JKS Restaurants to host afternoon of conversation on advancing gender equality

JKS Restaurants is to host an afternoon of conversation on advancing gender equality as part of its celebration of International Women’s Day 2025.

Taking place at the Barbican Centre on 10 March, the ‘JKS Presents: The women who make us’ event will include a programme of panels and workshops around the theme of ‘accelerate action’. 

The event will feature speakers including leadership coach, Melissa Bruno, who will explore the perfectionism trap and self-advocacy, and former Goldman Sachs wealth advisor Ayesha Ofori, who will deliver a keynote focused on financial empowerment for women.

Meanwhile, a panel discussing breaking cultural and societal norms to create fulfilling careers in hospitality will feature By Rotation founder Eshita Kabra-Davies, chef Sabrina Gidda and Vogue India contributor Akanksha Kamath.

A second panel will provide a platform for Gen Z voices including Oneli Kariyawasam from Lyle’s, Lauren Polson from JKS and Freya Leggatt from The Cadogan Arms. Chaired by JKS’s Yasmin Kira, the panel will unpick the stereotypes associated with their generation and offer their perspective on how Gen Z is set to transform the workplace.

Sunaina Sethi, co-founder and chief People Officer at JKS Restaurants, who will host the event, said: "Following the success of both of our events in 2024, we are thrilled to host the next in the JKS Presents series.

“This year’s International Women’s Day theme is accelerating change, so we’ll be hearing from Gen Z: the generation that’s leading the way in advancing people-focussed policies within the business.

“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 faced. With a lineup of truly inspiring women, this promises to be a fantastic event."

All proceeds from tickets for the event will go to Smart Works, a charity helping unemployed women prepare for, and secure, employment.