LONDON, March 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Despite the phenomenal improvement of women's rights and roles in the western world in the last one hundred years, it is arguably the case that in many areas the 'glass ceiling' is very much still in place.

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On Tuesday March 8th 2016, International Women's Day, Generation Success will be joining forces with BT Women's Network to host an event celebrating the achievements of some of the UK's most prominent female business leaders, with the hope that what we all do today will make sure that there is no glass ceiling tomorrow.

As a not-for-profit organisation created to ensure that young people from every background have access to the support they need to develop the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to thrive in the modern work place, the ethos of Generation Success is that the only limit to an individual's attainments should be personal ambition. "Neither sex, age, creed, colour, religion, sexual preference, nor social background should have any impact upon a person's potential," says Generation Success founder, James Adeleke. "I find it so disheartening that even today many women are discriminated against in the workplace, finding it hard to progress, even when they have identical skills and experience as their male counterparts. This is why International Women's Day's #PledgeForParity - equal pay for equal work - is so important.

"Britain has led the way in so many forms of emancipation," he adds. "There is no better country when it comes to equality, but we're still not quite where we should be. On this issue we really should be leading the way. In marking International Women's Day with a celebration of some of the UK's female leading lights in the business world, we hope to encourage both the managers of today and the employees of tomorrow to see just how innovative, driven and talented women can be."

The event's key note will be delivered by Dr. Yvonne Thompson, CBE, who will discuss her own journey, the barriers she has overcome and the successes she has achieved, before opening the floor to the panel.    

Speakers will include:

• Alison Wilcox - BT, HR Director
• Catherine Possamai - Capita Plc, Director of Talent and Resourcing
• Lisa Ashworth - PR Newswire, CEO
• June O'Sullivan - London Early Years Foundation (LEYF), Chief Executive
• Lt Col Lucy Giles - First woman commander appointed to lead at Sandhurst

As well as speaking about their own unique experiences, each panel member will participate in an open-floor debate, answering the audience's questions. There will also be the opportunity for direct conversation and peer-to-peer discussion in the networking area after the panel discussion. There's no better chance to make new contacts, and discover the views of some of the leading industry minds.

"We're delighted to be working with Generation Success on this event," says Paula Constant - Director, Field, Ethernet & Business Connections, Openreach and BT Women's Network Chair. "At BT we believe that there should be parity across all demographics; the Generation Success programme is one way for businesses to help to make that happen."

International Women's Day was originally conceived to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. At this event, the BT Women's Network and Generation Success team hope to celebrate what British women have achieved, and encourage tomorrow's female business leaders to aim even higher.

Event details:

Generation Success Power Series - UK Female Business Leaders Summit

Address: BT Centre Auditorium, 81 Newgate Street London EC1A 7AJ

Date & Time: 8th March 2016, 6-9pm

Event numbers are strictly limited, so please register as soon as possible to guarantee your place - http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gs-power-series-international-womens-day-special-tickets-19784695557

Notes to Editors:

Generation Success was launched by successful business man James Adeleke. A law graduate of BPP University, London, James has enjoyed a varied career in business development. He was inspired to found Generation Success following the London riots of 2011 - himself a member of what tabloid media were calling 'the lost generation', he decided it was time to start reclaiming the future for today's youth. Rather than laying blame and pointing fingers, James wanted to find ways to tackle the roots of society's problems: food poverty; deprivation; educational and employment inequality. Generation Success is James' way of helping to ensure that every young person has the chance to shine.

"I truly believe that we are limited by the boundaries of our minds," says Adeleke, "so I am always trying to expand mine - and to help others to do the same."

About BT Women's Network:  

At BT, our employee networks are established groups who come together to represent the views and issues of that group. We believe a high performing employee network connects individuals with others sharing similar experiences, interests and challenges; it creates a communication channel between members and the business; creates developmental opportunities for members; enhances the corporate brand and works with the Inclusion team to plan and implement our diversity and inclusion strategy.

About BT PLC:

BT is one of the leading communications companies, serving the broadband, phone, TV and mobile needs of customers in the UK and in more than 170 countries.

For more information on Generation Success, including interviews and quotes, please contact James Adeleke: James@generation-success.com, tel: +44(0)788-3028775

If you would like to rent a stand and showcase your business at the event, please email Georgi@generation-success.com

SOURCE Generations Success and BT Women's Network