International Women’s Day (IWD) is marked on 8 March in 100+ countries, honouring women’s social, economic and political achievements while highlighting ongoing equality challenges. It is a public holiday in many nations, including Russia, China and Uganda. A 2025 GeoPoll study found 83% awareness, with many planning events or support activities.

That reach helps drive action, companies and communities spotlight success and push for change. Women hold 48% of entry-level roles yet only 10.4% of Fortune 500 CEO posts; women’s share of those top jobs rose from 4.6% to 10.4% by 2024. Research shows strong backing for parity, with 69% strongly agreeing men and women should have equal opportunity at work.

Why is International Women’s Day So Important?

At the current pace, global gender parity may not arrive until 2158, and polls show 9 in 10 people still hold fundamental biases about women. This is why IWD matters; it amplifies women’s voices, highlights trailblazers, and pushes for policy change so organisations and individuals confront bias and move toward equality.

Who Are the Best IWD Speakers Trending in the UK?

Selected using vetted data from 432 diversity and inclusion events, speaker evaluations and audience polls, these influential UK-based women are the top IWD speakers for their achievements and inspiring stories. They include:

• Inga Beale – The first female CEO of Lloyd’s of London & Barclays Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
• Nicola Adams – Double Olympic boxing gold medallist and pioneering athlete
• Mandy Hickson – RAF pioneer, second woman to fly a Tornado GR4
• Dr Jo Salter MBE – Britain’s first female fast jet pilot
• Carey Lohrenz – The first female F-14 Tomcat jet pilot
• Eliza Manningham-Buller – Former Director-General of MI5
• Helen Sharman – The first British astronaut
• Ann Daniels – Record-breaking polar explorer (first woman to reach both poles with all-female team)
• Bonita Norris – Mountaineer, youngest British woman to summit Everest
• Judy Murray – Legendary tennis coach and Great Britain Fed Cup captain
• Deborah Meaden – Entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den investor
• Jean Tomlin – HR expert, former London 2012 Olympic Games HR Director
• Immy Barclay – Leading international sports presenter
• Dr Anu Arasu – Pioneer in functional medicine and hormone health
• Jo Fairley – Co-founder of Green & Black’s chocolate and business author

Inga Beale

Dame Inga Beale DBE is a trailblazer in insurance and finance. She was the first female CEO of Lloyd’s of London (2013–2018) and has won multiple industry awards, including the IICF Trailblazer and Barclays Lifetime Achievement Awards. Inga is also an outspoken equality advocate – a member of the LGBT community, she launched the Lloyd’s Pride network and has been named a leading LGBT executive. As a keynote speaker, she shares her journey of driving change and inclusion. Inga’s talks cover topics like diversity in leadership, women’s empowerment and business transformation. Her practical financial insights and honest storytelling engage corporate audiences; clients praise her candid style. For example, one attendee said, “Dame Inga Beale was fantastic! She is such an inspirational leader…”, noting how her personal stories motivated the team. Her blend of industry expertise and passionate advocacy makes Inga a powerful IWD speaker.

Inga Beale’s Testimonials:

“Dame Inga Beale was fantastic! She is such an inspirational leader, and attendees were engaged throughout.” – Cordelia, Google

Inga Beale’s Speaking Topics:

• Diversity & Inclusion
• Financial Empowerment
• LGBTQ+ Workplace Equality
• Women in Leadership

Nicola Adams

Nicola Adams MBE is a legendary British sportswoman. A two-time Olympic boxing champion (gold in 2012 London and 2016 Rio), she is the first woman ever to win Olympic boxing gold. Nicola later became a world champion professional boxer and has been honoured with an MBE and other awards. Since retiring from sport, she uses her platform to inspire others – mentoring young athletes and campaigning for gender equality. As a speaker, Nicola draws on her journey of discipline and resilience. Her talks – on topics like overcoming adversity, leadership and mental strength – combine motivational stories with humour. One client raved that “Nicola was open, honest and inspiring”, highlighting her ability to connect with audiences. Nicola’s energetic and authentic style makes her a standout speaker on breaking barriers and succeeding against the odds.

Nicola Adams’s Testimonials:

“Nicola was open, honest and inspiring, with real insights from her experience.” – Macquarie Group Services

Nicola Adams’s Speaking Topics:

• Gender Equality in Sport
• Resilience & Mental Toughness
• Sports Leadership
• Teamwork & Coaching

Mandy Hickson

Mandy Hickson is a pioneering RAF veteran and author. She was the first woman to fly the Tornado GR4 combat jet on an active RAF squadron. Over a 25-year military career, Mandy operated in high-risk environments and even led an all-male Tornado squadron. Her experiences made her an expert in split-second decision-making and leadership under pressure. After leaving the RAF, she wrote the memoir “An Officer, Not a Gentleman” and became a professional speaker. Today, Mandy translates her flying experience into practical lessons for business and life. She teaches teams how to perform under pressure, manage risk and communicate effectively. Her talks mix aviation anecdotes with leadership advice – for example, how to handle uncertainty and build trust. Mandy’s engaging storytelling and humour inspire confidence: by sharing how she broke barriers in a male-dominated field, she empowers others to adapt and excel.

Mandy Hickson’s Speaking Topics:

• Decision-Making & Risk Management
• Leadership Under Pressure
• Resilience & Overcoming Challenges
• Teamwork & Communication

Dr Jo Salter MBE

Dr Jo Salter MBE is celebrated as Britain’s first female fast-jet pilot. After flying the RAF’s Panavia Tornado, she attained an MBA and led transformative projects at PwC. Today Jo is a sought-after speaker on leadership and innovation. Her keynotes draw on her unique career: she talks about driving change and handling disruption, having navigated both military and corporate worlds. For example, she covers how to “embrace a change mindset” and lead through technology shifts. Jo also shares insights on empowering women in the workplace, leveraging her own experience commanding an all-male squadron. Audiences respond to her relatable style and practical advice. With her blend of first-hand adventure and business savvy, Jo inspires organisations to build high-performing, inclusive teams and to innovate under pressure.

Jo Salter MBE’s Speaking Topics:

• Change Leadership
• Disruption & Transformation
• Empowering Women in Business
• High-Performing Teams
• Technology & AI

Carey Lohrenz

Captain Carey Lohrenz was the U.S. Navy’s first female F-14 Tomcat pilot. She flew combat missions off aircraft carriers, breaking a 75-year gender barrier. Carey’s pioneering story – earning her Super Bowl rings as a carrier pilot – inspired her bestselling book “Fearless Leadership.” Now a speaker, she connects military lessons to business leadership. Carey teaches teams to embrace risk and make smart decisions under pressure. Her sessions include topics like resilience, teamwork in high-stakes environments, and innovation. With her energetic style, she shows how to turn calculated risk-taking (from flying jets) into real-world strategies. Organizations hire Carey to learn how to lead confidently through change; her first-hand accounts of “first in the cockpit” experiences bring a motivational perspective.

Carey Lohrenz’s Speaking Topics:

• Embracing Change in Business
• High-Performance Teams
• Leadership & Resilience
• Risk & Decision-Making

Eliza Manningham-Buller

Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller is a former intelligence chief. She led MI5 (Britain’s Security Service) from 2002 to 2007, guiding the agency through post-9/11 security challenges, and later chaired the Wellcome Trust (a major health research funder). Her leadership during crises makes her a powerful speaker on managing risk and change. Eliza shares lessons in trust, communication and integrity drawn from running MI5 and a global charity. Audiences praise her clarity and gravitas; one client said, “We have never seen an audience so captivated. It was a joy to watch.”. Eliza also addresses emerging threats – from cybersecurity to pandemics – offering strategies to navigate uncertainty. Her talks inspire leaders to balance security with innovation and to build resilient organisations under pressure.

Eliza Manningham-Buller’s Testimonials:

“We have never seen an audience so captivated. It was a joy to watch.” – ConvaTec

Eliza Manningham-Buller’s Speaking Topics:

• Building Trust & Integrity
• Leadership in Crisis
• Managing Organisational Change
• Security & Risk Management

Helen Sharman

Dr. Helen Sharman is the first-ever British astronaut. In 1991, she flew aboard a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft to the Mir space station, becoming the first Briton in space. A chemist by training, Helen’s unique perspective on science and exploration drives her keynote topics. She inspires audiences with stories of her space mission and uses them to teach innovation and perseverance. Helen emphasises the importance of STEM education, curiosity and pushing personal limits. She also speaks about the beauty of Earth seen from space, conveying messages of global teamwork and hope. Audiences find her lectures uplifting and informative; she brings the wonder of space to everyday audiences, showing how ambition can lead to “reaching for the stars.”

Helen Sharman’s Speaking Topics:

• Innovation & Creativity
• Personal Leadership & Perseverance
• Space Exploration & STEM

Ann Daniels

Ann Daniels is a record-breaking polar explorer. She has completed 13 polar expeditions and, in 2000, became part of the first all-women team to reach both the North and South Poles. Enduring extreme cold and isolation, Ann developed extraordinary leadership and teamwork skills. She now channels those experiences into inspiring leadership talks. Ann teaches audiences how to overcome adversity and work cohesively under pressure. For instance, she delivers messages about resilience and pushing limits from her expeditions. Companies hire her to learn about strategy and determination: Ann’s stories of planning, mutual support and perseverance in the face of danger resonate with all listeners. Her keynote sessions show how diverse teams can conquer challenges together.

Ann Daniels’s Speaking Topics:

• Climate & Environmental Awareness
• Leadership in Extreme Conditions
• Resilience & Overcoming Challenges
• Teamwork & Collaboration

Bonita Norris

Bonita Norris is a British adventurer and motivational speaker. She became the youngest British woman to climb Mount Everest and has also conquered peaks like Lhotse, Manaslu and even the North Pole. Her mountaineering achievements are earned through relentless determination and marginal gains – the idea of making small improvements every day. Bonita now shares these lessons with corporate audiences. She speaks passionately on topics such as overcoming adversity, self-belief and leadership. In particular, her presentations on “marginal gains” and pushing past perceived limits are highly praised. Attendees find her talks engaging: one reviewer said her Everest story was “extraordinary and awe-inspiring… incredibly inspirational.”. Bonita’s talks encourage teams to set ambitious goals and persist through challenges, just as she did on the world’s highest mountains.

Bonita Norris’s Testimonials:

“Bonita was absolutely amazing… an extraordinary and awe-inspiring story. Extremely entertaining, motivating and incredibly inspirational.” – IMG WME

Bonita Norris’s Speaking Topics:

• Marginal Gains & Continuous Improvement
• Overcoming Adversity
• Personal Leadership
• Resilience & Grit

Judy Murray

Judy Murray OBE is a celebrated tennis coach and advocate. A former Scottish national champion, she coached Britain’s Fed Cup (women’s tennis) team and helped guide her sons Andy and Jamie Murray to Grand Slam and Olympic victories. Judy is known for breaking barriers in sport and for her work promoting youth coaching. As a speaker, she combines warmth with expertise. She talks about leadership in sport, building winning teams and the importance of mentorship and grassroots development. Judy’s down-to-earth style and passion for equality in sports education motivate audiences. (Clients note her authenticity and humour: she was once nicknamed “the tartan Chris Evert” for her contributions to tennis.) Her keynotes help organisations embrace teamwork and resilience by learning from sports.

Judy Murray’s Speaking Topics:

• Coaching & Mentorship
• Motivation & Overcoming Challenges
• Team Building & Leadership
• Women in Sport

Deborah Meaden

Deborah Meaden is a prominent business leader and investor, best known as a long-time Dragon on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den. Earlier in her career she ran a multi-million-pound family holiday business and led a successful management buyout. Deborah is a passionate advocate of sustainability and ethical business – she advises companies on how green practices can drive growth. In her speeches, she shares insider knowledge on entrepreneurship, innovation and business resilience. For example, she draws on Dragons’ Den experience to discuss business growth strategies, highlighting how adaptability and eco-friendly practices open new markets. Deborah connects with audiences through candid storytelling; she emphasises that taking care of the environment can also boost profits and long-term success.

Deborah Meaden’s Speaking Topics:

• Business Growth Strategy
• Entrepreneurship & Investment
• Leadership & Innovation
• Sustainable Business Practices

Jean Tomlin

Jean Tomlin OBE is a global human resources and events expert. She was the Director of HR, Workforce and Accreditation for the London 2012 Olympic Games, mobilising a workforce of 200,000, and later founded Chanzo, a consultancy for organisational development. Jean has held senior HR roles at major UK companies and served as a non-executive director at Sainsbury’s. Her expertise in people management and inclusion underpins her keynotes. She speaks on topics like workforce organisation, talent development and creating inclusive cultures. Drawing from her Olympic experience, Jean teaches how to align large teams and optimise performance. Audiences find her insights practical and moving; one client noted “The audience were moved and inspired” after her talk. Jean’s warm, authoritative style makes complex HR issues engaging.

Jean Tomlin’s Testimonials:

“The audience were moved and inspired; Jean did a great job.” – The Institute for Family Business (UK)

Jean Tomlin’s Speaking Topics:

• Human Resources & Talent Development
• Inclusive Leadership
• Team Engagement & Optimisation
• Workforce Organisation

Immy Barclay

Immy Barclay is a dynamic British sports and travel presenter. She is fluent in multiple languages and a familiar face in Formula 1 broadcasts, now in her third season covering F1. Immy has hosted major brand events for Ferrari, Mercedes‑Benz and more, and interviewed legends like Tiger Woods. As a speaker and host, she brings high energy, professionalism and exceptional communication skills. Immy’s talks leverage her sports background; she discusses teamwork, diversity and global perspectives. By sharing how she engages diverse audiences through live Q&As and multilingual content, Immy teaches how to connect and motivate remote teams. Her enthusiasm and broad experience make her an inspiring keynote on embracing performance culture

Immy Barclay’s Speaking Topics:

• Engagement in Virtual Events
• Global Leadership & Diversity
• Motivation in High-Pressure Environments
• Teamwork & Communication

Dr Anu Arasu

Dr. Anu Arasu is a visionary medical doctor and health innovator. She is a pioneer in functional medicine in the UK and founded the London Bioidentical Hormones clinic. Anu’s work combines cutting-edge science with leadership strategy. In her signature keynote “Biology of Possibility,” she explains how leaders can use biology (nutrition, hormones, sleep, stress) to improve performance and resilience. She addresses modern challenges like burnout by promoting longevity and well-being. As a media health expert, Anu offers evidence-based advice in an engaging way. Her speeches cover diversity and inclusion in healthcare, hormone-driven productivity, and personalised preventive medicine. Audiences leave with actionable insights on self-care and leadership, feeling empowered to optimise both their health and their work culture.

Dr Anu Arasu’s Speaking Topics:

• Diversity & Inclusion
• Functional Medicine & Root-Cause Health
• Hormonal Health & High Performance
• Human-Centric Leadership
• Personalised Preventative Medicine

Jo Fairley

Jo Fairley MBE is a serial entrepreneur and author. At age 23 she became Britain’s youngest magazine editor, and in 1991 she co-founded the organic chocolate brand Green & Black’s, turning it into a global fair-trade success. Jo’s business journey – from startup to multinationals – informs her motivational talks. She inspires audiences on topics of entrepreneurship, brand building and marketing. Jo emphasises the value of ethics and sustainability in business, drawing on her Green & Black’s experience to show how doing good can be profitable. Her engaging style blends personal stories with practical advice. Jo encourages creativity and boldness, teaching companies how to innovate while staying true to their values.

Jo Fairley’s Speaking Topics:

• Brand Development & Marketing
• Entrepreneurship & Start-up Strategy
• Personal Growth
• Sustainability & Ethical Leadership

Book a IWD Speaker Today

Hiring an International Women’s Day speaker brings inspiration and insight to your event. Each of these women offers real-world experience and compelling stories that resonate with audiences. By booking one of our listed IWD keynote speakers, you ensure your program will motivate attendees and reinforce your commitment to equality and diversity. To explore more IWD speakers, visit our full listings. For bespoke recommendations and to secure a speaker for your event, visit our Contact page or call 0203 9317 391.