International Women’s Day: She Who UK and a ‘catalyst for change’

Daniel Bevan - Editor

Businessin Wales is proud to be the media partner for She Who UK’s International Women’s Day 2026 event.

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Gemma Barnett, Business Development and Marketing Director at Redkite Solicitors, is one of the driving forces behind She Who UK and has told Businessin Wales the community is striving to be “a catalyst for change”.

With International Women’s Day often packed with multiple events, She Who was created to bring organisations together around one larger collaborative celebration, meaning people no longer had to choose between gatherings but could come together behind a shared mission.

As a result, its sold-out event at The Parkgate Hotel, held on Thursday 5 March, was its biggest yet.

Barnett said: “She Who was founded because we could see that there were so many events happening across the business community, all with good intentions, all striving for progress, but we felt that there was an opportunity to do something bigger, more connected, more collaborative.

“We’re all trying to pursue the same goal: greater equity, stronger leadership, better opportunity. Rather than operating in silos, She Who was created to bring people together, to amplify impact, not to duplicate it.”

Founded by Barnett alongside Hannah Williams, Sarah Jones, Ceri Maund, Sophie Webber and Lauren Thomas, the initiative has grown rapidly, recently welcoming Joanna Corbett-Simmons from Blake Morgan (headline sponsor of the event) to its operational team.

Partner organisations include Tramshed Tech, PureCyber Limited, The Alacrity Foundation UK, Blake Morgan LLP and FinTech Wales.

“At its heart, She Who is a community and a catalyst for change,” Barnett said.

“It’s about creating spaces where meaningful conversations happen. But more importantly, where those conversations turn into action.”

While International Women’s Day (IWD) is a focal point, she stressed that the mission runs year-round.

“It’s important to note that She Who’s mission doesn’t begin and end on International Women’s Day.”

“IWD is a powerful moment, but for us, it’s part of a much bigger mission.”

Initiatives have included outreach events in the Welsh Valleys aimed at broadening horizons for young women, celebrating International Day of the Girl with Coleg Gwent’s young learners in STEM for the last 2 years running, as well as backing charitable causes and working with the Football Association of Wales to help drive record attendance at a women’s match.

“She Who is fully inclusive,” Barnett added. “We strongly believe that if we are serious about bringing about change, that everybody needs to be in the room.

“Gender equality isn’t just a woman’s issue; it’s a societal issue, and that means allies are essential.”

Today’s event sold out more than a week in advance, something Barnett said she was “absolutely delighted” about.

The programme, which attracted over 300 people, featured a panel of four speakers from different backgrounds, aligned with the national IWD theme of “Give to Gain”, alongside She Who’s own focus on “firsts” to celebrate trailblazers who have opened doors for others and “a fantastic headline speaker”.

For Barnett, the key message is clear: “It’s about more than great conversations. It’s about being part of a community that actively drives change.

“We’re building momentum, not just moments.”