What an event this was! A host of celebrity names and 220 of Manchester’s finest gathered at the Lowry Hotel, Salford, Greater Manchester to take part in a sell-out panel debate on the issues and challenges raised by the 2024 International Women’s Day campaign.
Our CEO Liz Taylor brought together a unique panel of female celebrities to discuss and challenge the issues around gender inclusion and parity, stereotyping, empowerment, and asking why women feel unable to celebrate their successes more openly.
A four-course lunch, gifts from Gold Collagen and lively entertainment from The London Essentials ignited the atmosphere, before the panel took to the stage. This included television favourite Ruth Langsford, presenter and singer Brenda Edwards, Celebrity MasterChef winner and broadcaster, Angelica Bell, magazine editor-at-large and author Rosie Nixon, social commentator Lizzie Cundy and musical theatre star and actress Jodi Prenger.
Here’s a look at the action……
“The event was inspired by conversations in my podcast, Events That Made Me, when many of my celebrity guests echoed the very real issues faced by many women in society. It gave me the idea to bring the podcast to life this International Women’s Day, and debate those challenges openly and frankly, to explore how women can support each other to break down those barriers.
“It’s been a serious debate around the numerous complex issues that women face in a world that, sadly, is still an uneven playing field for many. Sprinkled with wonderful celebrity and fun moments as our panel explained why fame and success doesn’t mean they are immune to the gender parity challenges women are dealing with across the world. It’s been an inspirational afternoon.” said Liz
Jodie Prenger commented “In many walks of life, women still face the damaging negativity of stereotyping. They become shaped by these views, and for many, it erodes their confidence and sense of empowerment. It prevents them from pursuing personal ambitions. For me, I fought against this to follow my dream of being a musical theatre actress. It has been hard, but the joy of performing makes the fight worth it. It is so vital we instil in all women, of all ages and backgrounds, the strength and self-belief that nobody, but themselves, should dictate their futures.”
Ruth Langsford added: “These exceptional women each brought a unique set of experiences – and powerful voices to share their views. It was a very lively debate as we championed the important values of #IWD24 with an event combining anecdotes, advice, and of course, laughter.”
The challenge now – to make our International Women’s Day Lunch even better in 2025!