One for the ladeez: capitalwoman is back for its fifth year and will be held on Saturday 4th March at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre and Central Hall Westminster. This annual conference organised by Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, is open to all women of all ages and backgrounds, is free to attend (registration is necessary) and is the chance for women to come together to discuss the issues that affect them. There is also the opportunity to bring questions and issues to those in power, and to hear invited speakers including Diane Abbott, Fiona Millar and Alison Lapper. The first capitalwoman in 2001 attracted 300 women; the same conference in 2005 had nearly 2,000 so a lively and even larger crowd is expected this year.
There may be instances of women admiring each other's handbags and comparing shoes / hairstyles / husbands / weightloss since Christmas during the day because, let's face it, that would be inevitable (and there's nothing wrong with that, okay?). But overall, the conference will focus on topics of a slightly more worthy calibre, with new elements added to match the year-on-year increase of attendees:
As well as discussing the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games, safety for women in the city, career options and childcare issues, and all the forums and activities you've come to like about this event, capitalwoman 2006 has new features including:
* LDA business and enterprise hub: experts offering personalised business information and advice
* the market: so you can shop as well as mingle, network and chat!
* entertainment: to up the tempo and end the day in style..
Registration for capitalwoman is open until Friday 24 February; all places are free and can be booked here.
