Reena Ranger, Chairman and Co-founder of WE, welcomed the guests to the event. Speaking on BREXIT, she said “the outcome on June 23 could impact generations and it is up to us to fight through the noise, propaganda, mistruths and personalities to understand for ourselves whether we wish to individually remain in or out of the European Union. Although this event is not about the EU referendum, it does get you thinking about engagement and how different voices and opinions can enhance the debate. We all know that diversity and inclusion are incredibly important factors for any organisation, society, institution or community.  If we argue that people are products of their environments and experiences, it is these different environments, cultures and experiences that give us our life perspectives, each having different perspectives from each other and it is this variety of thought that we need in all manner of places so that we can approach problems from different angles, find solutions with empathy and innovation. That is why we must engage in and enhance the debates around us.”

The Baroness Flather of Windsor and Maidenhead spoke about challenges she faced along the way and the racism and ignorance she had sometimes faced. She spoke about how the commonalities between people from different communities united them towards common goals and interests. She spoke about knowing and being true to oneself so that one didn’t lose sight of who they are along their life’s path even in the most difficult of circumstances. She spoke about her most enduring achievement, the construction of the magnificent memorial on Constitution Hill at Hyde Park Corner. This long overdue Memorial commemorates the contribution of nearly 5 million forgotten volunteers from the Indian subcontinent, Africa and the Caribbean in the two World Wars. She spoke of the work she is currently doing with women in Africa and the Indian Sub-continent through her charity “Women Matter” and in 2010 she wrote a book entitled “Woman – Acceptable Exploitation for Profit”. Both ventures show how extreme poverty can be changed by bringing these women into paid work.

Seema Malhotra emphasised the importance of “knowing thyself” because whichever way one goes in life and the hurdles that come their way can be overcome if you do know thyself, as one will have a sense of purpose and direction that is yours and unique to you. By maintaining a honesty to yourself and knowing your purpose keeps you going and knowing your weaknesses allows you to play to your strengths.