JKS announces return of IWD event

To mark International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 (8 March), JKS Restaurants will host JKS Presents: The Women Who Make Us, an afternoon of conversation on advancing gender equality at the Barbican Centre on Monday 10 March.

Building on the success of last year's event, The Women Who Make Us will bring together individuals from across the hospitality industry and beyond for a programme of panels and workshops reflecting this year’s theme: Accelerate Action. All proceeds will go to Smart Works, a UK charity dedicated to helping unemployed women prepare for and secure employment.

The afternoon will kick off with an introduction from co-founder and chief people officer Sunaina Sethi, followed by a discussion on the perfectionism trap and self-advocacy from leadership coach Melissa Bruno.

Next, a group of Gen Z women from JKS will share perspectives on the industry. This will be followed by a panel of South Asian women discussing overcoming stereotypes to build their careers in the creative industries. Keynote speaker Ayesha Ofori will then share a practical guide on how to start investing.

The panels

• Handing the mic to Gen Z: the future of hospitality

Chaired by Yasmin Kira (JKS), alongside Oneli Kariyawasam (Lyle's), Lauren Polson (JKS) and Freya Leggatt (The Cadogan Arms), this conversation gives a platform to a group that is often not represented in industry discussions. Exploring the stereotypes associated with their generation, the panellists will offer a forward-thinking look at how Gen Z is set to transform the industry – from reshaping workplace culture to fostering inclusivity. 

• The road less travelled: the experiences of South Asian women in hospitality and the creative industries

Reflecting JKS Restaurants' cultural heritage, this panel brings together South Asian women who have navigated non-traditional career paths. Chaired by Ria Pattni (marketing director, JKS Restaurants), the panel will feature Eshita Kabra-Davies (founder, By Rotation), Sabrina Gidda (chef and creative consultant) and Akanksha Kamath (former director, fashion features at Vogue India). They will share candid reflections on gender and cultural stereotypes, and discuss their journeys of breaking cultural and societal norms to create fulfilling careers in hospitality and the creative sectors. 

"Following the success of both of our events in 2024, we are thrilled to host the next in the JKS Presents series," says Sethi. "As a South Asian woman, I would like to hear from others who have gone against expectations by entering into careers not considered 'traditional' and some of the challenges they have faced. With a lineup of truly inspiring women, this promises to be a fantastic event."

Tickets for the event, which is sponsored by TISSL, Giftpro, SevenRooms, Thrive and Tripleseat, are priced at £25pp and can be purchased here. 

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