Wellness & culture
August 20, 2026

International Womens Day Speakers

Discover top International Women's Day speakers and their inspiring stories in this PepTalk insight. Celebrate female empowerment and diversity.

Team PepTalk
Wellness & culture
December 31, 2025
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International Women's Day (IWD), observed annually on 8 March, has been a significant date since 1911. It encourages everyone, regardless of gender, to challenge stereotypes and biases and to build a world of gender equality. IWD events are a chance to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of the workplace.

International Women's Day Speakers

PepTalk offers a strong line-up of remarkable women who are shattering glass ceilings in their fields, or succeeding despite whatever challenges life throws at them. Our International Women's Day speakers include:

Empowering Female Voices

For businesses, International Women's Day is more than a day of recognition; it's an opportunity to educate and inspire. Women's representation in senior leadership has been rising steadily over the past decade, including at the very top of the corporate world, though women remain significantly under-represented as CEOs and board members. It's progress, but there's still a long way to go before we reach parity.

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, Speaker, Mindset Expert, TEDx, 100% Human Movement Founder & Author

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.

PepTalk Fact: Karen's Stop + Shift method has helped thousands of people worldwide reframe how they respond to setbacks, from everyday professionals to senior tech leaders 🧠

Learn more and book Karen M. Allen →
Grace Rose Gwynne, Speaker, Young UK Barrister & Women's Advocate

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.

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 →
Alice Olins, Speaker, Learning And Career Development Expert, Founder, Author

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.

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 →
Claire Williams OBE, Speaker, Former Williams F1 Deputy Team Principal, Diversity Advocate, OBE

Claire Williams OBE

Claire Williams OBE is a trailblazer in Formula 1, 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.

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

Learn more and book Claire Williams →
Keely Hodgkinson, Speaker, Athlete, Olympic Champion Gold Medalist

Keely Hodgkinson

Keely Hodgkinson is a trailblazer in middle-distance running, having claimed gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics among numerous other accolades. Her dedication, grit and passion for athletics inspire audiences, particularly young women aspiring to break barriers.

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

Learn more and book Keely Hodgkinson →
Prof. Hannah Fry, Speaker, Mathematician, Cambridge Professor, Emmy-Winning Broadcaster

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.

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 →
Poorna Bell, Speaker, Journalist, Author, Mental Health Advocate, Diversity Champion, Powerlifter

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 showcases her dedication to building a more inclusive society.

PepTalk Fact: Poorna is a competitive powerlifter who can deadlift over 140kg, more than twice her own bodyweight! 🏋️‍♀️

Learn more and book Poorna Bell →
Hannah Cockroft CBE, Speaker, Paralympic Champion, TV Presenter

Hannah Cockroft CBE

Hannah Cockroft CBE is a Paralympic legend and world record holder, embodying resilience, determination and success. With nine Paralympic gold medals and numerous World Championship titles, she inspires audiences to overcome challenges and thrive under pressure.

PepTalk Fact: Hannah is one of Britain's most decorated Paralympians, with nine Paralympic gold medals and multiple sportswoman-of-the-year honours to her name 🌟

Learn more and book Hannah Cockroft →
Paula Radcliffe MBE, Speaker, World Champion Marathon Runner, Olympian, MBE, BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Paula Radcliffe MBE

Paula Radcliffe MBE, a six-time world champion marathon runner, embodies 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 on her winning mentality, inspiring audiences to overcome obstacles and achieve success. Read more in our feature on how Paula sets goals and overcomes adversity.

PepTalk Fact: Paula's 2003 marathon world record stood unbroken for 16 years, a testament to just how far ahead of her time she was 🏅

Learn more and book Paula Radcliffe →
Grace Campbell, Comedian, Entertainer, Feminist Activist & Podcast Host

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.

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 →

Book Your International Women's Day Speaker Today

These speakers, among other female empowerment heroes, are available for booking through PepTalk for International Women's Day and gender equality initiatives throughout the year. 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 making sure women's voices are heard and celebrated. By partnering with industry pioneers, athletes and advocates, PepTalk helps organisations break barriers and champion gender equality.

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

💡 For more information or to book your International Women's 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!

At PepTalk, we harness the power of human intelligence to inspire and transform your people, insights, and events. Whether you're looking for expert speakers, tailored learning experiences, or unforgettable corporate events, our team is here to help. Get in touch with us today to find out more.

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