International Women’s Day is a dedication to recognising progress and amplifying women’s voices. This important day is an opportunity to hire top female speakers who inspire equality and lasting change across events worldwide.
When is International Women’s Day Celebrated?
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on the 8th of March.
The next International Women’s Day will take place on Sunday, the 8th of March 2026.
What is the Theme of International Women’s Day 2026?
The 2026 International Women’s Day theme, #GivetoGain, centres on the belief that progress comes through generosity. When we give time, support and opportunity, we multiply impact and strengthen gender equality.
This theme champions collaboration, reciprocity and intentional contribution. Supporting women’s advancement helps to build a more connected, equitable world where everyone benefits.
Source: Internationalwomensday.com
Who are the Top International Women’s Day Speakers to Hire?
- Jo Salter MBE – Britain’s first female fast jet pilot of the Panavia Tornado in the 617 Squadron
- Sarah Armstrong-Smith – Former Chief Security Advisor EMEA of Microsoft
- Katie Piper OBE – Founder of The Katie Piper Foundation
- Jill Scott MBE – Former professional footballer for Everton, Manchester City & England
- June Sarpong OBE – The BBC’s first Director of Creative Diversity
- Susie Wolff MBE – Managing Director of F1 Academy
- Baroness Karren Brady – Former MD of Birmingham City FC & Vice-Chairman of West Ham United FC
- Bonita Norris – Former youngest British woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest
- Grace Beverley – Founder of TALA, Shreddy & The Producivity Method
- Alex Scott MBE – Former professional footballer for Arsenal & England, Presenter of Football Focus
- Gabby Logan MBE – Television & radio presenter, Co-Presenter of Match of the Day
- Debbie Wosskow OBE – Former CEO of Love Home Swap & member of the Mayor of London’s Business Advisory Board
- Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson – 11x Paralympic Gold medallist, Life Peer & Crossbencher in the House of Lords
- Jo Malone CBE – Founder of Jo Malone London, Jo Loves & Jo Vodka
- Stephanie Flanders – Former BBC News Economics Editor & Chief Market Strategist for JP Morgan Asset Management
- Roz Savage MBE – The first woman to row solo across three oceans: The Atlantic, Pacific & Indian Oceans
- Clare Smyth MBE – The first ever female chef & second overall to gain three Michelin Stars
- Ellie Goldstein – The first model with Down Syndrome to feature on the front cover of Vogue Magazine
- Dame Kelly Holmes – Double Olympic Gold medallist & Founder of the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust
- Malala Yousafzai – Female education activist, survivor of a Taliban assassination attempt & youngest Nobel Prize laureate in history
- Rebecca Adlington OBE – Double Olympic Gold medallist, pundit at the Olympic Games & the World Aquatics Championships
- Alexandra Shulman CBE – Former Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue, the longest-serving editor in the history of the publication
- Brené Brown – Huffington Foundation’s Brené Brown Endowed Chair at the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work
- Oti Mabuse – Former professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing & judge on Dancing on Ice
- Billie Jean King – Former World No.1 tennis player who famously won the Battle of the Sexes against Bobby Riggs
1.) Jo Salter MBE
Official Speaker Rating – 9.9/10
Jo Salter MBE is hired for International Women’s Day because she embodies what progress looks like in male-dominated environments. As Britain’s first female fast jet pilot, she flew frontline Tornado missions with the RAF, enforcing no-fly zones over Iraq and leading under extreme pressure. She later took that experience into business, holding senior roles at PwC, including Director of Global Transformative Leadership and Global Advisor on GenAI, shaping leadership capability at scale. Jo shows women how to step into spaces where they are underrepresented and succeed through confidence, resilience and decisive action, from the cockpit to the boardroom.
Official Testimonial for Jo Salter MBE:
“Jo was outstanding in terms of personality and professionalism. She arrived on time, was very courteous and handled the rehearsals wonderfully.” – King.com
2.) Sarah Armstrong-Smith
Official Speaker Rating – 9.9/10
Sarah Armstrong-Smith is hired for International Women’s Day events because she represents excellence, credibility and leadership in cyber security. Her career spans senior roles, including Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft EMEA, Group Head of Business Resilience and Crisis Manager at London Stock Exchange Group, and Head of Continuity and Resilience, Enterprise and Cyber Security at Fujitsu. She has led through major cyber incidents, advised global organisations, and now serves on the UK Government Cyber Advisory Board. Sarah brings real-world authority, clear insight and a powerful example of female leadership in STEM, inspiring organisations and future talent alike.
Official Testimonial for Sarah Armstrong-Smith:
“Sarah was an absolutely fabulous speaker – so interesting and a wealth of knowledge, and stayed around afterwards for photos and a chat (I think she was actually last to leave!). I would really recommend her for future speaking jobs.” – Leicester Tigers
3.) Katie Piper OBE
Official Speaker Rating – 9.8/10
Katie Piper OBE is hired for International Women’s Day because her story speaks to courage, dignity and change. After surviving a brutal acid attack, she rebuilt her life in public, challenging how society views beauty, disability and difference. She now uses that experience to advocate for diversity, inclusion and body positivity, showing what real resilience looks like. Through The Katie Piper Foundation, including a UK rehabilitation centre based on her own treatment, she supports others with burns and scars. On stage, Katie delivers an honest, hopeful message that empowers women to own their space and redefine strength.
Official Testimonial for Katie Piper:
“Please send our thanks to Katie for what a fantastic event yesterday was for Women’s Health Month. She is so incredibly inspirational and such a fantastic speaker. Her messages were so thought-provoking, and feedback from across the firm has been exceptional – we feel lucky to have had her come in. Thank you also for all your help organising it. Looking forward to the Men’s Health event next month.” – Sarah, HR Specialist, Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett LLP
4.) Jill Scott MBE
Official Speaker Rating – 9.8/10
Jill Scott MBE is hired as an International Women’s Day speaker because she represents dominance, longevity and leadership at the highest level of women’s football. Across an 18-year career, she imposed herself as a powerful midfielder for England and leading Women’s Super League clubs, earning over 150 caps for the Lionesses. She delivered on the biggest stages, scoring the Euro 2009 semi-final winner and playing a key role in England’s historic Euro 2022 triumph. Jill speaks with authority about resilience, elite performance and carving space for women to lead and win, unapologetically.
Official Testimonial for Jill Scott MBE:
“We’ve had some great feedback from the local school and employees at the firm who got the opportunity to meet Jill, really appreciated how engaging Jill was with people throughout the day. It seemed like she enjoyed meeting the kids and answering their questions, meeting Steve from AFCB, and even giving some advice to our new women’s team.” – JP Morgan
5.) June Sarpong OBE
Official Speaker Rating – 9.8/10
June Sarpong OBE is a powerful International Women’s Day speaker because she combines cultural influence with serious authority on equality. A respected broadcaster, author and campaigner, she speaks with clarity on gender pay, workplace discrimination and inclusion, drawing on her books Diversify and The Power of Women. June has shaped national conversations through Loose Women, Sky News and major global events, while founding the WIE Network to champion women in business. Appointed MBE and OBE for her impact, she brings credibility, warmth and practical insight, inspiring audiences to turn conversation into meaningful action.
Official Testimonial for June Sarpong OBE:
“Please pass on our thanks to June – she was awesome as expected. Her messaging on diversity, equity and inclusion was on point, her storytelling was engaging and thought-provoking- what a great guest speaker and interviewee. We’re really pleased. Thanks to June, and also to you for your support” – Stephenson Harwood LLP
6.) Susie Wolff MBE
Official Speaker Rating – 9.8/10
Susie Wolff is hired for International Women’s Day events because her career embodies progress, resilience and female leadership. She broke barriers as the first woman to compete in a Formula One event in 22 years and has spent over 25 years succeeding in an intensely male-dominated sport. Now Managing Director of F1 Academy, she actively champions the next generation of female talent. Through initiatives like Dare to be Different and FIA Girls on Track, she turns advocacy into action. On stage, she shares lived experience, hard-earned lessons and practical insight, inspiring audiences to challenge limits and pursue equality with confidence.
Official Testimonial for Susie Wolff:
“Susie Wolff was really very inspirational. She has engaged our audience and was one of the favourite speakers and topics of the day.” – Accenture
7.) Baroness Karren Brady
Official Speaker Rating – 9.7/10
Baroness Karren Brady is hired for International Women’s Day events because she embodies achievement, resilience and leadership in male-dominated industries. A self-made business leader, she became Managing Director of Birmingham City at 23 and later transformed West Ham United into one of the world’s fastest-growing football brands. Her career spans business, government and media, including her long-standing role on The Apprentice. A passionate advocate for women and young people, she shares practical lessons on confidence, ambition and breaking barriers, making her a powerful and credible voice for IWD audiences.
Official Testimonial for Baroness Karren Brady:
“Thank you for taking the time to talk to the ladies at Capital One, they found your talk motivating, inspiring and refreshingly honest!” – Capital One
8.) Bonita Norris
Official Speaker Rating – 9.7/10
Bonita Norris is a favourite speaker for International Women’s Day because her story powerfully reflects courage, self-belief and breaking limits. She became the youngest British woman to summit Mount Everest and the first British woman to climb Lhotse, achieving extraordinary feats in a male-dominated arena. Bonita speaks with warmth and honesty about fear, resilience and growth, drawing on real moments from the world’s most dangerous mountains. An award-winning storyteller who has delivered over 750 talks, she inspires women to take bold steps, challenge expectations and recognise their own potential, making her a compelling IWD keynote.
Official Testimonial for Bonita Norris:
“Having Bonita speak at our conference was a tremendous success with positive feedback from all who attended. Bonita’s story and achievements are remarkable and had a really broad appeal for our staff as she linked key parts of her amazing journey into useful business and personal takeaways. Expertly presented, and would not hesitate to recommend.” – Steve, CEO, Evolution Money Limited
9.) Grace Beverley
Official Speaker Rating – 9.7/10
Grace Beverley is hired for International Women’s Day because she represents modern, self-made ambition with substance. As the founder of TALA, Shreddy and The Productivity Method, she has built credible businesses from a personal brand that began as GraceFitUK, sharing fitness content with honesty and discipline. Her story resonates with women navigating career pressure, wellbeing and financial independence. TALA’s £6.2 million turnover in its first year is a clear example of execution meeting purpose. As the author of Working Hard, Hardly Working, Grace speaks candidly about burnout, boundaries and sustainable success, leaving audiences motivated, grounded and ready to act confidently.
Official Testimonial for Grace Beverley:
“She nailed the brief, and the audience could not stop talking about everything she said; they had to think completely differently, which is exactly what they were hoping for! They had so many questions from everyone in the room, and the senior stakeholders are buzzing.” – Coca Cola
10.) Alex Scott MBE
Official Speaker Rating – 9.6/10
Alex Scott MBE is hired for International Women’s Day because her career embodies resilience, leadership and breaking barriers. A former Arsenal and England international, she proved her place in elite, male-dominated sport, competing at World Cups, Euros and the London 2012 Olympics. She scored the winning goal in the 2007 UEFA Cup Final and later captained Arsenal, setting a standard for excellence. Since retiring, Alex has become an award-winning broadcaster for the BBC and Sky Sports, using her platform to champion equality and challenge discrimination. Her story, shared openly in How (Not) To Be Strong, inspires confidence, courage and ambition in every audience.
Official Testimonial for Alex Scott MBE:
“Alex was brilliant… really interesting and great chemistry.” – Emma, Head of Content, Bett-Hyve Group
11.) Gabby Logan MBE
Official Speaker Rating – 9.6/10
Gabby Logan MBE is hired for International Women’s Day because she embodies progress, confidence and leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry. As one of the UK’s first female sports presenters on terrestrial television, she has spent her career opening doors for women in sport and broadcasting. Her experience spans Olympic Games, World Cups and flagship BBC programmes, giving her real authority and credibility on stage. Gabby speaks with warmth and clarity, sharing first-hand stories of resilience, visibility and change. A 2020 MBE recipient, she inspires audiences to challenge barriers and lead with purpose.
Official Testimonial for Gabby Logan MBE:
“Gabby was brilliant. A true professional. She is probably the best presenter that we have ever had. Would have no hesitation in recommending.” – Englemere Limited
12.) Debbie Wosskow OBE
Official Speaker Rating – 9.6/10
Debbie Wosskow OBE is a favourite speaker for International Women’s Day because she combines entrepreneurial success with real action on gender equity, including opening up long-overdue conversations around women’s health. A multi-exit founder and investor, she has built and sold high-growth businesses while actively tackling barriers facing women in business and midlife careers. As Co-Chair of the Invest in Women Taskforce, she helped raise over £250 million to fund female-led companies. Through co-founding The Better Menopause, she has championed better support for women navigating perimenopause and menopause, translating lived experience into practical solutions and products. Debbie speaks with authority on leadership, innovation and economic empowerment, drawing on ventures like Love Home Swap and AllBright. Awarded an OBE, she inspires audiences with practical insight, ambition and a clear commitment to change.
13.) Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson
Official Speaker Rating – 9.6/10
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson is hired for International Women’s Day because her life and career redefine leadership, resilience and equality. A Paralympic legend with 11 gold medals and over 30 world records, she has turned early adversity into sustained excellence. Tanni speaks with authority on performance, inclusion and ambition, shaped by her experience as an elite athlete, broadcaster and parliamentarian. Her work across London 2012, Channel 4’s Paralympic coverage, and public life reinforces her credibility beyond sport. Inspiring and grounded, she motivates audiences to challenge limits, value diversity, and pursue lasting change with confidence.
Official Testimonial for Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson:
“Tanni was an incredible speaker and extremely personable. Our clients have commented on how engaging the talk was and how it was almost like a conversation rather than a keynote speech. Thank you to Tanni.” – Allen & Overy
14.) Jo Malone CBE
Official Speaker Rating – 9.5/10
Jo Malone CBE is a popular International Women’s Day speaker because her story captures creativity, resilience and female entrepreneurship at its best. From building a global fragrance brand at her kitchen table to founding new ventures after major setbacks, she represents reinvention and courage. Jo speaks openly about overcoming dyslexia, breast cancer and starting again after selling her business, offering rare honesty alongside commercial success. Awarded an MBE and CBE, she brings insight into leadership, intuition and creativity in business. Her talks inspire women to trust their instincts, embrace change and build something meaningful on their own terms.
Official Testimonial for Jo Malone CBE:
“Touching, realistic and full of determination – good insights from an entrepreneur at a late stage.” – News International
15.) Stephanie Flanders
Official Speaker Rating – 9.5/10
Stephanie Flanders is a popular International Women’s Day speaker because she represents authority, clarity and leadership in a field where women remain underrepresented. As Bloomberg’s Senior Executive Editor for Economics and a former BBC Economics Editor, she brings deep insight into global markets, policy and power. Her career spans journalism, government and finance, from advising the US Treasury to shaping public debate through flagship programmes like Stephanomics. Stephanie speaks with confidence and precision, translating complex economics into clear, relevant insight. Her presence inspires conversations around female leadership, influence and credibility at the highest levels of global decision-making.
16.) Roz Savage MBE
Official Speaker Rating – 9.5/10
Roz Savage MBE is regularly hired for International Women’s Day because her story is a powerful example of courage, purpose and self-belief. As the first woman to row solo across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, she turned an ordinary life into an extraordinary achievement through persistence and mental resilience. Roz speaks with authenticity about facing fear, failure and isolation, drawing lessons that resonate far beyond adventure. Her work as an environmental advocate, author and elected MP adds depth and relevance. Audiences leave inspired to challenge limits, act with conviction and lead meaningful change.
Official Testimonial for Roz Savage MBE:
“Roz was energetic, passionate, engaging and real. Her connection with both our employees and our clients, and the dialogue it sparked both within the room and beyond, was tremendous. Everyone left with a little optimistic spring in their step, inspired to make changes and live their lives a little differently. It was an amazing experience to share her world for that hour.” – Credit Suisse
17.) Clare Smyth MBE
Official Speaker Rating – 9.4/10
Clare Smyth MBE is hired for International Women’s Day because her career shows what ambition, discipline and belief can achieve in demanding industries. She is the first and only female chef to run a three-Michelin-star restaurant in the UK, and the Co-Founder of Core, now one of London’s most respected restaurants. Trained in elite kitchens, including Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, she rose to Head Chef and set new standards. As an MBE and National Chef of the Year, she speaks with authority on leadership, teamwork and resilience, sharing practical lessons from building excellence under pressure.
18.) Ellie Goldstein
Official Speaker Rating – 9.4/10
Ellie Goldstein is hired for International Women’s Day because her story powerfully challenges stereotypes and expands how success is defined. She is the first supermodel with Down Syndrome to appear on the covers of Vogue, Glamour and Elle, opening doors many believed were closed. From starring in Gucci’s Unconventional Beauty campaign to becoming the ambassador for Mattel’s first Barbie with Down Syndrome, Ellie has changed global representation. An award-winning author and Glamour Women of the Year honouree, she speaks with warmth and clarity on inclusion, confidence and equity, inspiring audiences to value difference and possibility.
19.) Dame Kelly Holmes
Official Speaker Rating – 9.4/10
Dame Kelly Holmes is hired to speak on International Women’s Day because her story represents courage, excellence and long-term impact. A double Olympic champion at Athens 2004, she became the first British woman to win two gold medals at a single Games. Her journey from the British Army to elite sport, followed by a Damehood, shows what sustained commitment can deliver under pressure. Beyond medals, Kelly speaks with honesty about mental health, identity and inclusion. Through her charity work, leadership roles and public advocacy, she inspires audiences to perform with purpose and live authentically.
Official Testimonial for Dame Kelly Holmes:
“Kelly was fantastic. We enjoyed having her on stage and the audience were clearly engaged – she covered a wide variety of topics in a relatable way. I have heard nothing but positive feedback from attendees. The crowd were particularly interested in her charitable endeavours. She was both humble and inspiring.” – Indeed
20.) Malala Yousafzai
Official Speaker Rating – 9.3/10
Malala Yousafzai is inspirational for the courage and conviction she has shown from a young age. When the Taliban banned girls from education in Pakistan, she chose to speak out publicly, first through a BBC Urdu blog and later on the global stage. After surviving a Taliban shooting in 2012, she continued her campaign with even greater determination. As the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of the Malala Fund, she has expanded access to education for girls worldwide. For International Women’s Day, her story connects powerfully with audiences, showing how resilience, purpose and leadership can drive lasting change.
21.) Rebecca Adlington OBE
Official Speaker Rating – 9.2/10
Rebecca Adlington is a powerful female role model through both sporting excellence and personal honesty. A double Olympic gold medallist at Beijing 2008 and Britain’s most decorated female Olympian, she showed what discipline and self-belief can achieve, breaking the 800m world record along the way. Beyond sport, she has spoken openly about online abuse, miscarriage and grief, using her platform to support others facing similar challenges. One example is her work raising awareness around pregnancy loss, encouraging open conversation. On International Women’s Day, audiences connect with her resilience, warmth and willingness to share the full reality behind success.
Official Testimonial for Rebecca Adlington OBE:
“Rebecca was a very welcome guest to our Annual General Meeting and spent time meeting our staff and service users before giving an interesting, inspirational and thought-provoking keynote speech. She is a lovely, down-to-earth person who really connected with people, and we were delighted that she was part of our AGM celebrations” – NAViGO
22.) Alexandra Shulman CBE
Official Speaker Rating – 9.2/10
Alexandra Shulman CBE built a formidable career as one of Britain’s most influential journalists, best known for her 25 years as Editor in Chief of British Vogue. During her tenure, she reshaped the magazine’s cultural voice, balancing fashion with feminism, ethics and social commentary. One clear example is the 1999 Millennium issue, which became the highest-selling in Vogue’s history. A former editor at GQ, Tatler and The Sunday Telegraph, she broke barriers in male-dominated spaces and set firm editorial standards. Today, she is sought after for International Women’s Day events for her sharp insight, authority and lived leadership.
23.) Brené Brown
Official Speaker Rating – 9.2/10
Brené Brown is a respected role model for reshaping how people view courage, leadership and emotional intelligence. Through more than two decades of research, she has brought ideas like vulnerability and empathy into mainstream conversations, influencing workplaces and wider culture. A research professor at the University of Houston and bestselling author, she pairs academic rigour with warmth and clarity. One clear example of her impact is her TED talk The Power of Vulnerability, now among the most watched of all time. For International Women’s Day, audiences value her honest perspective on confidence, connection and brave leadership, delivered with authority and humanity.
24.) Oti Mabuse
Official Speaker Rating – 9.1/10
Oti Mabuse is hired as a motivational speaker for International Women’s Day because her story blends ambition, resilience and joy. From growing up in Pretoria to becoming a two-time Strictly Come Dancing champion, she shows what is possible through belief and hard work. She speaks openly about embracing change, backing yourself in unfamiliar spaces, and leading with confidence. Audiences respond to her warmth, honesty and energy, leaving inspired to step forward boldly and celebrate their own potential.
25.) Billie Jean King
Official Speaker Rating – 9/10
Billie Jean King is a popular International Women’s Day speaker for her role in reshaping sport, culture and equality. A tennis champion at the very top of her game, she became a global symbol of female confidence after defeating Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes, watched by 90 million people worldwide. That moment challenged entrenched attitudes and expanded what women believed possible. Beyond the court, she founded the Women’s Tennis Association, fought for equal pay and championed LGBT+ inclusion. Audiences value her first-hand insight, clarity and conviction, drawn from a career defined by courage and leadership.
Hire an International Women’s Day Speaker Today!
If you are interested in hiring an IWD speaker for International Women’s Day 2026, contact the London Keynote Speakers Agency today! Give our booking agents a call on 0203 9580 428 or complete our online contact form.
