According to the World Economic Forum, achieving full gender parity at the current pace could take until 2158. This stark reality underscores the urgency of this year’s International Women’s Day theme: ‘Accelerate Action.’ It calls for proactive measures and collective efforts to dismantle the systemic barriers women face in workplaces around the world.
Are you seeking a speaker to ignite inspiration and drive meaningful change within your organization? Explore our top recommendations for International Women’s Day speakers here:
Caitlin Moran
Caitlin Moran is a London-based author, journalist, and multi-award-winning columnist. She published her first novel, The Chronicles of Narmo, at 16 and became a columnist for The Times at 18, earning Columnist of the Year six times. Her bestseller, How to Be a Woman, a British Book Awards’ Book of the Year, has been translated into 28 languages. She adapted her novel How to Build a Girl into a 2020 film and co-wrote the Rose d’Or-winning sitcom Raised by Wolves. With additional bestselling works like Moranthology, Moranifesto, and What About Men?, Moran continues to shape cultural conversations worldwide.
Emma Campbell
Emma Campbell, known as “Limitless Em” to her 66,000 Instagram followers, is an inspiring author, speaker, and podcast host. A long-term cancer survivor and single mother of teenage triplets, Emma shares her journey with honesty and optimism, encouraging others to embrace resilience and their limitless potential. Her memoir, All That Followed: A Story of Cancer, Kids and the Fear of Leaving Too Soon (2018), was praised for its heartfelt exploration of motherhood and survival. In 2023, she launched her podcast Open with Emma Campbell, featuring prominent guests. A marathon runner and advocate, Emma champions positivity and living fully through every challenge.
Jenny Kleeman
Nicola Beckford
Nicola Beckford is an accomplished BBC journalist and presenter with over a decade of broadcasting experience. She anchors BBC Midlands Today and has presented on Woman’s Hour and BBC news bulletins. Nicola pioneered the use of Freedom of Information requests to uncover impactful stories, such as exposing the detention of children in police cells due to a lack of mental health beds, leading to changes in the Mental Health Act. A passionate advocate for education and community, Nicola supports young people and hosts public events, including interviews with Mary Portas. Outside work, she enjoys renovating her Edwardian home and salsa dancing.
Shon Faye
Shon Faye is a writer, editor, and presenter renowned for her insightful commentary on LGBTQ+ rights, women’s issues, and mental health. After studying English Literature at the University of Oxford and training as a lawyer, she transitioned to a career in writing and activism. Her acclaimed 2021 book, The Transgender Issue: An Argument for Justice, critically examines societal biases against transgender individuals. Faye also hosts the podcast Call Me Mother, highlighting stories from older LGBTQ+ trailblazers. Her forthcoming book, Love in Exile, set to be released in February 2025, explores concepts of love and fulfillment in contemporary society.
Dr. Kate Hays
Dr. Kate Hays is The FA’s Head of Women’s Psychology, bringing over 20 years of experience in performance psychology across multiple sports. She has supported title-winning athletes in global events, including the Women’s Euros 2022 and World Cup 2023. Previously, Kate spent seven years with the UK Sport Institute, leading the national psychology strategy during the Rio and Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. As TeamGB’s HQ psychologist in Tokyo, she contributed to a historic medal haul under challenging conditions. At St. George’s Park, Kate works closely with England’s elite players while shaping a consistent psychological framework for women’s development teams.
Elizabeth Day
Elizabeth Day is an award-winning journalist, author, and broadcaster, best known for her memoir How To Fail: Everything I’ve Ever Learned From Things Going Wrong and the popular How To Fail podcast. Starting her journalism career at 12 with The Derry Journal, she worked for the Evening Standard and The Sunday Telegraph. She co-founded Pin Drop Studio, which released A Short Affair, an anthology featuring bestselling authors. Elizabeth’s novels include Scissors, Paper, Stone and Paradise City. Through her podcast, columns, and speeches, she celebrates the transformative power of failure and resilience, inspiring audiences worldwide to embrace vulnerability and growth.