Hiring inspirational female speakers is one of the most powerful ways to engage your audience, celebrate women’s achievements, and spark real change.
With the 2026 themes “Give to Gain” and “Rights. Justice. Action.”, these speakers deliver impactful talks that combine storytelling, expertise, and actionable insights.
Why female keynote speakers matter for International Women’s Day:
Inspire action: Speakers bring the themes of rights, justice, and equality to life, motivating audiences to take meaningful steps toward positive change.
Promote giving and mentorship: Through the “Give to Gain” philosophy, they show how generosity and support create opportunities and empower others in the workplace, community, and society.
Highlight real-world impact: Female leaders share authentic stories of overcoming barriers, advocating for fairness, and driving social, professional, and cultural transformation.
Engage and educate: Their talks make complex issues like gender equality, social justice, and empowerment tangible, relatable, and actionable.
By hiring a motivational female speaker, organisations and event planners can inspire employees, clients, and communities while aligning with global conversations on equality, justice, and empowerment.
Make this International Women’s Day a moment to celebrate women, spark action, and create lasting impact.
Gabby Jahanshahi-Edlin
Best International Women's Day Speakers 2026 11
For International Women’s Day, Gabby Jahanshahi-Edlin stands as a powerful example of strength, resilience, and advocacy. Through her lived experience, she uses her voice to empower others, challenge injustice, and encourage meaningful change. Her work highlights the importance of equality, compassion, and courage, reminding people that progress comes from speaking up and supporting one another.
On IWD, her impact reflects the power of authenticity, leadership, and collective action, celebrating women who lead, uplift, and create lasting change together with purpose, integrity, hope, unity worldwide.
Ilja Abbattista represents courage, resilience, and the power of using one’s voice to create change. Through her lived experience and advocacy, she raises awareness, challenges silence, and inspires others to stand up for justice and equality. Ilja’s strength lies in her authenticity and determination to support those who have been unheard or overlooked.
Her work encourages empowerment, education, and collective action, reminding us that progress is driven by brave conversations and unwavering commitment. Ilja’s impact reflects the spirit of women leading with purpose, integrity, and compassion to create a safer future for all.
For International Women’s Day, Ije McDougall embodies resilience, leadership, and the power of advocacy rooted in lived experience. Ije promotes empowerment, education, and accountability, encouraging individuals and institutions to do better. Her approach combines compassion with courage, inspiring others to stand firm in their values while supporting collective progress.
She is committed to amplifying marginalized voices, challenging inequality, and fostering meaningful conversations that lead to change. Ije’s contribution highlights the importance of representation and sustained action, celebrating women who lead with purpose and a determination to create a more just, inclusive future together.
Juanita Headley represents strength, compassion, and unwavering commitment to empowerment and equality for International Women’s Day. Through her voice, leadership, and lived experience, she advocates for positive change while uplifting others to recognise their worth and potential. Juanita’s work is rooted in resilience, education, and community, encouraging meaningful dialogue around justice, inclusion, and progress.
Juanita’s impact reflects the power of women supporting women, using their voices to challenge barriers, create opportunity, and build a future defined by equity, respect, and lasting empowerment for all.
Lurata Lyon stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, advocacy, and leadership rooted in lived experience. She is dedicated to raising awareness, challenging inequality, and empowering others to find their voice and strength. Through her work, Lurata champions education, accountability, and meaningful change, inspiring individuals and communities to confront injustice and push for progress.
Her courage and authenticity create space for important conversations, while her compassion fosters connection and support. On International Women’s Day , Lurata’s impact reflects the essence of women leading with purpose and determination using their stories and influence to break barriers, uplift others, and help shape a more inclusive, equitable future for generations to come.
For International Women’s Day, Maggie Oliver represents extraordinary courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice and survivor advocacy. Through her lived experience and professional background, she has become a powerful voice for accountability, systemic change, and the protection of vulnerable people.
She leads with compassion, and determination, inspiring meaningful conversations around safeguarding, equality, and reform. On IWD, Maggie’s impact highlights the strength of women who transform personal adversity into purpose, using their voice to create lasting change, empower others, and build a safer, more just future for generations to come.
Natasha Saunders represents strength, advocacy, and a deep commitment to empowerment and social change. Through her voice and lived experience, she works to raise awareness, challenge inequality, and support those who have been overlooked or unheard. Natasha’s approach is rooted in authenticity, compassion, and resilience, inspiring others to speak up, seek justice, and believe in their own worth.
Her work encourages meaningful dialogue, education, and collective responsibility, reminding us that progress requires courage and persistence. On IWD, Natasha’s impact reflects the spirit of women leading with purpose and integrity, using their experiences to uplift others
Orla McKeating stands as a powerful advocate for equality, justice, and empowerment. Through her work and lived experience, she raises awareness, challenges harmful systems, and amplifies voices that are too often unheard. Orla’s strength lies in her authenticity, courage, and commitment to creating meaningful change through education and advocacy. She inspires others to speak up, stand firm in their truth, and support one another in the pursuit of fairness and dignity.
Orla’s impact reflects the importance of women leading with purpose, resilience, and compassion to help build a more just, inclusive, and supportive future for all.
Payzee Mahmod represents extraordinary courage, resilience, and unwavering advocacy for women’s rights and equality. Through her lived experience, she has become a powerful voice against injustice, using her platform to raise awareness, challenge harmful practices, and drive meaningful change.
Her strength and determination have helped shape important conversations around protection, justice, and reform. Payzee’s impact highlights the power of women transforming personal tragedy into purpose, leading with bravery and a deep commitment to creating a safer world for future generations.
Shakira Akabusi stands out as a passionate advocate for empowerment, equality, and social change. Through her lived experience and dedication, she raises awareness, challenges barriers, and inspires others to embrace their potential and speak out against injustice. Shakira’s work combines advocacy, education, and mentorship, encouraging women and communities to believe in their strength and ability to create meaningful impact.
Shakira’s contribution reflects the power of women leading with purpose, resilience, and compassion, shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and inspiring future for all.
Booking these remarkable women as speakers brings inspiration, empowerment, and authentic storytelling to your audience. Through their experiences and insights, they motivate change, spark meaningful conversations, and leave a lasting impact. Their voices champion resilience, leadership, and equality, making any event memorable and transformative.
Corporate comedy nights - something new in the events scene! In the modern corporate landscape, the traditional "networking drinks" or "departmental dinner" is increasingly viewed as an obligation rather than an opportunity. Today’s high-performing teams ... read more
When it comes to sportsman's dinners, charity events, and corporate hospitality, the difference between a good evening and a truly memorable one often comes down to the guest speaker. Recently, our team at Great British ... read more
Delivering outstanding customer service is one of the most important ways organisations can build loyalty, trust, and long-term success. At Great British Speakers, we work with some of the world’s most engaging experts who help ... read more
