Joeli Brearley
Founder, Pregnant Then Screwed I Campaigner I Author I MBE
Joeli Brearley is one of the UK’s most influential voices on women’s equality at work. As the founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, the charity dedicated to ending the motherhood penalty, she has spent over a decade supporting tens of thousands of women facing discrimination during pregnancy and maternity, while driving national conversation and real, lasting policy change.
Joeli’s campaigning began with her own story. Her experience of pregnancy discrimination sparked the creation of Pregnant Then Screwed, a movement that has since galvanised hundreds of thousands of people to take action, challenge systemic injustice, and demand better from employers, policymakers and government alike.
In 2021, she took the Government to court for indirect sex discrimination. She won in the Court of Appeal.
Changing the system from the inside
Joeli’s work operates at every level – from individual women seeking support, to the employers and policymakers who have the power to change the structures that hold women back. She is also the founder of Growth Spurt, an organisation that helps employers better retain and support staff through the transition into an doubt of parenthood, combining frontline experience with system-level insight into the barriers working parents face every day.
Her work has influenced legislation, shifted public awareness, and changed the culture around pregnancy, maternity and workplace equality in ways that reach far beyond the charity sector.
Recognition
Named by Vogue as one of Britain’s most influential women, Joeli was awarded an MBE in 2025 in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to gender inequality. She is also the author of The Truth About the Motherhood Penalty, an essential read for anyone who wants to understand why the penalty exists, and what it will take to fix it.
At Festival of Women
The Truth About the Motherhood Penalty and How to Fix It.
Joeli will be joining us at Festival of Women on 6 November 2026 at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, to deliver her keynote: The Truth About the Motherhood Penalty and How to Fix It.
In this powerful and personal talk, she will share her own experience of pregnancy discrimination, unpack why the motherhood penalty remains so entrenched, and explain, with clarity and urgency, what is required to fix it. Not just for women, but for the productivity, culture, and success of entire organisations and economies.
This is a talk you will not want to miss.
Book Your Place
Join us for the day, the evening, or both!
Secure your place now and be part of a landmark event for Lancashire.
Ticket Prices
Day ticket
Prices starting from
£98
- Enjoy the full daytime conference, including speakers, sessions and networking.
- Discounted rates are available for charities and groups (3+ tickets).
- Early bird pricing is automatically applied until 15 May 2026.
Evening ticket
Prices starting from
£65
- Join us for the evening celebration only, independently of the conference.
- Featuring a three‑course meal, entertainment and great company.
- Discounted rate available for full tables of 10.
Full experience ticket
Prices starting from
£135
- Immerse yourself in the experience, with both the daytime conference and the evening celebration.
- Discounted rates are available for charities and groups (3+ tickets).
- Early bird pricing is automatically applied until 15 May 2026.
Invoices can be raised if preferred. Please email us at festival@lancashirewomen.org and we will arrange this for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a women-only event?
No. Everyone is welcome. Whilst the conference focuses on issues, experiences and opportunities related to supporting women, the event is designed for all genders. The aim is to bring people together to learn, collaborate and create positive change for all.
Is there a minimum age limit for attendees?
Due to the themes we will be exploring, it is recommended that Festival attendees are aged 16 and over.
Is there a cost to attend?
Yes, there is a ticket fee to attend the Festival. This helps to cover venue hire, speakers, accessibility provisions, and the delivery of high-quality experience for all attendees. Any surplus proceeds raised from ticket sales will be used to support the vital work of Lancashire Women, meaning your attendance contributes directly to supporting women and their families experiencing the issues highlighted throughout the day. Full ticket pricing and booking details are available here.
Can I pay by invoice?
Yes. If you’d prefer to pay by invoice, rather than debit/credit card, we’d be happy to accommodate this. Please email us at festival@lancashirewomen.org with the number of tickets you require and the ticket type you’d like to purchase.
Do I have to stay for the evening event?
No, you are very welcome to attend just the daytime conference. We understand everyone has differing schedules and commitments, so you can purchase a daytime conference ticket only and skip the evening celebration if that suits you best.
Can I come along for the evening celebration only?
Yes, absolutely. Our ticket options are designed to be flexible, so you can choose any part of the Festival you’d like to attend. You have a choice of the daytime conference, the evening celebration or both through a full experience ticket – giving you access to the whole Festival! Just select the ticket type that works for you here.
Is there a dress code?
Daytime conference: Smart casual recommended.
Evening celebration: Cocktail attire.
Will food and refreshments be provided?
Yes, food and refreshments will be available at both the daytime conference and evening celebration:
- At the daytime conference, a buffet lunch will be provided. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be provided throughout the day, with breaks built into the conference programme.
- A the evening celebration, you’ll receive a welcome drink upon arrival and a 3-course meal will be provided. The menu will follow closer to the event date.
During the ticket booking process, please let us know of any dietary requirements and we will work with the venue to ensure that these are accommodated.
Can I bring my own food?
You shouldn’t need to bring your own food or drink, as food and refreshments will be provided during the event. However, if you have specific dietary requirements or medical needs, please email us at festival@lancashirewomen.org in advance and we’ll make sure there are appropriate options available to you.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes, the venue is fully accessible with lifts and routes throughout. Please let us know if you have any specific accessibility concerns and we will work with the venue to ensure that you can fully participate in the event.
Where is the event being held?
The daytime conference is being held in the Blackpool Conference and Exhibition Centre, which is located at the Winter Gardens. You can access the building by the entrance on Leopold Grove, Blackpool, FY1 1HU.
The evening celebration is being held in the Spanish Hall at the Winter Gardens.
How do I get there?
By Train: The nearest station is Blackpool North, around a 10-minute walk from the venue.
By Bus: Blackpool transport bus routes serve the town centre. For more information, click here.
By Taxi: You can be dropped at the entrance of the venue by a taxi and there is a taxi rank on Church Street, just a few minutes walk away.
By Car: Use FY1 4LH for Sat Nav. Please be aware that central Blackpool has a one-way system and pedestrianised areas, so follow local signs.
I need to stay overnight. Is there accommodation?
Yes. Blackpool has lots of accommodation, with options to suit all budgets. The venue can secure preferential rates at hotels within the area for Festival of Women attendees. We’ll share information on this to attendees via email soon.
Do I need to pre-book the breakout sessions I want to attend?
If breakout sessions require pre-booking, you’ll be informed in advance via email in the lead up to the conference. Otherwise, sessions will operate on a first-come first-served basis on the day. We recommend arriving early to secure a spot in your preferred sessions.
Is there a quiet room or wellbeing space?
Yes, there will be a designated quiet room/wellbeing space available throughout the conference for anyone who needs a moment away from the main event. This may include rest breaks, sensory breaks or prayer and faith-based reflection. If you have specific accessibility, wellbeing or faith needs, feel free to let us know before the event and we’ll do our best to support you.
Join Our Mailing List
Sign up to be the first to know about all new fundraising events, groups, services and more!