c
c
c
c
Wednesday 20th May 2026
Cardiff University
Join 300 women from across UK universities and the higher education sector for a day of honest conversation, practical learning, and connection. Let's explore what it truly means to lead with kindness and why this is a serious strategy for change.
In a sector under pressure, transactional leadership is everywhere. Womankind makes the case for something stronger: leadership we can all be part of, grounded in clarity, courage and humanity.
Expect rigorous insight, honest conversations and transformative discussion. You’ll leave with new ideas you can take back to your institution, connections with women across the sector, practical strategies and renewed confidence about your next career steps.
The day will feature:
Workshops I Keynotes I Panel discussions I Networking I Pecha Kucha
Early bird ticket prices must end soon...
00
DAYS
00
HOURS
00
MINS
00
SECS
Book your ticket now
Early bird tickets end Wednesday 29th April. After that prices increase to £195 and £295.
This conference is for you if you want to
Redefine success
Challenge the false trade-off between ambition and kindness. Discover how principled, people-centred leadership can drive performance, credibility and influence without compromising who you are.
See the reality clearly
Cut through rhetoric and examine the current state of gender equity in higher education. Understand where progress is stalling, where it’s accelerating, and what serious change actually demands.
Learn from those doing the work
Hear from women who are shifting cultures, leading teams and advancing their careers with integrity. Not abstract inspiration real strategies, real constraints, real results.
Turn insight into action
Leave with practical tools, sharper thinking and a clear set of next steps you can implement immediately in your role, your team and your institution.
Strengthen your network
Build meaningful connections with women across the sector who believe progress is collective. Because influence expands when we back one another and systemic change requires more than individual effort.
Our plenary sessions
Conference opening
Keynote speech
Kindness and Power, Career Traction, Leading on Your Own Terms. Prof Wendy Larner President & VC Cardiff will share insights on the current landscape, followed by a Q&A, where you’ll have the chance to engage, ask questions, and contribute to the conversation shaping the future.
Panel discussion
The Power of Kindness for Womankind. Our panel will explore the possibilities of a new reality for women in higher education, answering the question "How can we learn from those who have already paved the way?"
Pecha Kucha
In the fast paced setup of our Pecha Kucha 'WomanKind', be inspired by stories of women who are embodying authentic leadership, institutional kindness, and refusing to pretend 'professional' means 'without needs.
Networking
Join us for an interactive session designed to make networking fun and meaningful. You'll forge new connections, share ideas, and build lasting relationships in a relaxed, dynamic environment.
Meet our speakers
Are you ready to hear from amazing women just like yourself? We are thrilled to welcome a diverse group of brilliant speakers and contributors.
Professor Wendy Larner
President & Vice Chancellor, Cardiff University
Rose Stephenson
Director of Policy and Strategy, Higher Education Policy Institute
Dr Hannah Durrant
Senior Research Fellow, Cardiff University
Professor Sally Everett
Vice Dean Education, King's College London
Red Medusa
Poet & LISS-DTP PhD Candidate at Queen Mary, University of London
Paula Sanderson
Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary, Cardiff University
Kate Faxen
Founder and CEO, Neuroextraordinary
Rebekah Watson
Leadership Development Consultant & Creative Practitioner
Sarah Higgins
CEO & Founder of Love Leadership
Alice Chilver
Founder and CEO, WHEN Equality
Jenny Pollock
Coach, Director and Founder, Women to Work
Kath Melandri
Senior Lecturer, City St George's and radio presenter, BBC
Emma Shute
Coach, Director and Founder, Women to Work
Dr Omodunni Adeniyi
Lecturer, The University of Manchester
Sally-ann Efstathiou
Director of People and Culture, Cardiff University
Dr April-Louise Pennant
Honorary Research Fellow, Cardiff University
Parris Wilkinson
Yoga and Mindfulness Instructor
Anna Reader
Programmes Lead, WHEN Equality
Nicole Seward
Widening Participation Recruitment Officer, University of Bristol
Emma Todd
Director of Research Culture, UCL
Deborah Lindsay
Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) Manager, University of East London
Professor Jane Harrington
Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, University of Greenwich
Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura
Acting Vice Chancellor and President, University of Kent
Nina Kuypers
Founder, Black Women in Menopause
To help you plan your day
Timings
09.00 - 10.00: Registration
10.00 - 11.15: Welcome & keynote
11.15 - 12.00: Networking
12.00 - 13.15: Networking lunch
13.15 - 14.00: Panel
14.30 - 15.30: Workshops
15.30 - 16.15: Pecha Kucha
16.15 - 16.30: Plenary & close
Location
Cardiff Students Union, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3QN
Fully accessible venue, 28 minutes walk from Cardiff Central station or there is a frequent 4 minute train service which stops at Cathays Station, next to the Students' Union.
Hotels
The hotel options that are closest to the conference venue are: Park Plaza Cardiff, Hilton Cardiff, Leonardo Hotel Cardiff, Travelodge Cardiff Central, Hotel Indigo Cardiff
For a full range of hotels see Visit Cardiff - Places to Stay
Travel
By Train
Cardiff is less than two hours from London by train, with services every 30 minutes. Cardiff Central station is conveniently located in the city centre.
By Car
Cardiff is easily accessible via the M4 motorway, which runs through the north of the city, with central London only a 3 hour drive away. From the Midlands, the North of England and Scotland it is a straightforward drive via the M6, M5 and M50/M4. From the South and South West of England the approach is by the M5 and M4. Access from West Wales is by the M4.
You can find lots of conveniently located car parks in the city centre.
For more travel information: Visit Cardiff
Frequently asked questions
We are going to announce the varied workshops here on this WomanKind conference page before the end of April. You will be able to read about each one and choose your favourite after you book your place. Booking early will guarantee your place at your preferred workshop. Themes include self-care, leadership, community, resilience.
Lecture theatre sessions will be recorded and available to you if you request access.
Your hotel options that are closest to the conference venue are: Park Plaza Cardiff, Hilton Cardiff, Leonardo Hotel Cardiff, Travelodge Cardiff Central, Hotel Indigo Cardiff
For a full range of Hotels see Visit Cardiff - Places to Stay
Please notify us on the booking form so we can accommodate your needs.
Be yourself!
You can receive a discounted price for group booking of 3 or more people. Please contact: team@when-equality.org
Testimonials
We are so proud of our conference, the highlight of our year. Read some reviews from past conferences
"I will most definitely be attending again"
"WHEN have put into practice everything they preach about inclusivity and diversity so that I felt seen and heard. I've extended my personal network, as well as learned valuable lessons from each of the talks and workshops I attended. I will most definitely be attending again next year."
"Connect with like-minded women"
"Attending the WHEN conference was a great experience! It gave me the opportunity to connect with like-minded women in a safe space, discussing relevant topics, expanding my mind in the workshops and be encouraged to reflect on my path."
.
"A fantastic event"
"WHEN events never disappoint, but this year the conference team went above and beyond to source the best speakers and put on a fantastic event. I can't stress enough just how excellent the standard has been, my needs were met before I even realised it."
Book your ticket here
Before they increase to £195 and £295 on Wednesday 29th April