We will be focusing our initiatives around four main themes to bring the network together and make progress: Network, Support, Inspire and Action. You can also find our longer-term plans below.
Network: UK WEN Networking Annual Event
Following our successful launch in February 2023, we will bring together senior women economists from different sectors, to connect once a year. The annual event will feature inspirational speakers and panelists to discuss how the different sectors can work together to achieve the mission of UK WEN.
The most recent event of this kind was held on 1 April 2025 where we had a visit from Rt. Hon. Rachel Reeves, first female Chancellor. Read more here.
Support: UK WEN Career Conversations
Our objective is to support members to progress in their career, by hosting a series of events that facilitate networking, provide visibility of different career paths, discuss how to tackle common issues, and provide personal development opportunities.
Our first career conversations event was held on 27 June 2023, kindly hosted by J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Full event details, including a recording of the event, can be found here. A subsequent event took place on 14 October 2024 at HM Treasury (further details here.). Our most recent careers event was held on 21 May 2025 at LSE – further details can be found here.
Inspire: UK WEN Inspirational Talks
We offer 2 types of ‘Inspirational Talks’, working with partner organisations.
The first, Inspirational Talks for Future Economists is designed for universities, women in economics associations and university economics societies. We bring together accomplished women in the field to share their personal journeys and insights. Aspiring economists gain valuable perspectives, motivation, and advice to fuel their passion for economics. The ultimate goal is to reduce the gender imbalance in economics studies by inspiring young women who are studying economics to confidently pursue a career in economics.
The second, Inspirational Talks for Future Leaders, is geared towards early-career women economists in both the public and private sectors. The talks feature influential women economists sharing their experiences and insights on navigating the path to leadership roles. The objective is to inspire and empower these professionals, boosting their confidence to ascend and excel in senior positions. By providing a platform for women role models in economics, our ultimate aim is to stimulate cultural change within the profession, fostering a more inclusive and diverse leadership.
More details on these Inspirational Talk events can be found here.
Please get in touch if you are interested in collaborating to host such an event: m.psyllou@imperial.ac.uk
Action: UK WEN Expert Panel Events
The aim of this initiative is to profile expert women economists, with a view to increase the share of voice of women in the media.
This includes holding ‘Expert Panel’ events on topical themes, and working with relevant stakeholders to provide media training to women economists.
Looking ahead: UK WEN future plans
Over a longer term, we are very much looking for sponsors and partners to join forces with us to expand our activities, such as:
UK WEN Champions
Event hosts:
