University of Suffolk to host International Women's Day leadership panel

Why it matters: The panel brings together some of the county's most prominent female leaders to examine whether true gender equality has been achieved in Suffolk's organisations and what more needs to be done.

The details: "Spotlight Suffolk: Have women smashed the glass ceiling? Are organisations doing enough to enable women to lead?" will be chaired by Chief Constable Rachel Kearton, who became Suffolk's first female Chief Constable in December 2022.

The event takes place on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 at 18:00 in the Waterfront Building in Ipswich.

The panel includes:

• Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Suffolk
• Judi Newman, Chief Executive of St Elizabeth Hospice
• Pauline Essah, Chief Executive of Essa, an organisation dedicated to high-quality education in sub-Saharan Africa
• Honor Pollok, Founder and Chief Executive of executive search agency Kynigos Partners

What they're saying: Professor Jenny Higham said: "It is really encouraging to see how many of the county's business and public sector organisations are being led by women – but there is still more to do to ensure all women have an equal chance of career success."

"We are looking forward to a lively and thought-provoking discussion on women as leaders," she added.

For context: The University's Spotlight Suffolk events cover topics that matter to communities in the county. Previous events have covered sustainability, crime and safety, AI and whether Ipswich should bid for city status.

The bottom line: This free public event offers an opportunity to hear from Suffolk's leading women about the progress made towards gender equality in leadership and the challenges that remain.

Doors open at 17:30 and attendance is free, but tickets must be booked in advance.

Book your tickets in advance