International Women's Day 2025: Financial Freedom for Women in Cornwall

The UN’s theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”

In celebration of this, Tech Cornwall, TECwomen CIC and friends have joined forces to bring you an inspiring event focused on financial freedom for women in Cornwall.

Talking about money can often feel uncomfortable, but breaking the taboo is the first step toward economic empowerment. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by finances, just starting your journey toward financial independence, or looking for ways to make your money work harder for you, this event is here to help you with real, practical advice you can use straight away.

You can expect:

✅ Local speakers sharing real-world financial knowledge.

✅ Tips to help you take control of your finances.

✅ A supportive and inclusive environment where no personal financial details are required to be shared.

✅ Key resources for you to take home and digest in your own time

Who is it for?

This event is open to all who identify with or feel comfortable in a women-centred space, including women, non-binary people, and anyone for whom this space feels relevant.

Agenda

09:00 - Arrival & Registration

09:30 - Welcome & Introductions - Niki Davies, Tech Cornwall

09:40 - Introduction, Caitlin Gould TECwomen CIC

09:50 - Gabriela Isas (Good With Money) – "You’re Competent—Own It." The idea that women are not financially capable has been deeply ingrained in many cultures for generations. The reality is quite the opposite. Research—both broadly and from Good With—proves that women excel at managing money. Yet, many still struggle with financial confidence. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. We’ll explore the research and uncover what might be holding you back from fully owning your financial confidence.

10:20 - Laura Whyte (Whyfield) – "Financially Empowered: Tax & Money Strategies" Financially Empowered: Tax & Money Strategies is a focused session designed to help women navigate finances and tax with confidence. Whether you're managing personal finances, planning for the future, or looking to optimise your tax situation, this session will provide practical insights and guidance. We will share information on how to maximize savings, understand tax deductions, and build financial

10:50 - Break (20 mins)

11:10 - Shona Marsh - "The practical money workshop: investing & pensions" Shona's workshop takes you through the practicalities of investing and pensions, related to women and financial empowerment and ultimately freedom, all from a real life practical and personal perspective. Her aim is to break the gender wealth gap and enable more women to understand and have confidence in investing and their financial futures.

11:55 - Helen Kneale (Cornwall Council Women’s Forum) Helen will give a 5 minute introduction to what the Women’s Forum within the Council is, what they do and how they have made positive change within the council to support the women that work there. Designed to inspire others to champion within their own organisation.

12:00 - Close, buffet lunch & networking

13:00 - Event close

Speakers & Sessions:

Gabriela Isas, Good With Money: You’re Competent—Own It. The idea that women are not financially capable has been deeply ingrained in many cultures for generations. The reality is quite the opposite. Research—both broadly and from Good With—proves that women excel at managing money. Yet, many still struggle with financial confidence. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. We’ll explore the research and uncover what might be holding you back from fully owning your financial confidence.

Laura Whyte, Whyfield Accountants: Financially Empowered: Tax & Money Strategies Financially Empowered: Tax & Money Strategies is a focused session designed to help women navigate finances and tax with confidence. Whether you're managing personal finances, planning for the future, or looking to optimise your tax situation, this session will provide practical insights and guidance. We will share information on how to maximize savings, understand tax deductions, and build financial confidence.

Helen Kneale, Co-Chair of Women’s Forum (Cornwall Council) Helen will give a 5 minute introduction to what the Women’s Forum within the Council is, what they do and how they have made positive change within the council to support the women that work there. Designed to inspire others to champion within their own organisation.

Shona Marsh, Startup Builder

Shona works in and for tech startups, currently running a tech accelerator for the Scottish Government, and dabbling in property and investing. Money and personal finance have turned into somewhat of a hobby, and she regularly acts as a financial 'go to' for her friends.

Important Disclaimer This event is for educational and informational purposes only. The content provided does not constitute financial advice, recommendations, or endorsements. The organisers—Tech Cornwall and TECwomen CIC—are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and are therefore not authorised to provide financial advice. This gathering is for informational purposes only.

We strongly recommend conducting your own research and seeking independent, FCA-regulated financial advice where necessary. Any financial decisions or arrangements you make following this event are made at your own discretion and risk.

Risk Warning: Investing Carries Risks The value of investments and any income derived from them can go down as well as up. There is no guarantee that you will get back the original amount you invested.