Women in Leadership Scholarship Competition 2025
The Women in Leadership MBA scholarship is a collaboration between Henley, the 30% Club and Financial Times.
What is the Women in Leadership scholarship?
Now in its twelfth year, the Women in Leadership competition will give one winner a fully-funded place worth up to £49,500 on our part-time Executive MBA - Global or Flexible Executive MBA programme starting in September/October 2025.
The campaign reflects the shared mission of the three partner institutions to encourage gender balance in leadership teams, and practical support for the development of strong female talent.
Who can take part?
The competition is open to everyone, recognising that we all have a role to play in supporting women in leadership, at both an individual and organisational level. We welcome entries from those who have relevant experience in the workplace either in managing a team, running a project or planning strategy.
What can I write about?
- This year's topic is "How should workplaces reframe their diversity and inclusion practices for the next five years?
- Entries need to answer the question in no more than 800 words.
- Entries must be submitted using the official application form, which can be downloaded at the top of this page.
- The deadline is 28 May 2025 at 5pm.
Judging panel
- Dr Melissa Carr, Director of Henley World of Work Institute (EDI)
- Harriet Arnold, Assistant Editor, Financial Times Special Reports
- Ani Williams, UK Campaign Coordinator, 30% Club
Judging criteria
It is important that participants draw not only on data, research and other evidence to support their arguments but also their own personal experience, which could include examples of initiatives they have worked on, or are in the process of designing. We want submissions which make us think differently - challenge the status quo and demonstrate a real understanding of the dilemmas faced.
Up to 10 finalists will be shortlisted from all entries received by the deadline.
Participants do not need to apply for an Executive MBA place before entering this competition, but are expected to check that they qualify for entry on to the programme.
Please see our terms and conditions.
Hear from some of our highest placed entrants
- Last year's winner was Lorena Goldsmith, on the topic of AI and gender equality in Leadership.
- Jessica Leyshon won our 2023 scholarship with her entry on employers and flexible childcare.
- Read the essay entry from Cara Wilson, winner of the Women in Leadership Scholarship 2022.
- Women in Leadership Scholarship winner 2021, Marta Garcia, has written a blog about her experience and why you should apply for the competition this year.