Celebrity Dame Delivers Keynote Speech at the Mayor’s International Women’s Day Tea

Published on: 12 Mar, 2025
Updated on: 14 Mar, 2025

Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock

The well-known British space scientist, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, gave the keynote speech at an event hosted by the Mayor of Guildford to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 7.

Dame Maggie championed women’s achievements and advocated for increased action, in the spirit of this year’s IWD theme, ‘Let’s Accelerate Action for Women’s Equality’.

The theme is intended to highlight the importance of collective efforts to break barriers and work towards a more equal future, and the award-winning space scientist, broadcaster, educator and author embodied this in her speech, sharing her story and encouraging women to aim through the glass ceiling.

Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock giving her speech at Guildford College.

Mayor Sallie Barker MBE hosted the afternoon tea held in partnership with the Surrey Federation of Women’s Institutes at Guildford College. The event raised £3,744 for the Guildford Women’s Refuge and brought together nearly 100 women.

Representatives from the Guildford Women’s Refuge shared a powerful personal story of resilience and overcoming adversity, and explained the vital support the charity provides to women and children escaping domestic abuse.

The Mayor said: “International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that equality for women is still a work in progress. This year’s theme, ‘Let’s Accelerate Action for Women’s Equality’, calls on us all to do more.

The Mayor of Guildford, Sallie Barker, presents flowers to Dame Maggie at her afternoon tea in celebration of International Women’s Day.

“My afternoon tea was an excellent platform to amplify women’s voices, challenge biases, and inspire future generations. Together, we can turn awareness into action and ensure that equality isn’t just a goal but a reality.”

Dame Maggie thanked the Mayor for the event, saying: “When women get together, things happen. Every woman went away feeling inspired and wanting to collaborate more.”