BY OREVA ONIMISI
Women are always on the move. They juggle careers and families, navigate societal expectations, fight for equal opportunities, and bear the weight of unseen emotional and physical struggles.
In the boardrooms, they battle workplace biases. At home, they strive to meet somewhat unrealistic expectations. In hospitals, they often confront dismissed health challenges. Notwithstanding, society expects them to keep going without pause, without breaking.
But what if, for once, the world allowed them to stop? What if there was a space where women could step away from the pressures, silence the noise, and simply breathe? What if they had a moment to just chill, gist, laugh and connect with fellow women? Sure, they would take on the world with a little extra fuel.
This is why the team at Plexus (plexusmi.com) put together HERbernation to create a safe space for women of different fields and demographics to unwind; a safe space to pause, heal, renew and emerge stronger.
Retreat from the chaos of everyday life
With the maiden edition set to take place on Friday, March 28, 2025, at BWC Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos (at 2pm), HERbernation is not just another women’s conference; it is a movement.
Inspired by the natural process of hibernation, HERbernation (a portmanteau word from HER and HIBERNATION) is an event for women to retreat from the world’s constant demands, reflect on their journeys, and reignite their passions. It is a sanctuary where women can freely share their stories of struggle and triumph, vent the frustrations they suppress daily, and find strength in the voices of others who understand.
The Principal Consultant at Plexus, Mr Ozioma Ubabukoh, says, “At Plexus, we believe in the power of women’s voices and the strength found in shared experiences. HERbernation is more than just an event; it is a movement that provides women with the space to reflect, heal and emerge stronger. Every woman has a story, and this platform ensures that these stories are heard, celebrated and used to inspire others.
“This year’s theme, ‘Rise, Renew, Reignite’, embodies the essence of what HERbernation stands for – helping women reclaim their power, restore their energy and walk back into the world ready to conquer it.
Why HERbernation matters
Women face unique struggles, yet they are constantly told to be strong, endure and keep pushing forward. But strength is not just about carrying burdens; it is also about knowing when to pause and recharge.
HERbernation is an answer to the silent cries of:
- Burnt out professionals dealing with workplace discrimination and exhaustion.
- Entrepreneurs trying to break barriers in male-dominated industries.
- Mothers and caregivers who give everything to others but never have time for themselves.
- Young women struggling with self-doubt, body image issues and the pressures of social media.
- Survivors of trauma who need a safe space to heal without judgement.
HERbernation acknowledges these struggles and offers a space for renewal because even warriors need rest.
Expectations
This one-day retreat will be filled with powerful conversations, thought-provoking discussions and meaningful connections. Attendees will be treated to:
- Keynote addresses by trailblazing female leaders.
- Laid-back chats that dive deep into real-life struggles and victories.
- Networking opportunities to build strong, supportive relationships.
And most importantly, HERbernation will permit women to put themselves first, even if only for a few hours.
Meet the speakers
Every edition of HERbernation features speakers who embody strength and transformation. This year, HERbernation is honoured to feature an extraordinary line-up of women who have shattered glass ceilings, defied the odds, and created spaces for other women to thrive.
Efe Obiomah
A powerhouse in public relations and marketing, Obiomah has spent over two decades shaping narratives, building brands and amplifying voices. As the founder of Brand Spark, she has been instrumental in crafting impactful communication strategies across industries, making her a leading figure in corporate storytelling and media relations.
Elizabeth Kings-Wali
With over 18 years in banking, Kings-Wali is a result-driven financial expert specialising in high net-worth client portfolio management, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises growth, and investment strategy. Her ability to build cross-functional teams and drive business success catapulted her to the position of Regional Head, SME & Retail Banking, for Abuja and North Central at a Tier-2 commercial bank.
A respected name in business leadership and strategy, Kings-Wali has built a career championing women’s inclusion in leadership spaces. With a passion for mentoring young women and breaking barriers in corporate Nigeria, she continues to inspire the next generation of female professionals.
Ogechi Eleojo
Eleojo is a learning strategist and human capacity development expert dedicated to helping individuals and organisations unlock their full potential. As the Dean of Purple Academy at Wema Bank, she designs transformative learning experiences that drive professional growth and workplace excellence. She is also a certified Emotional Intelligence coach and the founder of EQ & Careers Foundation, where she mentors professionals on career advancement and personal development.
With a background in digital learning, instructional design and workforce training, Eleojo has worked with top organisations, including ICS Outsourcing and Tek Experts, to enhance learning strategies.
These women have not only risen above challenges but have also paved the way for others to do the same. Their stories will ignite something in every woman who attends HERbernation.
Ruth Ebe-Emordi
A trailblazer in women’s advocacy and personal development, Ebe-Emordi is dedicated to helping women step into their power, unapologetically. Her work centres on mental wellness, confidence-building and challenging gender norms, making her a powerful voice in the movement for women’s empowerment. To read the full profile of the discussants, visit: https://herbernation.blogspot.com/
Join the movement
HERbernation is more than an event; it calls for women to pause, rest and reclaim themselves. It is a call for corporations, non-governmental organisations and brands to actively invest in women’s empowerment, mental wellness, and personal development. It is an invitation to be part of something bigger than a one-time event; to be part of a movement that prioritises women’s well-being.
For companies, this is an opportunity to show real commitment to gender equality, not just through words, but through action. By sponsoring HERbernation, brands will gain visibility and actively contribute to a cause that changes lives.
Join us
If you are a woman who needs a break, encouragement, inspiration, or even just a moment of relief, HERbernation is for you. If you believe in the power of women supporting women, HERbernation is for you. If you want to be part of a space where your voice is heard, valued and celebrated, HERbernation is for you.
To register, visit https://bit.ly/herbernation
Follow the conversation on X: @HERbernation
It’s time to pause, to heal, to rise.
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