My Key Highlights for the Women in Work Summit – Insights from Co-Founder and Host, Mariella Frostrup

With the?Women in Work Summit?in London just around the corner...

I’m thrilled to share our incredible lineup of speakers from leading companies like Accenture,?Microsoft,?Vodafone,?Estée Lauder,?Diageo, Channel4,?Sainsbury’s,?LinkedIn, and?Ikea. These trailblazers are taking on some of the greatest challenges for women in the workplace—from?menstruation to menopause,?shared parental leave,?senior female representation, and?closing the gender pay gap. It’s going to be an empowering day for women and an enlightening one for business.?

Not only that but we’re excited to be debuting our pioneering new annual?WiW Gender Equity Report, measuring the UK’s Top 100 businesses on their progress toward more equitable workplaces using our unique WiW Gender Equity Measurement (WiWGem). The report?focuses on three crucial measures: the?pay gap,?female representation, and?public parental leave policies?providing transparency on the market leaders on? these key policies. This report is an essential tool for companies wanting to make measurable progress toward workplace equality and an opportunity to celebrate those who already are. We'll be sharing our top 100 on the?day —so stay tuned!

Tackling the Full Spectrum: From Menstruation to Menopause

This year, we’re once again focusing on the?entire journey of a woman’s working life—one that requires a curvier career path than the one we have inherited from centuries of patriarchy . So we’ll be having open and honest conversations about everything from?menstruation to menopause, and learning how businesses can step up to support women at each stage. I’m particularly looking forward to hearing from?Sainsbury’s?about their groundbreaking work supporting women through menopause. It’s often a tough time, but with the right policies in place, women can do continue to thrive in the workplace. And, of course,?Channel 4?is leading the charge, breaking the stigma around menstruation and creating a supportive environment for their employees.

Shared Parental Leave

This is another topic that’s gaining momentum, and I’m thrilled that at the summit we will deep dive into this discussion with?Diageo, Ikea?and?Lewis Silkin, who are pioneering generous policies that allow all parents time to bond with their children without having to sacrifice their careers. I’m hopeful this will inspire more companies to embrace this approach and help create a more balanced, equitable future for working parents and indeed promote cultural change that diminishes the expectation of caring currently all too exclusively on women’s shoulders.

Closing the Gender Pay Gap: Time for Real Change

And then, there’s the?gender pay gap—a topic that simply cannot be ignored. We’ll be tackling this issue head-on at the summit, hearing from companies who are leading the way with innovative,?data-driven?approaches?to identifying and closing pay gaps. The key here is?transparency and accountability.?WIW's?summit will showcase exactly how businesses are making meaningful progress to ensure equal pay for equal work.

Keynotes from Edwina Dunn and Prerana Issar

These are exciting times for?women’s leadership?and I’m thrilled to announce keynotes from two extraordinary women—Edwina Dunn, CEO and Founder of?Female Lead, and?Preena Isser, CPO of?Sainsbury’s. Edwina is a true champion for women, amplifying our voices in a powerful way, and her insights are bound to inspire. Prerana will share the tangible changes?Sainsbury’s?is driving to promote?gender equity?in the workplace, and I can’t wait to hear more from one of the UK’s largest employers.

Leadership in Equity: A Competitive Advantage

Another exciting session promises to be the conversation between?Shaheen Syed, CEO of?Accenture UK, who will be joined by the CEOs of?Vodafone,?Microsoft, and?National Grid. Together, they’ll explore how?equity?is not only the?right thing to do, but also how it's a?competitive advantage?in today’s business world. This promises to be a fascinating exploration into how prioritising equity drives innovation, attracts top talent, and strengthens organisations.?

Alex Mahon’s Fireside Chat and Gen Z Panel

Another must-see session is?the trailblazing CEO of CH4?Alex Mahon’s fireside chat with?Lord Stuart Rose. With two such titans on stage I know their conversation will be packed with insights and inspiration on the future of leadership. Later on, Alex will moderate a?Gen Z panel, giving us a glimpse into the future of leadership from the next generation. These young leaders are already making waves, and I’m curious and eager to hear how they’re shaping a more inclusive world.

From Paternity Leave to Pay Equity: Real-World Solutions

As for the male perspective, I'm looking forward to hearing thoughts from Elliot Rae?and George Gabriel?of Dad Shift who?have created headlines with their?radical campaign featuring male statues carrying babies. They will be talking about the progress needed in paternity leave?and how we can ensure men and women are equally supported at home and at work, which not only benefits families and society but makes business more attractive to talent.

Supporting Women Throughout Their Careers

I’ll also be speaking with?Sue Fox, President of?Estée Lauder UK and Ireland, about their pioneering approach to supporting women throughout their careers from?menstruation to menopause. Estée Lauder is setting a shining example of how companies can create a supportive environment for employees at every stage of their lives, ensuring they can thrive in their professional journeys.

Don't miss this incredible line-up of business leaders, experts and pioneers all leading the way for women in work. Last few passes remaining, register today to be part of the inaugural Women in Work Summit. Book here www.wiwsummit.com .

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