Cherie, the wife of one the UK's most populist prime minsters, 10-year serving Tony Blair, has forged her own successful career as an equal rights lawyer and campaigner. In 2008, Cherie set up her charity; the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. She believes that by empowering and supporting women around the world, they can play an increasingly important role in their economies and societies.
The Foundation works with women in Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, helping them generate their own income and developing projects which encourage them to become successful and self sustaining entrepreneurs.
Like many of the impassioned female speakers at today's event, Cherie said she wished that we no longer needed a special day for women, that by now we shouldn't need to march for women's rights. In the UK we have the right to vote and in many respects a level-playing field with men, but in some other countries female subjugation still pervades.
As a lawyer, Cherie feels passionate about "the need to do more to change laws across the world to improve basic rights for women", helping women to have "control over their own destinities, moneys and education".
So what is the business school world doing to fly the female flag? Women typically represent a minority slither of MBA programs and business schools know they need to try harder, both to attract more women and to support their existing female students (see our recent article about a WIB consulting event at LBS).
Here's a quick round-up of how some b-schools are marking International Women's Day:
Imperial College Business School: The responsibility of women in technology innovation: Why should we care?
A guest lecture to celebrate International Women's Day, by Sara Williams-Gardener, a Government Affairs Director of IBM UK
Open University Business School: Who Inspires You? A Blog for International Women's Day
A collection of blogs about inspiring women, whether it's your Mum, a historical figure or a celebrity
Newcastle University Business School: Celebrating the Contribution of Women to Social Renewal and Economic Prosperity
This Event aims to celebrate the contribution of women to social renewal and economic prosperity through their invention, innovation, entrepreneurial and charitable activities
Cass Business School: Journey to the Top
This event will celebrate the success of today's Leading Business Women and encourage the next generation of talented female professionals to exploit the opportunities presented to them in the fast-moving and fierce arena of global business
Simon Fraser University Beedie School of Business: Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures
Keynote speakers discussing challenges that all women face, such as over-coming adversity and achieving your dreams
Student Reviews
Imperial College Business School
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