Casa Italia recently hosted an event dedicated to female leadership in the most competitive sectors of the global economy, organized by the Italian Embassy in London on the eve of International Women’s Day. The event followed the round-table on “Women in Finace” organized in March 2025 with the Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, Clare Lombardelli, as guest speaker.
The gathering focused on the fundamental contribution of Italian women professionals in redefining the international financial and media landscape.
At the heart of the discussion were three leading figures from the Italian business community in London: Francesca Carlesi, CEO of Revolut UK; Francine Lacqua, Editor-at-Large at Bloomberg TV; and Manuela Pozzi, Head of International Strategic Relationship Management at Bank of America.
During the panel, the speakers shared the challenges and successes of their professional journeys, emphasizing how innovation, merit, and diversity are indispensable drivers for economic growth and the competitiveness of the entrepreneurial bond between Italy and the United Kingdom.
Furthermore, 2026 marks a historic anniversary of profound significance: the 80th anniversary of the first participation of Italian women in a national election, which took place during the 1946 referendum that gave birth to the Italian Republic. This milestone was highlighted during the evening to reflect on the progress achieved and the challenges that remain—from the gender pay gap to the necessity of increasing female representation in STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the pillars of tomorrow’s economy.
