On April 18, 2026, Starthub Women hosted its International Women’s Day conference Give To Gain: The Rise of Women Is Not About the Fall of Men, at Start Innovation Hub, Uyo.
The room brought together students, entrepreneurs, and professionals for a day built around growth, collaboration, and real opportunity.
Redefining the Narrative
The central message of this year’s event was clear: the rise of women is not a competition, it’s a collaboration.
Give To Gain challenged attendees to shift their mindsets, support one another intentionally, and reject the idea that success is a zero-sum game. Through honest conversations and shared experiences, one theme kept surfacing, empowerment is most powerful when it is inclusive and impact-driven.
A Day of Learning and Growth
Sessions covered ground that matters to women navigating real life today, Mental health and personal well-being, business growth and sustainability, legal awareness, personal branding and confidence, storytelling, and faith and purpose.
Each session was designed to be practical and applicable beyond the event space.
Voices That Shaped the Experience
A diverse lineup of speakers made the day what it was:
Susan Umoh: opened with a keynote on building sustainable impact as a woman, setting the tone for everything that followed.
Eduwem Umoinyang brought insight and honesty to the conversation on mental health and maintaining balance.
Lady Mae Edmonds spoke on confidence, identity, and owning your brand without apology.
Barr. Promise Ochibry broke down women’s rights and legal realities in a way that was clear and immediately useful.
Aniebiet Francis Archibong challenged participants to embrace their stories and tell them boldly.
Pastor Mrs Grace Japheth closed with a heartfelt message on faith, purpose, and living with intention.
Each voice brought something different to the room, and together they created an experience that felt complete.
More Than Sessions
The event wasn’t just about listening. Icebreakers, games, and intentional networking moments gave attendees space to connect, laugh, and build relationships that go beyond the day. That energy, the laughter, the conversations, the genuine connection, was just as much a part of the programme as the formal sessions.
A Collective Effort
None of this happened alone. To our sponsors, partners, and volunteers, your contributions, whether through resources, visibility, or service, were what made this possible. We are genuinely grateful. Thank you. Beyond the Day
The conference lasted a few hours. Its impact won’t. Participants left more equipped, more confident, and more connected, and with a clearer understanding that growth is faster and fuller when we carry each other forward.
Looking Ahead, Starthub Women remains committed to building platforms that empower women through technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Give To Gain is one step in a longer journey, and we’re just getting started. To everyone who showed up, contributed, and believed in what this day could be, thank you.
