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Trailblazing Women

Celebrating women who are changing the world

Join Bristol and the South West to celebrate 100 years of achievement, 

vision and inspiration since women won the right to vote.

In the mid-19th century, women who wanted to watch proceedings in the House of Commons had to climb into a ventilation shaft in the ceiling and peer through the bars. The momentous events of 1918 changed that. 

A group of pioneers – driven by passion, vision and an unwavering commitment to equal rights – transformed the future of women in the UK. They sparked a wave of progress that continues today.

In 2018 we celebrate Vote 100: 100 years since the Representation of the People Act. In parallel to events in London, business and community leaders from the South West are gathering to recognise the pioneering spirit that defined the suffragette movement, and hear from modern-day female achievers who are inspiring new generations of trailblazers. 

We Mean Biz is inviting both men and women to join in with this historic occasion with Women Mean Biz, celebrating and supporting women’s business achievements in their tenth anniversary year.

Inspirational Speakers include:

 

Lucienne Boyce – historian, author and speaker
Lucienne will be sharing the fascinating stories of Bristol’s suffragette years, from colourful demonstrations on the Downs and stone-throwing in the centre, to riots on Queen’s Road and arson in the suburbs.

Laura Kerby – CEO of Penny Brohn
Inspirational CEO Laura Kerby will be speaking about the legacy and pioneering work of Penny Brohn, a Bristol woman who has supported thousands of cancer sufferers and continues to touch many people’s lives through her charity.  

Myra Conway - Professor of Biomedical Science at UWE, Bristol
Myra is an internationally recognised and pioneering scientist in the field of redox biochemistry and its role in Alzheimer’s disease and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for BRACE, the ARUK network and the Bristol Dementia Health Integrated team.  Her passion for research resonates in her commitment to teaching and training of young scientists for careers in research. 

Jaya Chakrabarti MBE CEO at Nameless Media Group, Non Exec Board Director for Business West 
Jaya is a passionate advocate for engaging business with community through technology to improve people’s lives. Outside work Jaya has engaged with projects aimed at increasing democratic engagement, net neutrality, education, privacy, protecting children, women’s’ rights, human rights.  In addition to sitting on the Communications Consumer Panel and being a member of Ofcoms advisory committee on Older and Disabled People Jaya has been active and enthusiastic in projects to help the wider community. 

 

Programme Outline

11.30 - 12.00 - Guests arrive, refreshments served

12.15 - Welcome from Philippa Constable, WMB

12.30 - 3-course banquet lunch and speakers

15.00 17.00 - Afternoon networking – an opportunity for delegates to meet the speakers and connect with local business owners from the WMB network, Business West, Women in Property, Institute of Directors and Penny Brohn, as well as key Bristol and South West community leaders.

 

For further information or to book your place, contact the events team on 01934 835396 or email team@wemeanbiz.co.uk

 

Supporting Partners include:

 

 

 

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