International Women’s Day often brings with it a sense of celebration — a moment to recognise the progress women have made across sectors and societies. But beyond the headlines and hashtags, its real power lies in the conversations it creates.
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of speaking at the London headquarters of Marks & Spencer as part of their International Women’s Day programme. The event brought together a panel of women recognised through the Daily Mail Inspirational Women Awards, each representing different causes and journeys but united by a shared commitment to making a difference.
It was an honour to share the stage with remarkable women whose work continues to shape conversations around advocacy, safety, health and empowerment. Among the speakers were Joanna C, founder of Delivering Better, a campaign focused on improving maternity care; Maisha Sumah, founder of She Walks In Value and a powerful advocate supporting survivors of domestic abuse; and Roxana Spiegel, founder of Behind Our Screens, campaigning for greater awareness and protection around online safety. Each speaker brought a deeply personal story and a clear sense of purpose to the conversation.
Listening to these journeys was a reminder that while our work may take different forms, the motivations behind it are often strikingly similar. Each initiative begins with a moment of realisation — an experience that highlights an injustice, a gap, or a need — and the determination to change it.
For me, that realisation came from witnessing how many women grow up without the financial knowledge or confidence needed to navigate money and independence. That experience led to the creation of initiatives such as Let’s Talk Money, and to the story of Molly the Money Butterfly, which introduces children to the simple but powerful principles of saving, sharing and spending.
These ideas now sit within the broader mission of the She Inspires Foundation, where the focus extends from recognising women’s achievements to creating practical pathways for empowerment and leadership.
One of the most important parts of that journey today is Empower 50K Girls — an initiative dedicated to reaching schools and communities so that girls grow up understanding their health, wealth and worth. When young people are introduced to these ideas early, they develop a different relationship with opportunity, confidence and choice.
Events like the one at Marks & Spencer are a reminder that meaningful change rarely happens in isolation. Progress grows through collaboration — through organisations willing to host conversations, through leaders prepared to share their stories, and through communities that support one another.
International Women’s Day is therefore more than a single day of recognition. It is a reminder that empowerment is an ongoing journey. From the boardrooms of global companies to the halls of local schools, the mission remains the same: to open doors, share knowledge and ensure that every woman and girl understands her potential.
Because when women rise, communities rise with them.
