Wonder Women Live

“In my 30 years of working in Television, I’ve never been to an event quite like it!”

In honour of International Women's Day on March 8th, the leading women in the Television industry came together for Wonder Women Live! Held at Westworks, White City Place, which is dedicated to bringing diverse women together to hear stories of inspiration, discuss their career pathways and to expand their network - all crucial to helping retain freelancers in the industry in the current economic climate.

The 2024 speakers included some of the industry’s most respected and trailblazing leaders, former Channel 4 Editor at large of News & Current Affairs, Dorothy Byrne gave a galvanising keynote, before ITV News Anchor and News Journalist and Loose Woman host, Charlene White and CEO of Fremantle UK’S Amelia Brown, the BBC’s Head of Entertainment, Kalpna Patel-Knight spoke in the pan-industry panel discussion for the very first time.

Dorothy Byrne reflecting on her thoughts of leadership in the the sector today, “When I look back as a leader today, I am appalled at the lack of proper induction and the toleration of what was criminal conduct.” She went on to discuss how “You have to be aware women don’t always push themselves forward or ask for pay rises, whereas men do, so if you’re not careful you can end up favouring men unfairly… I say to all the women graduates, don't wait until you have all the qualifications to apply for a job, look at Boris Johnson!”

Woman in multi-colored dress speaking at a podium with a pink background displaying the word "WONDER" and partly visible text, possibly about an event or conference.

“Don’t be influenced by what success looks like to others, define success for yourself.”

Dorothy Byrne, former Editor at large of Channel 4 News & Current Affairs

Hosted by Wonder Women Founder & TV Presenter, Ria Hebden panellists discussed the impact of imposter syndrome and not allowing it to hold you back, the importance of learning new skills and having a growth mindset to get ahead in your career.

The inspirational event was also attended by the Worshipful the Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham, Cllr Patrcia Quigley and women who work for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky Amazon and All3Media International.

Woman with curly blonde hair wearing a pink one-shoulder dress speaking at a podium with a pink background that says "WANDER" and "COLLECTIVE W".

“While there is progress in gender equality in broadcasting, with more women in senior roles on and off camera in TV, there is still work to be done.”

Ria Hebden, Wonder Women Founder & TV Presenter

A woman in a pink suit sitting on a stage with a pink background, holding a microphone, during a speaking event.

Wonder Women Live provides a much needed forum for 100 women who work in Television to share their experiences, to discuss the pressing issues affecting women’s progression in the workplace, and a safe space to forge new connections with industry leaders.

“The more people you meet and the more people you work with in different situations, the better you will be at your job. Nobody thinks the same, not one person is the same and that is brilliant about humans.”

Amelia Brown, CEO Fremantle UK

Discussing the importance of investing in your own training and development to learn new skills to get ahead in your career, Fremantle UK CEO, Amelia Brown added;

During the insightful panel discussion, the women discussed the impacts of imposter syndrome that so many women face, Charlene shared, “Imposter syndrome can be a driver - rather than giving into it, you have to look at it as a driving force and remember that you deserve to be who you are, where you are…never give someone that power to make you feel like you don’t belong.”

The inspirational event which was attended by the Worshipful the Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham, Cllr Patrcia Quigley and women who work for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky Amazon and All3Media International provided a much needed forum for 100 women who work in Television to share their experiences, discuss the pressing issues affecting women’s progression in the workplace, and forge new connections with industry leaders. In addition to insightful discussions, attendees engaged in a structured networking session to encourage collaboration, social mobility and employability.

Wonder Women Live! is produced by Wonder Women CIC and is supported by White City Place and Wonder Women’s official music partner, Audio Network.

A woman in a pink blazer is speaking into a microphone during a talk or presentation, seated on a chair, with a dark background and a small plant nearby.

During the insightful and honest panel discussion, the women shared their collective words of wisdom to tackle the issues that so many women encounter in their careers, ITV Broadcast Journalist and Loose Women host Charlene White shared;

“Imposter syndrome can be a driver - rather than giving into it, you have to look at it as a driving force and remember that you deserve to be who you are, where you are…never give someone that power to make you feel like you don’t belong.”

Charlene White, ITV Broadcast Journalist

A woman sitting on a chair with a pink pillow, speaking into a microphone at an event with a pink background that says 'Women' and other words.

BBC Head of Entertainment, Kalpna Patel-Knight emphasised the importance of adopting a growth mindset when encountering setbacks and challenges in life;

“What I would say about rejection and failure is, it is in those moments, that you actually reflect. Reflection is your biggest moment of change and opportunity for growth within yourself.”

Kalpna Patel-Knight, BBC Head of Entertainment

Three women at a social event holding glasses of champagne, smiling, standing in front of a neutral background.
Group of five women standing together in front of a pink neon backdrop, dressed in colorful and pink outfits, smiling at the camera.
A large group of women attending a conference or seminar, seated and listening attentively in a dimly lit room with blue walls and ceiling lights.
Four women in bright pink and black outfits sitting on stage in front of an audience, engaging in a panel discussion at an event called Wonder Women, with a large pink screen behind them displaying the event's title.
Two women smiling and holding glasses of champagne at a social event
Two women smiling at a social event, holding glasses of champagne, with a blurred background of other attendees.
A woman is speaking at a podium in front of a large pink digital screen that reads 'WONDER WOMEN COLLECTIVE' in a room filled with a seated crowd.
Two women standing together at a Wonder Women event, smiling and wearing medals, with balloons on the side and a pink backdrop featuring the Wonder Women logo and text.
Four women standing together at an event, smiling and posing for the photo.

Let's accelerate action!

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Let's accelerate action! -