emphasis on how women can successfully navigate the complexities in life and work. “As women, we have to be very competent and can’t afford to leave any room for excuses! We need to be different and always push the boundaries to get better,” she said while giving her speech.

The event also featured panel discussions and question and answer sessions. The first-panel session focused on the topic, ‘How to achieve professional renaissance in your career.’ The panelists, Mrs Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, Mrs. Ghaneeyyah Sulaiman-Olokodana and Mrs Halima Garuba shared important secrets of continued career growth and success. The second panel, ‘Building your brand and value as a Muslim woman’ with Dr (Mrs) Saidat Badmus, Mrs Zahra Zakariya Abdulkareem and Ms Hauwa Ojeifo highlighted how Muslim women can make an impact in their personal and professional lives.

The insightful event was anchored by versatile presenters blessed with voice and brains ‘Ruqayyah Giwa’ and ‘Nimah Bello’. Participants at the event were involved in extensive discussions as well as light entertaining sessions of spoken word by Sofeeyah Peters and Maryam Thaoban who dazzled the audience with their creativity and talent. Participants also engaged in mind games and a speed networking session aimed at allowing the women to make new connections and expand their circles of influence.

As an annual knowledge-exchange and mentorship event between present and emerging Muslim leaders, the Convener of Dare To Inspire, Mrs Bunmi Adebimpe encouraged women to live a purpose driven life. In her words “Living a purpose driven life is to realize one’s destiny and at the center of realizing this eternal responsibility is identifying one’s core beliefs and values. When women are empowered and helped to nurture or reinforce their positive values, it inspires a powerful change in the world”.

The event came to an end with a closing speech from Mrs Bimpe Afolabi who urged participants to find ways to apply all they learnt during the event and stay connected to build a strong community of Muslim women. She also thanked all the speakers, participants and stakeholders for their contribution in making the second edition of the event a success.

DTI 2.0 was organised in partnership with Laroche Foundation, YNaija.com, DottsmediaHouse, PenzaarvilleAfrica, DemolaExpoze, VPcubeStudios, TheMpowerCircle, Fesoda Integrated Services, The Accubin, SuperHeads International, Her Network, ARABEL Exclusive Islamic Materials Ltd, Deentalks Nigeria, Women of Rubies, The Ummfariha Network, Muslimah Style Guide, Bedouin, HalTV Africa and Impreme Studios.