Date
Friday, 18 September 2026
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland
The International Hub
Format
Cross-sector convening
Audience
Women, public bodies, NHS and health partners, enterprise agencies, funders, employers, universities, charities, community organisations, policymakers, entrepreneurs and civic leaders.
The Central Question
"How can Scotland create more practical pathways that enable women to participate, contribute and thrive across work, enterprise, health and community life?"
The HWS All Scotland-Wide Edinburgh Convening 2026 will bring together women, communities and cross-sector institutions around one central mission.
This is a practical convening, not a conventional conference. We move beyond theory into actionable blueprints for the future of Scotland's professional and social landscape.
Empowering Participation
Addressing the "Hidden Gap"
Bridging the Gap
Across Scotland, support already exists across enterprise, employability, wellbeing, education, funding, digital skills and community development. However, many women do not always know where to find it, how to access it, or whether it is designed around their circumstances. This creates a hidden gap between available support and actual participation. The Edinburgh Convening is designed to help close that gap by bringing support providers, decision-makers, funders, institutions and women together in one structured platform.
Access to Opportunity
Eliminating systemic barriers to entry in emerging industries.
Sustainable Growth
Building financial and institutional resilience for women-led ventures.
Strategic Focus Areas
Deep dives into the pillars that will define Scotland's prosperity and inclusion.
Participation
Fostering active engagement across all tiers of civic and economic life.
Health & Wellbeing
Holistic approaches to women's health as a foundation for societal strength.
Enterprise & Finance
Unlocking capital and mentorship for the next generation of innovators.
AI & Future of Work
Ensuring women are at the helm of technological evolution.
Institutional Outreach
Bridging the gap between policy makers and community realities.
Insights & Beyond
Converting convening dialogues into lasting structural change.
Who Is This For?
Women seeking personal, professional, enterprise or wellbeing support
Women entrepreneurs and aspiring founders
Community leaders and grassroots organizations
Public sector bodies
NHS, health and wellbeing organizations
Funders, sponsors and financial institutions
Enterprise and employability agencies
A Call to Inclusion
The convening is designed to be a sanctuary of cross-sector dialogue. We invite stakeholders from every corner of Scotland to lend their voice and expertise to this vital collective effort.
Event Experience
Conversations
Keynote Panels
Inspirational leaders sharing transformative visions for Scotland.
Interactive
8 Access Zones
Thematic areas focused on tangible resources and connections.
Showcase
Partner Expo
Discover institutions actively creating pathways for women.
Social
Networking
Curated sessions designed to spark long-term partnerships.
Shape the Future Together
Register your interest, participate as a partner, sponsor an Access Zone, or support the convening.