In celebration of International Women’s Day, Annabel’s and The Caring Family Foundation hosted their annual International Women’s Day Breakfast, championing this year’s global theme, ‘Accelerate Action’. The event welcomed esteemed guests, including Meg Bellamy, Lucy Boynton, and Carmen Mundt, who gathered to discuss and promote gender equality.
Set in the beautiful surroundings of The Garden at Annabel’s, the morning featured an inspiring panel discussion led by broadcaster and bestselling author Emma Dabiri FRSL. Joining her on stage were Victoria Prew, Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, and Phoebe Schecter—each of whom has made significant strides in their respective fields.
The discussion explored the urgency of accelerating progress for women, focusing on actionable steps to drive meaningful change. To close the event, British jazz and soul artist Nectar Woode delivered a moving performance, including her acclaimed songs “Safe House,” “How It’s Gotta Be,” and “Good Vibrations.” Guests also enjoyed non-alcoholic beverages from French Bloom, a female-founded brand dedicated to redefining celebratory moments.
Patricia Caring, Co-Founder of The Caring Family Foundation, emphasised the event’s mission: “At The Caring Family Foundation, our goal is to empower women by providing opportunities for safety, recovery, and transformation. To date, we have granted over £1.3 million to domestic abuse organisations in the UK and Brazil, supporting women with over 30,000 domestic abuse services. But there is still so much more to do. This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, reminds us that the time to act is now. Through this annual event at Annabel’s, we unite women to share experiences, inspire one another, and explore how we can further advance gender equality.”
A Spotlight on Inspirational Women
Meg Bellamy, Actress
Best known for her portrayal of a young Kate Middleton in the hit Netflix series The Crown, Meg Bellamy is a rising star in British television. Her nuanced performance has earned her critical acclaim and cemented her as a talent to watch. Beyond her acting career, Meg is passionate about women’s empowerment and frequently lends her voice to initiatives that promote gender equality and the arts.
Lucy Boynton, Actress and Advocate
Lucy Boynton has made a name for herself through her standout performances in films such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Sing Street, and The Politician. A firm advocate for female representation in the film industry, Lucy uses her platform to champion women’s rights and encourage diversity in storytelling. Her elegant presence and commitment to empowering women made her a fitting guest for the event.
Carmen Mundt, Philanthropist and Investor
Carmen Mundt is recognised for her work in philanthropy and investment, particularly in initiatives supporting women’s financial independence. She is an advocate for social responsibility in business and works to support female entrepreneurs through mentorship and investment. Her dedication to creating positive change aligns with the mission of The Caring Family Foundation, making her an influential figure at the International Women’s Day event.
Emma Dabiri, Broadcaster, Historian, and Bestselling Author
Emma Dabiri FRSL, an Irish-Nigerian academic, broadcaster, and author, is renowned for her thought-provoking work on gender, race, and identity. She has been instrumental in sparking national conversations, particularly through her Channel 4 documentary ‘Hair Power: Me and My Afro’, which won a Cannes Lions silver award for its impact. Her bestselling books, ‘What White People Can Do Next’ and ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’, have influenced policy changes and cultural shifts, including reforms in schools and the British Army. Emma’s latest work, ‘Disobedient Bodies: Reclaim Your Unruly Beauty’, challenges modern beauty standards and calls upon women to redefine their perceptions of strength and beauty.
Victoria Prew, Founder of HURR
A trailblazer in sustainable fashion, Victoria Prew is among the few female entrepreneurs to break through the venture capital funding barrier, securing over $10M in funding despite the fact that less than 2% of venture capital goes to women. As the Founder of HURR, the UK’s leading fashion rental marketplace, Victoria has built a business that prioritises both profit and purpose. She also supports the next generation of female-led businesses as an angel investor and has been recognised by Forbes 30 Under 30 and shortlisted for Veuve Clicquot’s Bold Woman Awards.
Phoebe Schecter, NFL Coach
Breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport, Phoebe Schecter made history as one of the first female coaches in the NFL, serving on the coaching staff of the Buffalo Bills. Despite early challenges, including being told she did not deserve her role, Phoebe has spent six years captaining Great Britain’s women’s American football team and is an advocate for women in sports. She plays an integral role in developing the sport through organisations such as the British American Football Coaches Association (BAFCA) and the British American Football Association (BAFA). As a prominent NFL pundit for Sky Sports, she continues to inspire young athletes worldwide.
Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Chief Fire Officer
Having experienced homelessness as a teenager, Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton defied the odds to become one of the world’s most senior female fire officers. Leading life-or-death responses to major incidents—including the London Bridge and Finsbury Park terror attacks and the Grenfell Tower fire—she has dedicated her career to public safety and gender equality. Her groundbreaking research in Behavioural Neuroscience has reshaped national policy, and her involvement in initiatives like Homewards, led by HRH The Prince of Wales, aims to tackle homelessness in the UK. Sabrina’s bestselling books, ‘Heat of the Moment’ and ‘The Gender Bias: The Barriers That Hold Women Back, and How to Break Them’, continue to empower and educate. In 2024, she was awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal for her contributions.
The Caring Family Foundation: Creating Lasting Change
Founded in 2019 by Richard and Patricia Caring, The Caring Family Foundation is committed to a world free from hunger, harm, and hurt, where women and children can thrive. Through its work in the UK and Brazil, the foundation has already supported nearly 14,000 women and children with over 30,000 domestic abuse services. Its mission extends beyond direct support, driving systemic change to end domestic violence and empower Indigenous communities in the Amazon.
Richard and Patricia Caring have also leveraged their hospitality ventures, including Annabel’s and The Birley Clubs, to further social impact. By hosting events such as the International Women’s Day Breakfast, they bring together members, guests, and influential figures, fostering a community dedicated to meaningful change.
Join The Caring Family Foundation in transforming lives. With 100% of donations going directly to projects, your support can make a real difference for women and children worldwide.
