In a historic first for Mansion House, the official residence of the City of London’s Lord Mayor, a special dinner was held to honour the achievements of women leaders across the UK and the

rising stars they inspire.

Hosted on 12 March by the Lady Mayor, Dame Susan Langley, the event brought together influential figures from business, finance, entertainment, and professional services. The evening celebrated not only established leaders but also the next generation of talent shaping the UK’s economic future.

Prominent speakers included UK City Minister Lucy Rigby, activist Helen Pankhurst, and former Paralympian Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, all of whom shared insights on leadership, equality, and opportunity.

Opening the evening, Langley reflected on the symbolic significance of hosting the event at Mansion House, a building steeped in history dating back to 1752. She highlighted its connection to the women’s suffrage movement, recalling how activists such as Sylvia Pankhurst and others were once detained beneath the very rooms where guests now gathered.

Speaking to attendees, Langley said the progress seen today would have made those early campaigners proud, emphasizing that standing up for equality has lasting impact. She stressed that mentoring and supporting the next generation of women leaders is not optional, but essential.

As only the third woman to hold the role—and the first to adopt the title “Lady Mayor”—Langley noted the powerful response her appointment has generated. Many women, she said, have shared how her position has inspired them and their daughters to feel they belong in the City.

Despite progress, the evening also addressed ongoing challenges. Women now represent around half of entry-level roles in finance, yet occupy fewer than 20% of senior positions. Meanwhile, female-founded businesses continue to outperform expectations, delivering approximately 35% higher returns, despite receiving less than 2% of total equity investment.

Supported by organisations including The Mentor Hub, British Airways, Tesco, and Stream, the event underscored both the achievements and the work still to be done.

Closing the evening, Langley urged leaders to use their platforms to drive change and create opportunities for emerging talent. She noted that while the room could have been filled many times over with inspiring women, it remains vital to ensure rising stars are given space to grow and succeed. 

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.”

Photo by Michael Gwyther-Jones from London, UK, Wikimedia commons.