WiTA 2026
To mark International Women’s Day 2026, the Trade Association Forum (TAF), in collaboration with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), proudly presented the fourth annual Women in Trade Associations (WiTA) Powerlist.
This initiative celebrates the remarkable women leading and shaping the UK’s trade association landscape.
Best Practice Guide 2026
Trade associations play a critical role in shaping sectors, influencing policy and supporting members to succeed.
Yet across many associations, women remain underrepresented in leadership, governance and decision-making spaces.
The Trade Association Forum asked associations for examples of how they are supporting female participation and female-led businesses. This guide brings together their suggestions and examples into ten practical strategies associations can use to become more inclusive.
We hope that they help to spark conversations and discussions in your association.
Championing Female Leadership in Associations
TAF, FSB and CBI are proud to be led by strong female champions and to be supported in our respective organisations by brilliant women at all stages of their careers.
It is our shared ambition to support our own staff and other inspirational women in trade associations to be powerful advocates for diversity and inclusion in their sectors and more widely to support and encourage female business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Thank you to our Women in Trade Association Power List Chair, Nicola Bates, and the Selection Panel.
The 2026 Selection Panel