The Ministry of Equality will mark International Women’s Day 2026 with a special event reflecting this year’s United Nations theme: ‘Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls.’
The event will be presented as a fireside discussion between Madam Speaker, the Hon. Judge Karen Ramagge Phillips GMH MP, and Karen Bartlett, acclaimed author of Escape from Kabul.
Madam Speaker’s distinguished career in the judiciary and public service uniquely places her to lead this conversation. Her extensive legal expertise and deep understanding of constitutional and human rights principles perfectly position her to explore the complex themes of justice, protection and accountability that underpin this year’s International Women’s Day theme.
Karen Bartlett is an award-winning journalist and author whose work focuses on women’s rights, conflict, survival and resilience. She has written extensively about women affected by war and displacement, bringing to light stories that might otherwise remain unheard. Her book, Escape from Kabul, chronicles the experiences of women caught in the aftermath of Afghanistan’s political upheaval, highlighting the urgent human rights challenges they face and the barriers to safety, protection and justice. Through meticulous research and powerful storytelling, Ms Bartlett amplifies the voices of women navigating extraordinary adversity.
Through this fireside discussion, the speakers will explore the lived realities of women whose rights have been challenged or denied, the importance of robust legal systems, and the role of institutions in safeguarding equality. Drawing on her research and writing, Ms Bartlett will reflect on the stories of resilience and courage documented in Escape from Kabul.
International Women’s Day serves both as a celebration of women’s achievements and as a call to action. Ensuring meaningful access to justice is fundamental to advancing equality, protecting rights, and empowering women and girls to participate fully and safely in society.
The event is free of charge, but registration is essential. To register, members of the public are invited to call 200 66819 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Minister for Equality, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP, said: “This International Women’s Day, we are privileged to host Madam Speaker, the Hon. Judge Karen Ramagge Phillips GMH MP, and Karen Barlett in a conversation that will give voice to women facing extraordinary injustice.
“Bringing together lived experience and legal expertise reflects exactly what this year’s theme calls for, a meaningful commitment to ensuring that women and girls can access justice, be heard and have their rights upheld. Their dialogue will undoubtedly inspire reflection and reinforce our shared responsibility to strengthen justice systems for all.”
AuthorBio: Karen Bartlett is a writer and journalist, contributing to The Times, WIRED, Newsweek, TIME and the BBC. Karen was formerly the director of a leading campaign group for democracy and human rights and is the author of five other non-fiction books including The Health of Nations, The Diary that Changed the World: The Remarkable Story of Otto Frank and The Diary of Anne Frank and After Auschwitz with Eva Schloss.
