Conference brings together women leaders, professionals, and young girls to ignite potential, promote mentorship, networking, community impact
By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
The maiden edition of the Biaka Women’s Conference took place at the Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB), on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, bringing together women leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and students to deliberate on issues surrounding women’s empowerment, leadership, and personal development.
The conference, organized under the theme “Igniting Her Power: Unlocking Potential, Creating Impact,” served as a strategic platform aimed at empowering women with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to thrive in today’s dynamic social and professional environment. The event attracted participants from diverse backgrounds who engaged in discussions, keynote presentations, and networking activities designed to foster leadership and innovation among women.
In her welcome address, the President of BUIB and Chief Executive Officer of the Biaka Group, Dr Hongla Francisca Biaka, expressed pride in hosting the inaugural conference and highlighted the importance of creating spaces where women can learn, collaborate, and grow.
According to her, the Biaka Group employs over 100 women across its three main arms: the Biaka University Institute of Buea, the Biaka Hospital, and the Dr. Biaka Memorial Foundation. She emphasized that empowering women is central to community development and economic progress. “This conference is more than a lecture; it is a movement,” she said. “It is a movement that brings together women from different sectors to empower, educate, connect, and elevate one another.”
Dr. Biaka encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions, noting that the relationships and partnerships formed during the conference could lead to long-term collaborations that contribute to sustainable development and social transformation.
Also addressing participants was the South West Regional Delegate of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Lucia Ediage Sona, who delivered the opening remarks. She underscored the importance of self-awareness, courage, and knowledge of rights among women and young girls.
She urged women to recognize warning signs in abusive relationships and to seek help from appropriate institutions when necessary. She stressed that women should not remain silent in the face of injustice or violence. “Know your rights and know when to walk away from situations that threaten your dignity and safety,” she advised. “There are institutions ready to support and protect women.”
The conference also featured keynote presentations from distinguished speakers who shared insights on professional development and leadership. One of the keynote speakers, Dr Feh Mary, spoke extensively on career development, personal growth, and mentorship. She explained that professional success requires continuous learning, discipline, and the willingness to acquire new skills beyond formal job requirements. “Career development is not only about promotions,” she noted. “It is about becoming more competent and capable so that you can make meaningful contributions wherever you find yourself.”
Dr. Feh further highlighted the role of personal growth in shaping confidence, emotional intelligence, and resilience. She encouraged participants to develop clear life goals and continuously invest in self-improvement.
Another keynote address was delivered by Emily Miki, who focused on networking, sisterhood, and community building as essential pillars for women’s advancement. She explained that networking goes beyond exchanging contacts, describing it as a strategic process of building relationships that open doors to opportunities. “Your intelligence may take you far, but your relationships will sustain you,” she said. “Every major opportunity in life is connected to people.”
Miki also emphasized the importance of sisterhood among women, urging them to support one another instead of competing for limited opportunities. “In a world that often conditions women to compete, sisterhood reminds us that we can build bigger tables so everyone has a seat,” she added.
Speaking to journalists at the close of the event, Dr. Hongla Francisca Biaka explained that the idea behind the conference was to create a platform where women within and outside the Biaka community could share experiences and build awareness on issues affecting women’s growth and self-development.
She added that the initiative reflects the institution’s commitment to promoting innovation, leadership, and social responsibility among women.
Also present at the conference was the founder of the Buea-based Centre for Youth and Family Empowerment (CEYOFE), Dopgima Stella Epse Eteki, who described the gathering as timely, particularly as Cameroon commemorates another edition of International Women’s Day.
According to her, the celebration of women should not only highlight achievements but also address the challenges women face in society, including violence and inequality.
She revealed that recent reports indicate rising cases of femicide in the country, emphasizing the need for stronger advocacy and justice for victims. “The message from this conference is clear,” she said. “Women have enormous potential, and when that potential is nurtured through mentorship, education, and collaboration, communities and nations benefit.”
The maiden Biaka Women’s Conference concluded with panel discussions, exhibitions, and musical performances from guest artists, providing participants with an opportunity to interact, exchange ideas, and build meaningful professional relationships.
Organizers expressed optimism that the conference will become an annual platform dedicated to empowering women, strengthening leadership capacity, and inspiring the next generation of female change-makers in Cameroon and beyond.