Akshata Murty, the esteemed wife of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, lauded her mother Sudha Murty as an exemplar for women during an International Women’s Day event held at Downing Street in London. Emphasizing the significance of mentors for women and girls in business, she orchestrated a mentoring session with female role models and business leaders, as part of her regular “Lessons at 10” initiative. This initiative offers children from across the UK a glimpse behind the renowned black door of No. 10 Downing Street, the official residence and office of the British Prime Minister.
Expressing her delight at commemorating International Women’s Day by honoring women in business, Murty stated, “It is fantastic to host a special mentoring session with female role models and business leaders for girls and young women at Downing Street.” Drawing from her personal experience, she acknowledged the tremendous effort required to manage a business and highlighted her mother’s achievements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, which paved the way for groundbreaking advancements in her field.
Sudha Murty, an accomplished author and philanthropist, began her career in computer science and made history as the first female engineer hired at TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO). Recognizing her significant contributions to social work and education, she was recently nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
“I hope other women and girls are inspired by role models around them to pursue their own passions,” added Akshata Murty, who previously served as a director at Catamaran Ventures UK, an early-stage investment firm focusing on British brands.
Upon relocating to No. 10 Downing Street following Rishi Sunak's appointment as leader of the Conservative Party in October 2022, Murty initiated the “Lessons at 10” program to foster a love for learning and inspire children nationwide with the aid of special guests, industry experts, and charitable organizations.
The International Women’s Day event, organized in collaboration with the Girls’ Network charity, aimed to empower girls aged 14-19 through a year-long mentoring program offered in secondary schools and colleges across England.
“We hope that by being invited into No. 10, girls will see that spaces like this are just as much for them as anyone else. It will be a memorable experience for all involved, and I’m sure the girls will come away feeling inspired and motivated in their own journeys,” said Katie Thiselton, Co-Executive Director of the Girls’ Network.
Subsequently, the Sunaks hosted a reception at Downing Street to honor inspirational female leaders spanning various industries, including businesses, civil society, and the National Health Service (NHS).
“I am committed to delivering the long-term change needed to build a brighter future for women and girls,” stated Rishi Sunak. Reflecting on the progress made since assuming office, he highlighted investments to enhance women’s safety, initiatives to elevate educational standards for girls, and endeavors to promote STEM careers.
The Downing Street reception showcased several female-led small businesses, such as a family-run jewelry company, a hair products firm, and a boxed wine company, underscoring the diverse contributions of women across industries.
