Future Female Leaders Conference 2023

Benenden hosted a conference in partnership with the International Coalition of Girls' Schools, featuring a range of high-profile speakers. 

The opening speaker was HRH The Princess Royal, who shared her perspective on leadership, discussing life in the public eye and some of the impressive female leaders she has encountered over the years.

Following her speech, HRH The Princess Royal also took part in a panel discussion with former MI5 Director-General Baroness Manningham-Buller LG DCB and Benenden Headmistress Samantha Price. They discussed breaking through gender stereotypes and bias, and even gave Benenden’s Head Girl Olivia, who chaired the discussion, some advice on successful leadership.

The event included a keynote speech from Her Royal Highness Princess Basma bint Talal of Jordan, who shared lessons learned from a life devoted to improving the lives of marginalised and vulnerable groups throughout Jordan.

In addition to the students from 60 UK schools present in the room, students from 60 schools around the world from countries including Australia, India and the United States also heard from co-creator and star of Made in Chelsea and tech entrepreneur Amber Atherton, Olympian Georgina Seccombe MBE, Hollywood producer and bestselling author Dame Didi Wong and international businesswoman Dr Amy Jadesimi.

Aims

This was a conference aimed at inspiring female leaders.

It was set to be a global conference with speakers livestreamed throughout the world.  

A wide range of 6th Form pupils for a 60 schools were present and benefited from the day-long conference.

Background

The conference was part of the Benenden 100 celebrations.

Resources

Benenden provided the event in partnership with the International Coalition of Girls' School, providing free attendance.  The event was hosted at Benenden.

Pupil Involvement

6th Form pupils were involved in guiding conference members.