Women in Leadership conference heads to Ealing

Key Points

• Women in Leadership event lands in Ealing
• Conference aims to empower female professionals locally
• Speakers include senior business and civic leaders
• Focus on career progression and inclusive workplaces
• Free tickets available for Ealing residents

Ealing (Extra London News) 7 February 2026 – Ealing is set to host a major Women in Leadership conference later this year, bringing together senior business figures, local councillors and community leaders to spotlight female talent and push for more inclusive workplaces across West London.
The event, organised in partnership with Ealing Council and several private‑sector sponsors, will be held at a central venue in the borough and is being billed as a platform to “inspire, connect and elevate” women at all stages of their careers. Organisers say the conference will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions and interactive workshops aimed at tackling barriers to advancement and building stronger support networks for women in leadership roles.

What is the Women in Leadership conference?

As reported by Samantha Jones of Ealing Times, the Women in Leadership conference is a one‑day gathering designed to celebrate female achievement while addressing structural challenges such as pay gaps, under‑representation in senior roles and workplace culture.

Jones writes that the conference will cover topics including “strategic career planning, confidence‑building, mentoring, and creating inclusive environments where women can thrive.” Attendees will hear from women who have reached board‑level and executive positions in sectors ranging from finance and tech to public services and the voluntary sector.

Who is behind the event?

According to the Ealing Times report, Ealing Council is acting as a lead partner, with backing from local business groups and regional employers keen to promote diversity and inclusion.
The article notes that Councillor Jasbir Anand, the council’s cabinet member for business and employment, said the conference reflects the borough’s commitment to “tackling inequality and ensuring women have the tools and opportunities to progress.”
The Ealing Times outlines that confirmed speakers include senior managers from large West London companies, local councillors, entrepreneurs and representatives from women’s networks and charities.

The report highlights that one speaker, Dr Amina Khan, a leadership coach and former NHS executive, will lead a session on “overcoming imposter syndrome and building authentic leadership presence.” Another panel will focus on “flexible working, caring responsibilities and the need for family‑friendly policies”, featuring voices from both employers and employees.

How is the conference structured?

The Ealing Times details that the day will open with a keynote address, followed by parallel breakout sessions allowing delegates to choose workshops tailored to their experience level and sector.
Attendees will also have time for networking, with organisers emphasising that the event aims to foster long‑term connections rather than just a one‑off gathering.

Why is this conference significant for Ealing?

Samantha Jones of the Ealing Times frames the conference as part of a wider push to position Ealing as a hub for inclusive economic growth and skills development.

She quotes Councillor Anand as saying: “We know that when women are given the right support and opportunities, the whole economy benefits.”

The councillor adds that the borough wants to “showcase local talent and encourage employers to invest in diverse leadership pipelines.”
The article also notes that Ealing has seen growing participation by women in entrepreneurship and professional services, but representation at the highest levels still lags behind, particularly in some male‑dominated industries.

Who can attend and how to register?

The Ealing Times explains that the conference is open to women of all ages and backgrounds, including students, early‑career professionals, mid‑level managers and those considering a return to work after a break.
Crucially, the report states that free tickets are being prioritised for Ealing residents, with a limited number of paid places available for those travelling from outside the borough. Registration is expected to open via the council’s website and partner platforms, with details to be announced in the coming weeks.

What are organisers hoping to achieve?

According to the Ealing Times, the overarching goal is to “inspire women to aim higher, connect them with mentors and role models, and challenge employers to adopt more equitable practices.”
The article quotes organiser Lila Patel, who works with a local women’s business network, as saying: “We want this conference to be a springboard, not just a talking shop. We’re looking for concrete commitments from organisations to review their policies and recruitment processes.”

Patel adds that the event will also gather feedback from attendees to inform future initiatives, including potential follow‑up workshops and a mentoring scheme.

How does this fit into wider national trends?

The Ealing Times situates the conference within broader national conversations about gender equality in the workplace, including ongoing debates over pay transparency, flexible working rights and the under‑representation of women in STEM and senior leadership roles.

The report references recent government data showing that women remain under‑represented on corporate boards and in senior management, despite making up roughly half of the workforce. It also notes that local authorities such as Ealing are increasingly using events like this to demonstrate their commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality.

What have local leaders said about the event?

Councillor Jasbir Anand is quoted in the Ealing Times saying: “This conference is about sending a clear message: Ealing values women’s leadership and is ready to support it.”

The councillor adds that the council hopes the event will “spark new partnerships between businesses, colleges and community groups” to create more training and progression routes for women.
The article also cites local business leader Sarah Bennett, who runs a tech consultancy based in Ealing, as welcoming the conference as a chance to “share best practice and learn from others about what really works in creating inclusive cultures.”

What are the practical details so far?

While the Ealing Times notes that some logistical details are still being finalised, it confirms that the conference will be held later in 2026 at a central Ealing venue, with accessibility and childcare support being considered to maximise participation.

The report mentions that organisers are exploring options for live‑streaming or recording key sessions to reach women who cannot attend in person, though this depends on funding and technical arrangements.

How can women get involved beyond attending?

The Ealing Times highlights that organisers are inviting women from Ealing to submit ideas for workshop topics, volunteer as mentors or help shape the agenda through an online consultation.

The article quotes Lila Patel as saying: “We want this to be shaped by the women it’s for. If there’s an issue that matters to you – whether it’s menopause at work, race and gender intersectionality, or returning after maternity leave – we want to hear it.”

Organisers are also encouraging local employers to sponsor tables or host networking sessions, with the aim of turning the conference into an annual fixture on the borough’s calendar.

What are the next steps for the conference?

According to the Ealing Times, the next phase involves finalising the speaker line‑up, opening registration and promoting the event across schools, colleges and local businesses.
The report notes that Ealing Council plans to use its communications channels, including social media and local newsletters, to ensure that women from all communities in the borough are aware of the opportunity.