Afternoon Tea for International Planned Parenthood Federation

Pink Shoe Ambassadors joined other guests at the Attlee Room for an Afternoon Tea in support of International Planned Parenthood Federation. 


This global charity works in most countries to support the choices of women over birth control, to improve reproductive health and to fight and educate to end FGM.






Baroness Tong hosted the event and welcomed us with a powerful speech on the importance of IPPF - reminding the audience that not so long ago women in the UK didn't have access to birth control. 

The IPPF Director then related some of the excellent work the charity does around the world before co-host Saira Khan spoke with genuine passion about her own mother's experiences and why the work of IPPF is so vital. 



Saira is setting up an Executive Committee for IPPF and our founder Helene is helping with this. Many of the ambassadors and guests offered to help the charity with fund raising activities or other practical assistance.

Election Reflection

Exactly one week on from an extraordinary General Election we held a high level roundtable to discuss and assess the results, especially in relation to entrepreneurship and women in business.

After introductions from Helene Martin Gee we received a warm welcome from Lord Taylor. John commented on the progress being made in Parliament where we now have 30% women MPs. As Lord Taylor said, great progress but we still have a way to go. 

We then gained first hand experience of what it means to fight an Election as we heard from the truly inspirational Mina Rahman. Mina was PPC in Barking - her first time fighting an Election and thus in an unwinnable seat for the Tories. Mina however fought a good campaign with much support and is determined to stand again in five years time.

Jill Pay then shared with us what happens behind-the-scenes when new MPs enter Westminster for the first time. 







She unveiled some of the historic customs and how these are relayed to the new intake. There is a lot to digest along with getting to grips with the new role.

For the second part of the event we focused on the economy and the impact on business. 

First hearing from Sarah Fink, head of research for the Centre for Entrepreneurs on how women are seeking Government policy that specifically addresses some of the issues they face when running their own business.

This was followed by an excellent presentation from Shaun Richards, leading economist and blogger (notayesmaneconomics.wordpress.com).

After the roundtable we enjoyed refreshments and networking.

Global Women of Influence

For the first time outside Canada and in their 20th Anniversary year Global Women of Influence held a dinner in London sponsored by Thomson Reuters and Bank of Canada. 



At Soho's  Groucho Club a hand picked group of female leaders met to discuss and share their experiences as women at the top. 

Pink Shoe founder Helene Martin Gee along with Ambassador and Addidi founder Anna Sofat were delighted to be invited as guests of Jan Frolic.