The annual ‘Women In Conversation’ panel discussion, organised by Asian Voice in partnership with the Royal Air Force, was held on 13 March 2026 at the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace, House of Lords.
The event is hosted each year to coincide with International Women’s Day, providing a platform to celebrate the achievements of women while encouraging dialogue around leadership, representation, and opportunities for women across sectors.
Bringing together professionals, leaders, and advocates from a range of fields, the panel discussion explored key themes surrounding women’s empowerment, progress in gender equality, and the importance of inclusive leadership in today’s society.
Speakers shared their personal experiences and insights, highlighting both the challenges women continue to face and the strides being made toward greater representation and opportunity.
The panel discussion was followed by meaningful engagement between the panellists and the audience. Guests continued the conversation during a networking reception on the terrace, where drinks and canapés were served.
The reception provided attendees with an ideal opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships in an informal setting overlooking the iconic surroundings of the House of Lords.
Highlights from the evening
“My father was a distinguished general, and commanded 350,000 troops when he led Central Army. But my mother commanded even more because she looked after the welfare of all the soldiers’ families.
“Her responsibility was to care of the wives and children of those soldiers. When you add it all together, she was effectively responsible for the welfare of nearly a million people. And she did it all without pay, simply out of dedication and commitment.
“My father taught me a great deal about leadership, but the person who taught me my values is my mother.”
“If someone asked me ‘What is the greatest moment of your life?’, I would say it was meeting my wonderful wife, Heather. She stood by me through ups and downs while I was building my business, a business that I nearly lost three times.
“…Just before Christmas 2024, my eldest daughter suffered a devastating accident, falling from the balcony of our home in Cape Town. She sustained a severe spinal cord injury and doctors believed she would be paralysed for life.
“But at 27, she showed extraordinary grit. Initially unable to move her arms or legs, she fought through months of intensive physiotherapy while I stayed by her side in the ICU. Though doctors expected three months of rehabilitation, she walked out after just nine days.
“Last week, she ran a 10-kilometre race. I thank God every day for that miracle—and I will never stop being inspired by her.”
Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE DL
"Across the RAF, development opportunities are extensive; from vocational qualifications through to doctoral-level study, thus, from NVQs to PhDs, pathways for learning and advancement are available to those willing to pursue them. My career has shown me that when institutions create opportunity and individuals commit to excellence, remarkable journeys become possible."
Squadron Leader Margaret Welton
“I’ve been mentoring other female entrepreneurs, many of whom are very different from me. That surprised me, because I had always assumed we would all be cut from the same mould. Clearly, that isn’t the case. For some reason, in my mind, a female entrepreneur looked very much like me—but that assumption has quickly changed.
“What I’ve realised is that every woman I’ve mentored faces her own unique challenges. Many deal with mental health struggles, family pressures, financial concerns and the stresses of running a business. Through those conversations, I’ve learned a great deal myself.”
Shalni Arora OBE
Panellist
“I think recognising the role of biology is essential: pregnancy, periods, menopause— and more workplaces are beginning to understand the importance of supporting women through these stages of life. In terms of wellbeing, organisations are starting to think more seriously about what they can do to help women who are experiencing menopause. After all, it’s something every woman goes through at some point.
“Because of that, there are now more open conversations around the subject. When workplaces create spaces for those discussions, it helps colleagues across different generations understand the issue better. Being able to talk about these realities openly and thoughtfully in the workplace is a very positive step forward.”
Dr. Sushma Jansari
Panellist
“When it comes to shared responsibility and balance, there has to be a genuine balance, with responsibilities shared between both men and women.
“At times, however, the pendulum can swing too far in the other direction. We sometimes see a generation of men who feel that things have shifted so much that they are unsure where they stand. Some feel emasculated, or feel unable to express their own concerns about work–life balance because the expectation has shifted heavily onto them to support others in achieving that balance.
“I don’t think we’ve quite reached that sweet spot yet—where responsibility is truly shared and where both men and women feel equally supported. Finding that balance is still a work in progress.”
Reena Ranger OBE
Moderator
“Chase impact, take one person and use your privilege, use the position you are in right now to make a difference in their life. That could mean helping their career, amplifying their story, or supporting their family and community.
“Impact doesn’t come from doing many things at once. Sometimes it comes from doing one meaningful thing well. If that action genuinely changes someone’s opportunities or outlook, then it matters.
“It’s wonderful that we celebrate women who have achieved remarkable success in business and finance, but it’s equally important that those leaders keep the door open for others coming behind them.”
Shruti Tripathi Chopra
Panellist
“Our collaboration with Asian Voice and ABPL has now entered its fifth year—growing from a simple idea into a highly successful and anticipated annual event. The Women in Conversation initiative has expanded not only in size but also in its influence and popularity.
“The RAF recognises that our greatest strength lies in our people, and this is fundamental to our operational success. Women in Conversation provides a valuable platform for open discussion, sharing experiences, exploring challenges, and identifying learning opportunities. It also enables our team to bust myths, shift perceptions, and promote the RAF as a truly diverse, inclusive, and forward‑looking organisation
“Many thanks to the whole team at Asian Voice and ABPL”
Squadron Leader Amir Khan
In our culture, we say “Matru Devo Bhava”—the mother is divine. Whether a woman is a mother physically or not, women are the foundation of civilisation. Without women, civilisation would not exist and to sustain that civilisation, conversations like this are essential.
I also recognise that the journey is not easy. Whether someone is a CEO or working in any other role, women often begin life with certain disadvantages, sometimes because of society, sometimes because of expectations placed upon them. They must have the courage to demand what they deserve and to create their own future.
Your mission is not yet accomplished. Satisfaction is not the destination; it is something we experience along the journey…New challenges will always arise. But this discussion gives me hope—hope through innovation, competence and courage.
CB Patel
Chairman, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar
