Leading regional law firm Gardner Leader marked International Women’s Day (IWD) by bringing together over 100 industry leaders, business owners, and members of Oxford’s academic community to celebrate female achievements across various sectors.
The event, held at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, was sponsored by Gravita (formerly Critchleys LLP) and highlighted the significance of education, innovation, and leadership. It recognized outstanding contributions by women in business, life sciences, and technology while fostering meaningful discussions on gender equality.
Aligned with the 2024 IWD theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, the gathering also raised awareness and funds for CAMFED (the Campaign for Female Education). Proceeds from ticket sales were donated to support CAMFED’s mission of empowering girls in sub-Saharan Africa through education, helping to break the cycle of poverty and drive lasting change.
Attendees heard from inspirational speakers such as Katy Barrow-Grint, Deputy Chief Constable at Gloucestershire Constabulary, and Dr Andri Vasou, Head of Platform Development at Bioarchitech in Oxford, a biotech company which is mining the genetic code of viruses to produce multifunctional therapies against cancer.
Joy Isaacs, Founder and CEO at ARgENTUM, a leading luxury cosmetics company, and Lindsay Willott, Tech Entrepreneur and Founder of customer feedback software company, Customer Thermometer, also presented followed by networking, and an interactive panel discussion.
Gail Vallis, Senior Associate in the Corporate and Life Sciences teams at Gardner Leader, said: “International Women’s Day offers a chance to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of women across all industries. We heard inspiring stories from women working in fields such as law enforcement, technology, and life sciences, each demonstrating resilience and ambition. The morning inspired other women and girls to follow their own aspirations. As a leading law firm in Oxford, Gardner Leader is proud to be an active part of the local community, supporting initiatives that promote equality and empower future generations of women to succeed.”
Jen Sewell, Partner at Gravita, said: “Gravita is a firm committed to promoting equality and driving meaningful change, and it’s an honour to once again sponsor such a prestigious event. Women are achieving incredible things, running businesses, driving innovation, and leading and evolving some of the UK’s fastest growing industries. With Oxford being home to a thriving life sciences and innovation community, it was inspiring to hear from some of those influential women who are making a profound impact in their respective fields.”
Joy Isaacs, Founder and CEO at ARgENTUM, added: “Speaking at this event holds personal and professional meaning for me. My journey with ARgENTUM has been driven by a passion to deliver beauty through balance. I have always felt guided by the belief that true leadership is about empowering others and fostering meaningful change.”
She continued: “As a woman in business, I’ve learned that success is not just about innovation; it’s also about lifting those around us, accelerating action, and creating a space where growth thrives. Through ARgENTUM, we’ve built more than a brand; we’ve nurtured a philosophy rooted in the power of balance, beauty, and strength – values that mirror the essence of this global movement. International Women’s Day is a call to action to amplify voices and inspire progress. Together, I look forward to celebrating the power of women, the brilliance of collective ambition, and the limitless potential of a future where equality flourishes.”
The Gardner Leader team has been at the heart of the communities they serve for over 130 years, with offices in Newbury, Thatcham, Maidenhead, London, Windsor, and Swindon. As part of its continued growth strategy, in 2023 Gardner Leader joined forces with Sally Addis of Addis Law to strengthen its presence in the Oxfordshire region. Its highly experienced team of legal professionals work across six specialist teams each dedicated to providing specific services to individuals and to businesses.