This International Women’s Day carries a powerful message following our inspiring Women’s Empowerment Brunch at the NTIA Night Time Economy Summit. Walking into a room filled with incredible women and allies, all passionate about making a real difference in our industry, was an unforgettable experience.
At the NTIA, we are committed to ensuring that everything we do reflects a fair and balanced representation of the industry we advocate for. Our operational team is 50% women, and our board is one-third women. But true equality isn’t just about numbers; it’s about fostering an environment where those who have the passion, skill, and drive can step up, be heard, and lead. The challenge we face is that, all too often, the voices we need to hear are missing from the room. Our mission is to open the door to those who not only share our values but who are ready to stand alongside us and push for change.
Since joining the NTIA in 2017, our journey has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and learning. Fighting for balance, shifting attitudes, and creating a culture of equity is not easy work. And quite rightly, we are continuously challenged to do better, to think broader, and to push harder. But we welcome this challenge; it is what keeps us moving forward. As a community organisation, we take immense pride in ensuring that fairness, representation, and respect are at the heart of everything we do.
For International Women’s Day, I want to shine a light on the women within our team. Jenn Nimmo-Smith, Julie Tippins, Lara Carolan, Louise Ward, Nikki McNeil, Rebecca Cullum, and Sienna Kill. Their expertise, resilience, and dedication shape not just our organisation but the industry as a whole. Their perspectives, lived experiences, and unwavering commitment bring depth, empathy, and leadership to our mission. It is through their contributions that we continue to create safer, more inclusive, and more dynamic spaces for all.
Ariel Palitz recently said something that struck a chord with me: It’s time to stop talking about the need for women in our night-time spaces. We are here. We aren’t going anywhere. It’s time to move the conversation forward. And she is absolutely right. Women are already leading, innovating, and shaping the future of our industry—it’s time we make sure that reality is recognised, amplified, and embedded into every level of leadership and decision-making.
Reflecting on our Women’s Empowerment Brunch, I was deeply moved by the voices we heard. Councillor Saima Suleman, a true champion of diversity and inclusion, reminded us of the power of integrity and fearless leadership. Nina Kehagia from SheSaidSo spoke about the importance of giving women in music and nightlife a platform. Cat Kevern from the Network of Women in Events (NOWIE) spoke about how the need for real, lasting change for women’s safety in events comes from the power of community. And Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding, reinforced the urgent need to ensure our spaces are not only vibrant but safe for everyone.
But inspiration alone isn’t enough. The real question is: What happens next? How do we turn these conversations into tangible, lasting change?
Every single one of us has the power to make an impact. Whether it’s mentoring another woman in your field, challenging outdated workplace practices, or using your platform to amplify diverse voices, change happens when we take action. Small steps lead to big shifts, and we all have a role to play in making our industry a more inclusive, representative, and equitable space.
So as from today, let’s do more than just talk about change, let’s make it happen. The fight for equity is ongoing, but together, we can ensure that women in the night-time economy are not just acknowledged but truly valued for their contributions.
Here’s to the women shaping our industry. Here’s to those breaking barriers, leading with conviction, and creating a future that is fairer, safer, and more inclusive. And here’s to all of us! Because real change happens when we push forward, together.
Join us…
Now is the time to step up, be part of the conversation, and take meaningful action. This is not just about one day, it’s about embedding the right mindset, attitude, and approach into everything we do, every single day. Real change happens when we commit to championing women, advocating for fairness, and ensuring that inclusivity is at the heart of our industry.
We need more voices, more leaders, and more allies to help drive this mission forward.
Contact the NTIA and be part of this journey. Your voice matters, your work matters, and together, we can create an industry that doesn’t just celebrate women once a year but values and empowers them every single day. Whether you want to get involved as a supporter, share your experiences as a speaker, or highlight the work you’re doing to create change, we want to hear from you!
The NTIA, Championing Women Every Day!
