Home > Professor Helen Pankhurst CBE, Inspires at ‘Women in Business Festive Lunch’

Professor Helen Pankhurst CBE, Inspires at ‘Women in Business Festive Lunch’

December 5, 2024

  • Cambridge

On Friday, 29 November, the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce welcomed leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates to the historic Madingley Hall, for the annual Women in Business Festive Lunch. This year’s sold-out event featured Professor Helen Pankhurst CBE, a globally renowned women’s rights advocate and the great-granddaughter of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.

The event opened with a drink’s reception, sponsored by Evelyn Partners, followed by a two-course lunch and a thought-provoking fireside chat between Professor Pankhurst and Chamber CEO Charlotte Horobin.

Spotlighting the Journey of Women’s Rights

Professor Pankhurst reflected on the long road to gender equality, acknowledging the successes of trailblazing women like Rachel Reeves, who this year became the UK’s first female Chancellor to deliver the budget, while emphasising that significant barriers still remain.

Key discussion points included:

  • The enduring crisis of violence against women, with most attendees agreeing the situation has worsened.
  • The limited progress in economic equality, with women still underrepresented in leadership and entrepreneurial roles.
  • The role of social media, which both empowers and exposes women, especially younger generations, to new forms of abuse.

Professor Pankhurst described the ongoing fight for gender equality as elastic:

“Progress can stretch forward, but it can also snap back if pressure is not maintained. Events like this are vital to keep driving change.”

Attendees also discussed the importance of male allies, with a call for men to actively engage in conversations around gender equity and support women’s representation in business and politics.

Championing Women in Leadership

Proceeds from the event were donated to Centenary Action, a cross-party coalition working to advance women’s representation and address gender-based inequalities. With the centenary of equal franchise approaching in 2028, the event highlighted the need for collective action to achieve greater progress in the years ahead.

Francesca Jus-Burke of Greenwoods Legal LLP highlighted the event’s impact:

“Hearing from Professor Pankhurst was inspiring and enlightening. The conversations sparked here will help drive meaningful change in the workplace and beyond.”

Acknowledgments and Next Steps

The next major event, the International Women’s Day Celebration, is set for 7 March 2025, building on the momentum generated at this gathering.

For more information on upcoming events, visit the Chamber’s events page.

ENDS