MyMiltonKeynes is supporting International Women’s Day Event……
MyMiltonKeynes is supporting International Women’s Day Event……
International Women’s Day is a highlight of the celebratory calendar and we are delighted to be bringing a stellar line up of speakers and panellists to the The Ridgeway Conference Centre on Friday March 8th 2024 9.30-12.30 to revel in this year’s theme: #InspireInclusion.
“Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #InspireInclusion.”
This event promises a day of inspiration, empowerment and celebration of women’s achievements attracting up to 500 women and allies; key decision makers, leaders, business owners, mums, next gen ladies, communities and charities. The event itself has been supported by 20 MK based organisations sharing the planning, curation and deployment; a giant collaboration victory. Together we will raise awareness about discrimination and take action to drive gender parity.
We are honoured and delighted to announce a fireside chat with local Team GB athlete and gold medal winning Olympian Hollie Pearne Webb ahead of the games in Paris this summer. Also joining the discussion will be the incredible Rhianne Rush, MK Dons Ladies Team midfielder, hosted by Pam Sheemar, Regional Director for Enterprise at NatWest, who are a proud Team GB partner.
We are also thrilled to be joined by global speaker, author and radio presenter Ife Thomas; the confidence queen. One of the UK’s most in demand and inspirational speakers. As the host of the amazing podcast ‘Everything You Need to Succeed’ she’s a beacon of motivation and wisdom to kick off the event.
This celebratory event is also set to feature a phenomenal session on the power of networks, as we explore the ways to connect and thrive (and find your tribe!) in Milton Keynes with advice and signposting from City Girl Network, Wiki Network and Trubys Garden. And a vibrant discussion on what inclusion means (and needs) with a special generational panel to explore this year’s theme.
Hot off the Small Business Sunday stage with Theo Paphitis and Stacey Solomon, Debbie Lewis, representing NatWest, will present a brief update on the progress of the ‘investing in women code’, the ‘women backing women’ campaign reports from the ‘Gender Index’ to set the scene for what we want to achieve collectively from this event and your actions thereafter.
Our Lady Mayoress Mandy Legg will close the event and share a vote of thanks and an introduction to the Rose Ceremony in its 10th year to celebrate IWD. A round up of the money we have raised so far for the Women’s Fund with MK Community Foundation and finally Women in Enterprise will send us off with a rallying cry to action as we make pledges and place a ribbon on the IWD rose cage before it heads back to Campbell Park.
Furthermore, the event will provide ample opportunities for networking and a showcase arrival area on arrival for local small business and charities. The informal connectivity session and roaming refreshments will enable attendees to collaborate, and forge valuable relationships. There will also be a raffle or two with literally thousands of pounds worth of prizes on offer; no need to bring change as we can accept card. Will you be lucky?
As if you needed more; We will be entertained! Music from the Collaboration Choir and rousing poetry from Myrle Roach.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a highly anticipated event within an established community, dedicated to advancing local women, providing the support and resources needed to shatter glass ceilings and embrace boundless success.
The event team are immensely grateful to NatWest, MK Community Foundation, Freeths, SEMLEP and The Red Thread Partnership for underwriting the entire event cost to allow inclusive attendance by removing financial barriers, making it possible to bring the largest International Women’s Day celebration event to MK in 2024.
Together Lets #InspireInclusion to help forge a better, more inclusive world for women. MK: different by design.
Debbie Lewis, Regional Ecosystem Manager for NatWest, said:
“We are so excited for this inspirational International Women’s Day celebration, supporting and uplifting women by bringing us together with other incredible role models.
“We know that if women started and scaled businesses at the same rate as men, up to £250bn of new value could be added to the UK economy. With our partnerships and programmes like our Entrepreneur Accelerator and the investing in women code, we are supporting women’s great business ideas and creating the conditions for your success.
“We’re looking forward to hearing from the inspirational speakers and performers, and to networking and connecting with everyone on the day.”
Secure your tickets here: Women In Enterprise Website.
