The Leadership Summit, supported by Hogan Lovells, is a transformative space designed to explore self-leadership and the skills needed to lead others in advancing girls' human rights.

Led by a lineup of distinguished experts, the summit offers a dynamic blend of plenary sessions, fireside chats, and hands-on leadership labs. These experiences are crafted to spark fresh insights, foster innovative strategies, and empower participants to take actionable steps toward achieving gender equality and uplifting girls around the globe.

Whether you’re an advocate, educator, or changemaker, this summit will equip you with the tools, inspiration, and connections to lead with impact and purpose. 🌟

Get your ticket here!

AGENDA

09:30 - 10:00 AM

BREAKFAST & REGISTRATION - Join us as we kick off the Leadership Summit with a warm welcome and an introduction to the day's events!

10:00 - 10:30 AM

Welcome to the Leadership Summit

Join us for an inspiring and empowering event featuring our Legacy Sponsors as they present a thought-provoking discussion on girls' human rights and the vital role of leadership skills. Our speakers will provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by girls globally. The session will address the necessity for equal opportunities and explore strategies for cultivating effective leadership abilities. This event is essential for anyone dedicated to empowering girls and advocating for their rights. Take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to learn and find inspiration!

Sultana Tafadar KC

Farheen Ahmed

10:30 - 11:30 AM

PLENARY SESSION 1: Showcasing Leadership in Action

Activism to Advance Girls’ Human Rights

Join us for an inspiring panel discussion by our speakers who will share their experiences and insights on the essential skills needed to advance girls' human rights rights. Learn about the power of leadership skills in activism to advocate for change, amplify marginalised voices, hold power to account, and catalyse change for a more just world. Harness your leadership to ignite change and pave the way for a fairer society!

Afsana Lachaux

Helen Pankhurst CBE

Mandy Sagheera OBE

Speaker TBC

Moderator

11:30- 11:45 AM

NETWORKING & COFFEE - Connect with fellow attendees and speakers over light refreshments.

11:45 - 12:15 PM

FIRESIDE CHAT 1: Special Guest TBA

Join us for an exclusive fireside chat with a special guest.

Special Guest

Host

12:20 - 13:15 PM

LEADERSHIP LABS 1: Empower Her

Unleashing the Leadership Capacity Within

Join us for our series of Leadership Labs workshops designed to empower and equip girls with the skills and confidence to become effective leaders in their communities. Led by experienced mentors and professionals, these interactive and engaging sessions will cover a wide range of topics including public speaking, storytelling, negotiating, and conflict resolution. Don't miss out on this invaluable learning opportunity!

Lab A: Speak Up, Change Lives: Empowering Girls' Human Rights through Public Speaking

Trainer: Sultana Tafadar KC

Lab C: Negotiating Change: Enhancing Advocacy for Girls' Human Rights

Trainers: Sarah Tayara & Farheen Ahmed

Lab D: Peaceful Paths: Resolving Conflicts in Girls' Human Rights Advocacy

Trainers: Frederick Way & Susanne Schuler, CEDR

Lab B: Speak Up, Change Lives: Empowering Girls' Human Rights through Public Speaking

Trainer: TBC

13:15 - 14:00 PM

LUNCH & NETWORKING - Enjoy a delicious lunch while connecting with new acquaintances and discussing the morning's sessions!

14:00 - 14:50 PM

LEADERSHIP LABS 2: Empower Her

Unleashing the Leadership Capacity Within

Join us for our upcoming Leadership Labs workshops, where you will have the opportunity to hone essential skills in public speaking, storytelling, negotiating, and conflict resolution. These interactive sessions are designed to empower and equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to become effective leaders in their communities. Don't miss out on this invaluable learning opportunity that will help you thrive in both your personal and professional endeavours!

Lab A: Speak Up, Change Lives: Empowering Girls' Human Rights through Public Speaking

Trainer: Sultana Tafadar KC

Lab C: Negotiating Change: Enhancing Advocacy for Girls' Human Rights

Trainers: Sarah Tayara & Farheen Ahmed

Lab D: Peaceful Paths: Resolving Conflicts in Girls' Human Rights Advocacy

Trainers: Frederick Way & Susanne Schuler, CEDR

Lab B: Speak Up, Change Lives: Empowering Girls' Human Rights through Public Speaking

Trainer: TBC

14:50 - 15:45 PM

PLENARY SESSION 2: 

Hogan Lovells and journeys from within

Hear from trailblazing leaders at Hogan Lovells as they share their paths to success, the challenges they’ve overcome, and key lessons learned. Gain valuable insights and inspiration to guide your own leadership journey.

Hogan Lovells
Speaker

Hogan Lovells
Speaker

Hogan Lovells
Speaker

Hogan Lovells
Speaker

Hogan Lovells
Speaker

15:45 - 16:30 PM

CLOSING & NETWORKING - Engage in final networking opportunities and discussions with fellow attendees and speakers as we wrap up the day's events with a renewed determination to support and promote the rights of girls globally.

Hogan Lovells
Our Host

Check the photo gallery from the Leadership Summit at the Girls Human Rights Festival 2025.

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

  • Appointed King’s Counsel in March 2022, Sultana is a highly experienced human rights, international law and criminal justice barrister, advising States, NGOs and individuals. She also advises large multi-national corporations on Diversity & Equality. She is Chair of the Bar Standard Board’s Taskforce on Religious & Belief. Sultana's unique expertise in high profile counter terrorism & national security cases spans across the Criminal Courts, Coronial Courts, Administrative and Family Divisions of the High Court and the Appellate Courts. She is part of the Organisation of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Roster of Criminal Justice Sector Experts dealing with Counter-Terrorism. She advises on international human rights, international criminal law and humanitarian law issues. She is currently on the Advisory Board, Influencing Corridors of Power (ICOP), School of Oriental & African Studies, University of London; Member of Legal Expert Advisory Panel for Fair Trials International (LEAP); Special Advisor on Human Rights for the Oxford Initiative for Global Ethics and Human Rights; and on the Advisory Council for JUSTICE. Sultana is an award-winning barrister, winning Barrister of the Year 2022 at the Inspirational Women in Law Awards; appearing in the HERoes Top 100 Women Future Leaders, 2021; Winner of the Professions Category, Asian Women of Achievement, 2021; Finalist in BSN Lawyer of the Year (Chambers), UK Legal Diversity Awards; and Finalist, in Outstanding Woman in Professional category sponsored by Baker McKenzie, Precious Awards 2021. She is also the Founder & Director of Modest Fashion Festival which attracted a global audience of 1.56 billion.

  • Bio to be added soon!

  • Safiyah is 13 years old and the Co-Founder of GHRH. Safiyah has always been driven by the desire to become a human rights lawyer. She came up with the idea of creating a Hub where girls could learn more about their rights and how to claim them. She loves representing and advocating on behalf of her peers. She has represented her year group on the School Council for two years. She has been a Form Captain and was voted vice House Captain this year. She is a Digital Ambassador at her school and has recently taken on the role of Inclusivity Ambassador. She loves debating and is a Lamda scholar.

  • Bio to be added soon!

  • Bio to be added soon!

  • Mandy Sanghera OBE is a distinguished winning philanthropist and international advocate, often hailed as a driving force for change across the globe. A human rights activist, motivational s in speaker, and TEDx speaker , Mandy has journeyed extensively, inspiring and empowering individuals in various countries. With more than 30 years of expertise in international development, Mandy has dedicated her career to fostering innovation, forging strategic alliances, and championing key issues such as human rights, gender equality, accountability, migration, and social justice on a global scale. Her impactful work has touched the lives of hundreds, and through her active presence on social media and numerous television appearances and speaking events, she now reaches thousands more. Mandy has addressed the US House of Representatives three times and frequently participates in the World Economic Forum, using these influential platforms to shed light on pressing global issues affecting women, children, and refugees. Notably, she has recently provided support to refugees from Ukraine, Sudan, Syria, and Iraq, and collaborated with a group of women activists to help evacuated over 400 Afghan refugees.

Do you want to see the fun people had last year at the Leadership Summit in 2024?

Click here to explore the gallery and relive the inspiring moments, powerful discussions, and unforgettable connections made during the event. Get a glimpse of the energy and excitement that made the summit a memorable experience for all!