This RSA Fellowship Women Speakers’ Network event, in association with the Big Society Network, presents a panel of distinguished speakers to debate the role that women will play in a movement that promises to build a better and happier UK through civic enterprise.
The Big Society asks individuals to take an active role in the life of their communities, through volunteering and community involvement. Traditionally, women have played a vital role in supporting families and communities through unpaid and voluntary work – and one that has often been overlooked.
With the ‘woman’s touch’ no longer trivialised as flowers and curtains, but smart marketing for the coming age, is it time to recognise that women have been building the Big Society for generations?
Chaired by humanitarian Louise Burfitt-Dons FRSA, the panel comprises four RSA Fellows who will debate what the Big Society has to offer: Steve Moore, CEO of the Big Society Network, West End star Patti Boulaye, Alistair Cooke Fulbright Scholar and social affairs writer Mary O’Hara, Co-founder of Green & Blacks and author of the Anti-Aging Beauty Bible Liz Fairley
Lucy Windmill 'Women make ‘big society’ happen. Communicating, collaborating, assessing needs in a strategic yet compassionate away, and seeking ways to benefit all, for the good of all. We work with outstanding social entrepreneurs, on our Nexters programme and others – many of whom are women. When you talk to them, they are the ones who bring people along with them on their road to success. They are the ones who channel all their strengths and resources in support of their cause. They are the ones who want to share their learnings so others can follow. They get things done. That to me is the big society.'
Joana Picq “Women have long been the silent pillar of the country’s economy, but no more: they have evolved beyond CEO of the household and volunteer within their community to create jobs and value through their fast growing enterprise.”
Servane Mouazan “I see a world where women bring about boldness, finesse and evidence of what they have achieved so far, in all their conversations. And have the confidence to expect equal consideration.”
Shireen Irani “More than 60% of our pro bono network is made up of women, and more of our NGO members are dedicated to women than to any other cause. This is the most powerful affirmation of women that we can make – putting money where our mouth is and recognising that by investing in women we are investing in positive change for whole communities.”
Debate 7pm – 8.15pm
Networking until 9.00pm
After an introduction by the chair, there will be four five minute presentations by the panel. This will be followed by an open floor discussion to include five further featured 2 minute speakers.
To express an interest please email events@thebigsociety.co.uk
Please specify which event you would like to attend, along with your name, organisation and email address that you would like to be contacted on.
