A STARRY AND EMPOWERING GATHERING CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY INSPIRATION ABOUNDS AS HELLO! LAUNCHES ITS MIDLIFE INITIATIVE

International Women's Day saw HELLO! host a group of inspirational women for brunch at Langan's Brasserie in London's Mayfair to celebrate the progress women are making in the business world, discuss the barriers still in place - and celebrate the launch of our new midlife content pillar Second Act.

From Olympians Tessa Sanderson, Dame Kelly Holmes and Michelle Griffith-Robinson to trailblazing TV presenters Andrea McLean - a champion for reframing menopause as a time of rebirth and Julia Bradbury, who has been vocal about her breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent double mastectomy, the dining room was abuzz with uplifiting, thought-provoking conversation.

"We need to shift the narrative from praising women for doing it all, to encouraging others to help us, so we don't need to be lauded for doing everything," Andrea said.

Dame Kelly, meanwhile, reminded guests it's not only mothers who carry a heavy load; women without children also shoulder the needs of others.

"Our burden should not go unnoticed," she said, to loud applause.

As they settled into their seats to listen to the inspiring women in the plush brasserie decked out with inspiring artwork, courtesy of HELLO!'s partner Not on the High Street, guests opened their goodie bags, which were packed with supplements from GoPro Joint Health and BlueIron, who also kindly supported our event.