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Wednesday 20th May 2026
Cardiff University
Join 300 exceptional women from across the higher education sector for a practical exploration of 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 practical tools and renewed conviction to take purposeful action for yourself, your colleagues and your institution.
The day will feature:
Workshops I Keynotes I Panel discussions I Networking I Pecha Kucha
Book your ticket here
Attend WomanKind and you can expect 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 Larmer 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
Professor Wendy Lamer
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
Paula Sanderson
Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary, Cardiff University
Kate Faxen
Founder and CEO, Neuroextraordinary
Rebekah Watson
Associate Professor of Marketing Practice, University DRAFT
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
Anna Reader
Programmes Lead, WHEN Equality
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.
Frequently asked questions
You will be able to read about the range of workshops offered in advance. We are excited to share and see what your favourites will be before the end of April. You will be able to choose your favourite and we will do our very best to accommodate you.
Lecture theatre sessions will be recorded and available to you if you request access.
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: [email protected]