CITY OF WOMEN 2025 — “Accelerating Action
Accelerating Action - A celebration of women stoking the engine at the heart of the City. Accelerating Action toward gender equality.
The 2025 Story
In 2025, City of Women amplified the voices of women recognised as the driving engine of the City - those who keep it moving forward. Eight inspiring women shared stories of leadership, courage, creativity and change across technology, entrepreneurship, culture, policing, arts and heritage.
From pioneering figures such as Dame Stephanie Shirley - “I didn’t start Freelance Programmers to make money. I started it as a campaign for women” - to entrepreneurs like Kate Keough, who built a business rooted in quality and ethical sourcing, the voices revealed the many ways women are shaping the City today.
Over 100 women and allies gathered in Leadenhall Market for a live performance and walking choir. Together, they moved through the City - singing, processing and occupying public space - before arriving at the steps of the Royal Exchange to perform with an all-female band.
Alongside the live performance, two original audio installations were created. One was broadcast publicly in Guildhall Yard and received by the female members of the City’s Court of Common Council. The second was presented inside the London Stock Exchange, focusing specifically on women in finance. Together, these works wove contemporary voices with echoes of the past, inviting listeners to reflect on progress, presence and possibility.
“It was great to have the group enter Guildhall Yard singing and with the band… It was good to sing about the power of the voice and presence of women at the heart of democracy in the City of London, where the rights of Londoners have been recognised for over a millennium.”
— Alderman Alison Gowman
The day concluded in partnership with London Stock Exchange Group, where the closing bell was rung for gender equality in a market-closing ceremony hosted by CEO Dame Julia Hoggett - a moment that brought music, voice and civic action together at the heart of the City.
“Age is not a barrier, gender is not a barrier, and the future is bright for women who choose entrepreneurship.” — Florence Keelson-Anfu
“Everybody remembers a red letter day when they’re in primary school. I manage all of that — the best job in the world.” — Jan Foster
Women Featured in 2025
“Big Congratulations. It was a great event yesterday.” Cheryl Druces LLP
“That was extraordinary! I’ve never been to the Stock Exchange, and had no idea they had a female CEO. It gave me an insight into something I was completely ignorant about and it was heart-warming to hear the CEO (and the audio of the other employees) talk about their experience in the city, and how things are changing.” - Dr Jess Walker, Senior Lecturer and lead in artist development Royal Academy of Music
“Participating in the march was a transformative experience. The energy was uplifting as we gathered together to advocate for women's rights and share our stories. Singing alongside passionate individuals who are committed to empowering women created a powerful sense of unity that I will cherish forever.” - Harshita Patel
Feedback from 2025
Partner with us for 2026
City of Women works in partnership with organisations across the Square Mile to co-create ambitious, meaningful International Women’s Day experiences.
If your business would like to be involved, we would love to talk.