Lady Mayor champions women leaders at Mansion House dinner

• In a first for Mansion House, the dinner celebrates women leaders across UK and the rising stars they inspire
• UK City Minister Lucy Rigby, activist Helen Pankhurst CBE and former Paralympian Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson among speakers
• Female-founded businesses generate about 35% higher returns but receive under 2% of equity investment.

The Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley, welcomed leading figures from across business, entertainment and financial and professional services to Mansion House for a special dinner (12 March) celebrating Women Who Lead and Those They Inspire.

Bringing together senior leaders and rising talent from across the City and beyond, the event highlighted the ever-growing impact of women across the UK economy while recognising the mentors and role models who support the next generation of leaders.

Opening the evening, the Lady Mayor reflected on the significance of hosting the event in Mansion House, the historic residence of the Lord and Lady Mayors since 1752, noting its links to the struggle for women’s equality.

More than a century ago, Suffragette activists, including Dorothea Rock, Madeleine Rock, Grace Chappelow and Fanny Pease were held in cells beneath the building after protesting here in 1912, while campaigner Sylvia Pankhurst was also tried at Mansion House in 1920.

“I wonder what, those women imprisoned below, in that ‘Birdcage’, would have thought if they could see this room above them tonight? This glittering array of women?  I have no doubt they would have felt proud, because it proves that standing up for what you believe in, changes lives. I believe that inspiring and supporting the next generation isn’t optional.  It’s compulsory.,” the Lady Mayor told guests, noting that the role dates back to 1189.

The Lady Mayor, the third woman to hold the position and the first to adopt the title “Lady Mayor”, said the response to her appointment had demonstrated the power of representation in action.

“Many women have written to me saying that seeing a Lady Mayor has inspired their daughters, or made them feel they belong in the City,” she said.

The evening also focused on the progress and continuing challenges for women in finance and business. While women now make up around half of entry level roles in finance, they still hold less than a fifth of senior positions.

At the same time, female founders are achieving strong results. Female-founded businesses generate around 35 per cent higher returns, yet currently receive less than two per cent of equity investment.

The event is supported by sponsors The Mentor Hub, British Airways, Tesco and Stream.

The Lady Mayor urged leaders to continue using their voice to build on the legacy of the women who fought for equality before them.

“This dinner could have been filled many times over with inspirational women from across the UK. But I have always believed that, because of the opportunities I’ve had throughout my career in the City, it’s vital that we also create space for rising stars to be supported. I hope that’s the action we can all take forward from here,” the Lady Mayor added.

Tanni Grey-Thompson, Baroness Grey-Thompson, said:

"It’s wonderful to celebrate a year with a Lady Mayor and to recognise the powerful difference women in public life can make. Every time a woman steps forward into leadership, she not only changes lives but inspires others to believe they can do the same. It’s also a chance to recognise the women who shape and influence our lives, and to remember how important it is that we continue to support and uplift one another.”

Helen Pankhurst, CBE, said:

“The spaces where women are able to gather, build connections and have their voices heard have always mattered. My own family has a rather fraught history with Mansion House: both my grandmother Sylvia and great-grandmother Emmeline passed through here on their way to prison for widening democracy.

“Dinners like this, celebrating women’s leadership and inspiration, help move us closer to the day when equal and diverse representation at tables like this is simply the norm.”

Notes to editors

ABOUT THE CITY OF LONDON CORPORATION:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk