IQUK proudly hosted a special celebration of International Women’s Day 2026 at its campus in Grays, Thurrock, bringing together community leaders, inspiring professionals, and young students for an event dedicated to empowerment, leadership, and community impact. The event provided a meaningful platform for learning, inspiration, and engagement, highlighting the vital role women play in strengthening communities and inspiring the next generation to pursue leadership, education, and enterprise.
The event was honoured by the presence of Jen Craft MP, Member of Parliament for Thurrock, whose participation added significant value to the celebration and reflected the strong community spirit behind the initiative. Alongside local leaders and professionals from a range of sectors, the event welcomed more than 100 pupils from eight primary schools across Thurrock. Bringing young learners into this environment created a powerful opportunity for them to hear directly from women making a difference in their professions and communities, encouraging them to believe in their own potential and future aspirations.
Mr Badar Chaudhry, Group CEO, welcomed guests and emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for young people to connect with inspiring role models from within their own community. In his remarks, he highlighted the role of education, confidence, and mentorship in shaping future leaders, noting that exposure to real stories of perseverance and achievement helps students better understand the opportunities available to them. He also reaffirmed IQUK’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower young people and strengthen community engagement.
Throughout the event, students had the opportunity to hear powerful personal stories from women representing a variety of fields, including public service, healthcare, business, and community leadership. Speakers shared their journeys, challenges, and achievements, offering honest reflections on leadership, resilience, and balancing professional ambitions with personal responsibilities. These discussions provided valuable insights and encouraged open dialogue about the opportunities and challenges women face in today’s society.
A particularly inspiring moment came when attendees heard from Ashley Wiseman, who spoke about her personal journey and the challenges of balancing motherhood with career responsibilities—an experience she has previously shared in Parliament. Her reflections resonated strongly with the audience and highlighted the strength, determination, and resilience that continue to shape the experiences of many women today.
The celebration also recognised the contributions of women who have played an important role in strengthening the Thurrock community through their work in business, public service, and local initiatives. Through this recognition, the event highlighted the everyday leadership demonstrated by women who support families, create opportunities, and help build stronger, more connected communities.
The International Women’s Day event reflected IQUK’s continued commitment to community engagement, education, and empowerment. By bringing together students, educators, professionals, and community leaders, the celebration created a space where inspiration could turn into ambition, and where young people could see the real impact of leadership, determination, and collaboration. IQUK remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that encourage learning, connection, and opportunity, and looks forward to continuing its work in empowering future generations across Thurrock and beyond.
Through this recognition, the event highlighted the everyday leadership demonstrated by women who
support families, create opportunities, and help build stronger, more connected communities.
The International Women’s Day event reflected IQUK’s continued commitment to community
engagement, education, and empowerment. By bringing together students, educators, professionals, and
community leaders, the celebration created a space where inspiration could turn into ambition, and where
young people could see the real impact of leadership, determination, and collaboration. IQUK remains
dedicated to supporting initiatives that encourage learning, connection, and opportunity, and looks forward
to continuing its work in empowering future generations across Thurrock and beyond.
