The Women Speakers' Network supports RSA Fellows who wish to initiate or participate in speaking events, in particular, but not exclusively around women’s initiatives; and to inspire more female speakers.

The launch event will feature a panel of speakers and audience contributors addressing The Great Female Debate: Do women speak too much or too little?

The aim of the evening is to bring together those interested in joining the debate and getting involved in the network to volunteer as a mentor, and/or sign up as a speaker.

Speakers

Panel:

• Molly Harvey FRSA, Past President of Professional Speaking Association and Corporate Speaker
• Dr Tim Fox CEng FIMechE CEnv FRSA, Head of Energy and Environment, Institution of Mechanical Engineers
• Abigail Appleton FRSA, Head of Speech Programming, BBC Radio 3
• Dr Karen Moloney FRSA, psychologist and author

Additional Speakers (2 minutes each):

• Rowena Vestey FRSA, mentor, Design Council
• Kate Davies FRSA, Housing Association CEO
• Dr Tina Basi FRSA, Sociologist and ethnographic researcher, author of Women, Identity, and the Indian Call Centre Industry
• Saba Salman FRSA, Journalist, Social Affairs, The Guardian
• Sue Warner FRSA, Founding Director, Speakersbank

Timings

6.30pm (for 7.00pm) Arrival

7.00pm Welcome by Neil Latham, FIMechE, IMechE Equality and Diversity Representative

7.05pm to 8.00pm Debate

The evening will commence with a panel discussion chaired by Louise Burfitt-Dons FRSA, followed by a 45 minute Q & A which will include a range of 2 minute ‘sound bites’ from the additional speakers listed below.

8.15pm to 9.00pm  Networking and Refreshments

RSA Fellows will be on hand to answer questions and sign up those wishing to be involved in the network.