March 8th London, United Kingdom

DEVELOPMENT ROUND TABLE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY GALA DINNER 2025

“Closing the Gender Gap in Global Trade”

The Role of Digital Financial Inclusion in Advancing Gender Equality in Trade and Entrepreneurship

THE ANNUAL INERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY GALA DINNER 2025

The Development Round Table International Women’s Day 2025 Gala Dinner in collaboration with Development Round Table is a significant event celebrating the achievements and contributions of women in global trade while addressing the systemic barriers that hinder gender equality in the global economy.

Conference Starts in:

Why Attend the DRT International Women’s Day Gala Dinner 2025?

Under the theme “Closing the Gender Gap in Global Trade,” the Gala Dinner aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5): Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. It underscores the urgent need for tangible action to empower women and foster inclusivity in the global economy.

International Women’s Day is now a growing and global event, held annually on March 8th and celebrated in over 100 countries. It is a day designed for women and all of society to reflect on progress made, call for change, and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also serves as a rallying point to advocate for gender parity and highlight issues affecting women worldwide.

An opportunity for Exclusive Networking

This Development Round Table International Women’s Day Gala Dinner 2025 is a high-impact networking experience designed to bring together industry leaders, women in business entrepreneurs, policymakers, gender advocates and changemakers. It offers a unique opportunity to forge strategic partnerships, exchange valuable insights, and collaborate on innovative solutions that empower women in international markets.

Who Should Attend?

The IWD 2025 Gala Dinner serves as a dynamic platform to inspire, recognise, and mobilise a diverse group of women in business, Industry experts, government officials, trade experts, policymakers, financial institutions, women entrepreneurs, advocates, and changemakers. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, explore trade and business opportunities, or champion diversity in global commerce, this event provides the ideal platform to build relationships that matter.

Event Schedule

Full Schedule of Keynotes

Tickets are currently available from £60 to £250. Join us in London on 08 March 2025 and be part of change

Keynote Speakers

Well known Women in Business, Entrepreneurship, Financial Institutions, Public Policy and Emerging Talents

  • Macenje Mazoka

    Her Excellency

    Macenje Mazoka

    High Commissioner Zambia High Commission United Kingdom

  • Middleton-Jones

    Linda

    Middleton-Jones

    2022/24 Most Influential Businesswoman in Multi Sector International Commerce

  • Giami

    Dr. Ken

    Giami

    Founder & CEO The African Leadership Organization

  • Payne

    Susan

    Payne

    Green Entrepreneur, UN Innovation Prize Woman of the Year in African Agriculture 2024

  • Batchelor CBE

    Lesley

    Batchelor CBE

    International Trade Expert, Co-Founder of Export-Angels.com

  • Adebajo

    Peju

    Adebajo

    CEO Non-Exec Board Director Cranfield UK 100 Women to Watch, Finalist NED to Watch

  • Faal

    Josephine C. M.

    Faal

    Founder & CEO, Development Round Table, Fit for a First Lady TV & Author

  • Ben Salmi

    Sabrina

    Ben Salmi

    Global Black Impact-Visionary Award 2024, Author & UN Women UK Delegate

  • Streames

    Joanna

    Streames

    Founder & CEO, Velvet Mortgage & Insurance Financial Sector Trailblazer

  • Okolo

    Felicty

    Okolo

    Domestic Violence Eradication Coach & Expert, Author

  • Gondwe

    Hannington

    Gondwe

    Co-founder & CEO UK-Malawi Chamber of Commerce

  • Kaluba

    Beauty

    Kaluba

    Women’s Empowerment Advocate, Personal Development Mentor

Women Leaders of Tomorrow

  • Ben Salmi

    Lashai

    Ben Salmi

    TEDx Speaker, UN Women UK Delegate, International Relations & Youth Advocate

  • Ben Salmi

    Yasmine

    Ben Salmi

    UN Women UK, Women’s Advocate Aspiring Plastic Surgeon

  • Wright

    Lizzy

    Wright

    Graduate 2024 Awardee Best performing student UG accounting & Finance Course

  • Cheng

    Linda

    Cheng

    Lead Researcher, Digital Gender Circularity Project

THE DREAM TEAM

Makes the Dream Work

  • Clement

    Emma

    Clement

    Event Planner, Founder & CEO, ERC Events

  • Boakye

    Yatty K

    Boakye

    Founder & CEO - Reflextionsrus, Event Planner

  • Sefuke

    Sasha

    Sefuke

    Business & Events, Marketing Expert.

  • Sefuke

    Tiffany

    Sefuke

    Business & Events, Digital Marketing Expert

  • Chisengalumbwe

    John

    Chisengalumbwe

    Master of Ceremonies

  • Kabungo

    Enock

    Kabungo

    Dee Jay Founder & CEO Enomatix

  • Chilumbu

    Sandy

    Chilumbu

    Founder & CEO Sandy’s Creations UK

  • VALNTNA

    Artist

    VALNTNA

VALNTNA

A Power House Artist

South London’s own VALNTNA is a powerhouse artist whose music is a journey of self-love, healing, and empowerment. Blending R&B, Soul, and Neo-Soul, her sound is deeply inspired by legends like Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige, and Erykah Badu.

Her breakout project, Rise of the Feminine Divine, is a powerful ode to selfdiscovery, inner strength, and the beauty of womanhood—making her the perfect artist to celebrate International Women’s Day. With her soulful vocals and heartfelt storytelling, VALNTNA’s music has touched hearts worldwide, earning millions of streams, viral success, and performances at major events like Silverstone Grand Prix and Secret Garden Festival.

Tonight, let her music uplift and inspire you—VALNTNA is here to take you on a trip on her soul train.

Register to the DRT International Women’s Day Gala Dinner 2025 now

Partners/Sponsors

A huge thanks to all our amazing partners. We couldn’t have a conference without you!

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

If your company is interested in sponsoring the DRT International Women’s Day Gala Dinner this year, we’d love to hear from you. Send us a quick email (hello@developmentroundtable.co.uk) and we’ll get right back to you with some more information and our sponsorship brochure

Conference Venue

Location that you'll be looking for

An Iconic Event Venue in Covent Garden
Standing on Great Queen Street, that connects Covent Garden with Holborn in the West End of London, is the Grade II* listed De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms. With a history dating back to 1775, the building has long been an important event venue and was once home to the original Freemasons’ Tavern before becoming a hotel in 1909.

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Destination From

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Venue

61-65 Great Queen St,

London WC2B 5DA

Transport

Five minutes from Covent Garden and Holborn tube stations and 30 minutes’ walk or short taxi ride from Kings Cross, St Pancras and Euston train stations, the venue is well-connected for all major London transport links. Heathrow Airport is an hour away by rail or road.

Parking

The nearest car park is on the corner of Drury Lane and Parker Street and is only a two-minute walk away.

Places To Stay

There are various accommodation options near Covent Garden, Holborn, and Piccadilly Circus, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays. Whether you prefer premium amenities, stylish boutique hotels, or affordable yet convenient options, each offers easy access to transport, dining, and entertainment in the heart of London.

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