International Womens Day Speakers

International Women's Day (IWD), observed annually on March 8th, has been a significant date since 1911.

It's a day that encourages everyone, regardless of gender, to challenge stereotypes and biases, fostering a world of gender equality. IWD events are crucial in ensuring diversity and inclusion are at the forefront in the workplace. Now updated for 2025!

International Womens Day Speakers

PepTalk offers a strong line-up of remarkable women shattering glass ceilings in their respective fields or succeeding no matter the challenges life throws them. Our International Women's Day speakers include:

Empowering Female Voices

For businesses, International Women’s Day is more than just a day of recognition; it's an opportunity to educate and inspire. In the US, the share of women CEOs of Fortune 500 companies reached an all-time high of 10.6% in 2023, with 53 women heading major firms. However, we’re still a long way from achieving gender equality.

Inviting empowering female speakers to your events can have a transformative impact on both businesswomen and their colleagues. These speakers share their stories of strength and bravery, reflect on the historical significance of IWD and teach the value of female empowerment in life and business.

World-renowned feminist, journalist, and activist Gloria Steinem once said: “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organisation, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”

⮕ Book your IWD speaker today, email hello@getapeptalk.com

Karen M. Allen

Karen M. Allen is a mindset expert who empowers individuals to overcome challenges and thrive in both their personal and professional lives. Her Stop + Shift mental exercise helps people break negative thought cycles and embrace positivity. Karen’s story of resilience and transformation resonates deeply, inspiring audiences to harness the power of mindset.

PepTalk Fact: Karen’s Stop + Shift method has transformed the lives of thousands, including leaders from Google and YouTube 🧠

⮕ Learn more and book Karen M. Allen as a speaker.

Grace Rose Gwynne

Grace Rose Gwynne is a trailblazing barrister who challenges stereotypes in one of the UK’s most competitive professions. Her candid talks on resilience, ambition, and gender equality are as inspiring as her journey to becoming one of the youngest barristers in the country. Grace is a strong advocate for greater female representation in the legal field.

PepTalk Fact: Grace delivered a TED Talk titled "Fighting For A Place In The Old Boys’ Club," tackling gender bias head-on ⚖️

⮕ Learn more and book Grace Rose Gwynne as a speaker.

Alice Olins

Alice Olins is a dynamic career development expert and founder of the Step Up Club, empowering individuals to balance career growth with personal fulfilment. Her practical advice and engaging workshops make professional development accessible to all. Alice’s talks inspire confidence and equip teams with the tools to excel in their careers.

PepTalk Fact: Alice’s book, Step Up: Confidence, Success And Your Stellar Career In 10 Minutes A Day, is a bestseller! 📘

⮕ Learn more and book Alice Olins as a speaker.

Claire Williams OBE

Claire Williams OBE is a trailblazer in Formula 1, being one of only two women to lead a racing team in the sport’s modern era. Her leadership transformed Williams Racing into a competitive force, and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion sets her apart. Claire’s stories of breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry inspire audiences worldwide.

PepTalk Fact: Claire was instrumental in enabling driver Susie Wolff to become the first woman in 22 years to participate in an F1 race weekend 🚗

⮕ Learn more and book Claire Williams as a speaker.

Keely Hodgkinson

Keely Hodgkinson is a trailblazer in middle-distance running, having clinched gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics and numerous other accolades. Her dedication, grit, and passion for athletics inspire audiences, particularly young women aspiring to break barriers. Keely's story highlights the power of perseverance and self-belief, making her a perfect speaker for celebrating women's achievements.

PepTalk Fact: At just 18, Keely broke the British indoor 800-metre record—a feat that foreshadowed her Olympic success! 🏃‍♀️

⮕ Learn more and book Keely Hodgkinson as a speaker.

Professor Hannah Fry

Professor Hannah Fry combines mathematics and storytelling to uncover patterns in human behaviour, offering valuable insights for businesses and society. Known for her engaging documentaries and books, Hannah makes complex ideas relatable and fun. Her work showcases the power of data in addressing real-world challenges.

PepTalk Fact: Hannah’s BBC documentary on pandemics predicted the impact of a global outbreak two years before COVID-19. 🔢

Learn more and book Professor Hannah Fry as a speaker.

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Poorna Bell

Poorna Bell is an award-winning journalist, author, and powerlifter whose insights on mental health, resilience, and empowerment resonate with audiences worldwide. Her journey from executive editor at Huffington Post to an influential voice for women's wellbeing and the community showcases her dedication to creating a more inclusive society. Poorna’s ability to weave her personal story with actionable advice makes her an inspiring choice for International Women’s Day events.

PepTalk Fact: Poorna is a competitive powerlifter who can deadlift over 140kg—more than twice her body weight! 🏋️‍♀️

⮕ Learn more and book Poorna Bell as a speaker.

Hannah Cockroft OBE

Hannah Cockroft OBE is a Paralympic legend and world record holder, embodying resilience, determination, and success. With seven Paralympic gold medals and 12 World Championship titles, she inspires audiences to overcome challenges and thrive under pressure. Hannah’s story is a testament to breaking boundaries and redefining what’s possible.

PepTalk Fact: Hannah was the first Paralympian ever to win ‘British Sportswoman of the Year’ in 2017! 🌟

⮕ Learn more and book Hannah Cockroft as a speaker.

Paula Radcliffe

Paula Radcliffe, a six-time world champion marathon runner, embodies the spirit of determination and resilience. Her record-breaking career includes victories in London, New York, and Helsinki, showcasing her incredible drive and endurance. Paula's motivational talks draw from her winning mentality, inspiring audiences to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

PepTalk Fact: Paula’s world record for the marathon—set in 2003—stood unbroken for an incredible 16 years! 🏅

⮕ Learn more and book Paula Radcliffe as a speaker.

Grace Campbell

Grace Campbell is a bold and hilarious stand-up comedian who uses her platform to challenge the patriarchy and empower women. As a feminist activist and co-host of the podcast Football, Feminism + Everything In Between, Grace brings fresh perspectives on gender equality and societal norms. Her witty and relatable style makes her a fantastic speaker for International Women’s Day.

PepTalk Fact: Grace once hosted an event in Parliament to address gender inequalities—turning serious issues into impactful comedy 🎭

⮕ Learn more and book Grace Campbell as a speaker.

Book your International Womens Day Speaker Today

These speakers, among other female empowerment heros, are available for booking through PepTalk for IWD 2025 events and beyond. They represent diverse experiences and backgrounds, each contributing to the narrative of female empowerment and gender equality.

IWD events, especially in the corporate world, are essential for ensuring women's voices are heard and celebrated. By partnering with industry pioneers, athletes, politicians, and more, PepTalk aims to break barriers and fight for gender equality.

⮕ Book your IWD speaker today, email hello@getapeptalk.com

💡 For more information or to book your International Womens Day Speakers, drop PepTalk’s team an email at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via the chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it’s always a good time to get a PepTalk!

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International Womens Day Speakers