Women in the World: London Day 1

In this two-day event, some of the world’s most inspiring and impressive women will come together to tell their stories through vivid journalistic narratives, stirring videos and provocative debate. They come from over 17 countries, where they have saved and enriched lives, stormed male bastions and cleared paths for women and girls in every sector. They are activists who risk their lives, artists and visionaries who galvanise and move us, firebrand dissidents, peacemakers, journalists and entrepreneurs. All have unforgettable insights to share. Topics include:

Opening Performance: Michaela DePrince

A performance by the former Sierra Leone war orphan who is now a globally renowned ballerina.

Michaela DePrince Corypheé, Dutch National Ballet

Tina Brown Welcome

Founder and CEO, Tina Brown Live Media / Women in the World

Co-Hosts: “The Woman I’m Here For”

Voices From the Edge

A Syrian refugee, newly arrived to the UK, shares the nightmare of her recent escape, and a heroic female journalist from Aleppo describes her mission to document the war.

Mervat Alsman Syrian Refugee
Zaina Erhaim Journalist and Syria Project Coordinator, Institute for War and Peace Reporting

MODERATED BY: Lyse Doucet Chief International Correspondent and Senior Presenter, BBC World News Television and BBC World Service Radio

A Royal Role in the Middle East

Jordan’s Queen Rania discusses the impact on Jordan of the millions of war refugees surging into her country.

Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

INTERVIEWED BY: Zainab Salbi Host, The Nida’a Show; Founder, Nida’a Alnissa Productions; Editor-at-Large, Women in the World

My Martyred Father

The daughter of murdered Russian dissident Boris Nemtsov remembers her father’s love and courage and talks about her own metamorphosis from journalist to activist, working to keep his name alive.

Zhanna Nemtsova Journalist and Founder, The Boris Nemtsov Foundation for Freedom

Ursula von der Leyen: The Woman Defending Germany

Germany’s charismatic first woman Federal Minister of Defence and mother of seven discusses her country’s increasingly powerful yet complicated role in global security.

Ursula von der Leyen Minister of Defence, Member of the German Parliament

INTERVIEWED BY: Tina Brown Founder and CEO, Tina Brown Live Media / Women in the World

Dangerous Women

They sacrificed everything, risked their lives and refused to back down. The suffragette movement has never seemed so modern.

Sarah Gavron Film Director
Carey Mulligan Actress
Meryl Streep Actress

MODERATED BY: Simon Schama Historian

The Long Fight of the Yazidi

The dangerous and desperate race to save Yazidi women from the sexual violence of the Islamic State.

Delan Dakheel Saeed Resident Doctor, Rezgary Teaching Hospital, Erbil
Vian Dakheel Saeed Yazidi Representative, Iraqi Parliament, and Head of Service Committee
Jiyar Gol BBC World Correspondent

MODERATED BY: Kirsty Wark Journalist, Broadcaster and Writer


Further inspirational speakers and details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Women in the World London is generously sponsored by Dove, Google, MasterCard and Toyota. We would also like to thank our partners, including Plan UK and War Child.