Power of Women Awards 2026: Celebrating Leadership, Opportunity and Real Change

London’s business community came together in powerful fashion on 5 March 2026 as Dress for Success Greater London hosted its ninth annual Power of Women Awards at Sidara, 150 Holborn. 

The sold-out event marked more than a celebration of inspiring individuals, it was a reminder of what happens when opportunity, mentorship and belief combine to unlock potential.

Held ahead of International Women’s Day, and aligned with the global theme #GiveToGain, the evening brought together leaders from business, law, media, culture and civil society. The atmosphere was one of recognition, but also of determination: a shared commitment to ensuring more women have the confidence, support and practical tools needed to succeed in the workplace.

Hosted by charity ambassador Tskenya-Sarah Frazer, the evening opened with remarks from Juanita Ingram, founder and Trustee Chair of Dress for Success Greater London. Reflecting on the charity’s eleven years of impact, she highlighted the tangible difference the organisation continues to make across the capital.

Since its founding, the charity has empowered more than 11,500 women, with an impressive 80% employment success rate. Through professional clothing, career coaching and long-term workforce development programmes, Dress for Success helps women overcome barriers to employment and build sustainable careers.

The evening also celebrated a remarkable group of award recipients whose leadership and commitment are driving real change.

Honourees included Baroness Floella Benjamin, recognised for cultural influence and advocacy; Sangeeta Pillai for amplifying diverse voices; Sophie Neary for economic leadership; and Ruth Dodsworth OBE for media and social impact. Organisations and partners were also recognised for their contributions, including A&O Shearman, No7 Beauty, and Lewisham Works, while individuals such as Naomi Harrison, Demisola Ogunfuwa, and Tara Thomas were celebrated for their dedication, resilience and achievements.

For attendees, the message of the night was clear: empowering women isn’t just a social mission — it is a business imperative.

As Samantha Latouche of Dress for Success Greater London reflected during the evening, the event was more than an awards ceremony. It was a showcase of resilience, ambition and the power of collective support.

With Power of Women 2027 already on the horizon, the momentum continues to grow. For businesses looking to champion opportunity, inclusion and leadership, the message is simple: when women thrive, organisations and society, thrive with them.

https://www.dressforsuccessgl.org

International Women’s Day: Why Supporting Women in Business Benefits Everyone

Every year on International Women’s Day, celebrated on 8 March, businesses, organisations and communities around the world recognise the achievements of women and reflect on the work still needed to create truly equal opportunities. 

For the business community, the day is more than a symbolic moment, it’s an opportunity to highlight progress, address challenges, and commit to building workplaces where women can thrive.

Over the past few decades, women have made enormous contributions across every sector of the economy. 

From technology and finance to hospitality, healthcare and retail, women are founding companies, leading organisations and shaping innovation. 

In the UK alone, female entrepreneurship continues to grow, with thousands of women launching start-ups and small businesses each year.

Yet despite this progress, barriers remain. Women are still under-represented in senior leadership roles and boardrooms in many industries. Access to funding can also be uneven, with female-led start-ups often receiving less venture capital investment than those led by men. Closing these gaps is not only a matter of fairness—it also makes strong business sense.

Research consistently shows diverse leadership teams lead to better decision-making, stronger innovation and improved financial performance. Companies that actively support gender diversity often benefit from wider perspectives, stronger workplace culture and greater resilience when facing challenges. In other words, businesses that invest in equality are often the businesses that perform best.

For small businesses and entrepreneurs, International Women’s Day is a reminder that building an inclusive environment starts with everyday decisions. Hiring practices, promotion policies, flexible working arrangements and mentoring opportunities all play a role in creating workplaces where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

Flexible working in particular has become an important factor in supporting women’s careers. Many women still carry a disproportionate share of caregiving responsibilities, whether that involves raising children or supporting family members. Businesses that offer hybrid working, flexible hours or supportive parental leave policies often find they retain talent more effectively and attract a wider pool of skilled employees.

Mentorship and networking are also crucial. Women who have access to mentors, professional networks and leadership development programmes are often better positioned to advance their careers or grow their businesses. Many successful female entrepreneurs now dedicate time to mentoring the next generation, helping to break down barriers that once limited opportunities.

International Women’s Day also provides a valuable opportunity for businesses to showcase the achievements of the women who help drive their success. Highlighting female leaders, recognising employee contributions, or sharing stories of women in the organisation can inspire others and reinforce a culture of respect and recognition.

For business owners, supporting International Women’s Day does not need to involve grand gestures. Simple actions—such as hosting discussions about workplace equality, supporting female-led suppliers, promoting women’s achievements, or reviewing internal policies—can make a meaningful difference.

Ultimately, International Women’s Day is about progress. It celebrates how far society has come while reminding businesses that there is still work to do. By supporting equality, encouraging leadership opportunities and recognising the value women bring to every industry, businesses can help create a more inclusive and successful future.

For organisations of every size, from start-ups and family businesses to large corporations, International Women’s Day is a timely reminder that empowering women is not just the right thing to do. It’s also good business.

Celebrating International Women's Day: Why It Matters

Every year on March 8th, people around the world come together to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD). It's a day dedicated to honoring the achievements of women, recognising their contributions to society, and advocating for gender equality. 

Beyond just a day of celebration, IWD holds significant importance in highlighting the ongoing struggle for women's rights and empowerment globally.

Empowerment and Equality:

International Women's Day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender equality while also acknowledging the work that remains. It's a day to reflect on the achievements of women in various fields, from politics and science to business and the arts. It's about recognising the resilience and strength of women who have shattered glass ceilings and challenged societal norms.

At the same time, IWD underscores the importance of continuing to strive for gender parity. Despite significant advancements, women still face barriers in accessing education, healthcare, employment, and leadership roles. Women are disproportionately affected by issues such as poverty, violence, and discrimination. International Women's Day provides a platform to raise awareness about these challenges and advocate for change.

Inspiration and Solidarity:

One of the most inspiring aspects of International Women's Day is the sense of solidarity it fosters. It's a day when people of all genders come together to support and uplift women. Whether through marches, events, or social media campaigns, IWD amplifies the voices of women and allies worldwide.

Moreover, International Women's Day serves as a source of inspiration for future generations. By highlighting the achievements of women throughout history, it encourages girls and young women to pursue their dreams and aspirations. It sends a powerful message that gender should never be a barrier to success.

Intersectionality and Inclusivity:

It's essential to recognize that the struggle for gender equality intersects with other forms of oppression and discrimination. International Women's Day emphasises the importance of inclusivity and intersectionality, ensuring that the voices and experiences of all women are heard and valued.

Women from marginalised communities, including women of colour, LGBTQ+ women, disabled women, and indigenous women, often face compounded forms of discrimination. International Women's Day provides an opportunity to address these intersecting issues and work towards a more inclusive and equitable world for all.

Taking Action:

While International Women's Day is a time for celebration and reflection, it's also a call to action. It's a reminder that the fight for gender equality requires ongoing effort and commitment from individuals, communities, and governments worldwide.

There are many ways to get involved in the movement for women's rights, whether through advocacy, volunteering, supporting women-owned businesses, or promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. By taking meaningful action, we can contribute to creating a more just and equitable society for all.

International Women's Day is not just a day on the calendar; it's a global movement towards gender equality and empowerment. It's a day to celebrate the achievements of women, recognise the challenges they face, and renew our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable world. As we commemorate International Women's Day, let us stand together in solidarity, amplify women's voices, and work towards a future where every woman and girl can thrive.