Women in leadership - with Anna Lord and Monwara Ali

Women in leadership takes centre stage in this third episode of Let's Talk Fundraising, the official podcast from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising - the charity that champions a lifetime of impact, a career in fundraising.

Host Tim Beynon is joined by guest co-host Claire Stanley - Director of Policy and Communications at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising - for an honest and at times personal conversation about what it really takes for women to reach the top in the fundraising and third sector. Despite women making up 60% of the charity workforce, only 32 of the top 100 charities are led by women.

The episode features an in-depth interview with Anna Lord, CEO of Ethiopiaid UK, and Monwara Ali MBE, motivational speaker and women in leadership coach, covering the gender pay gap, the compounded barriers facing women from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, the role of mentorship, and what organisations need to change structurally to open up leadership for women.

Drawing on data showing that the gender pay gap in the sector stands at 10.6% - equivalent to nearly £7,000 a year - and that only 6% of charity CEOs identify as Asian or from a minoritised ethnic background, this episode makes a powerful case for why the sector must move beyond conversation and into action.

The discussion also explores imposter syndrome, the impact of maternity leave on career progression and the importance of backing yourself - and each other.

Anna has worked for Ethiopiaid for 11 years, stepping into the CEO role almost a year before this episode was recorded. Ethiopiaid was founded in 1989 and operates a partner-led model, supporting 14 Ethiopian charities across areas including maternal health, disability, education, emergency relief, and increasingly, climate change mitigation. The organisation has a team of 12 and Anna is passionate about creating an empowering culture in which every team member feels able to take the lead.

Monwara has worked across the charity sector for over 32 years, from youth work and women's refuges to Camden local authority and a 15-year stint as CEO of Waltham Forest Community Hub. She is now a motivational speaker, coach and mentor specialising in helping women grow into leadership roles. She also leads mountain-climbing retreats, including trips to Snowdon and Austria, as a tool for building confidence and resilience.

Monwara was awarded an MBE in the King's New Year's Honours List 2026.

Connect with our guests and contributors

Claire Stanley - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairestanleypr/

Anna Lord - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-lord-ethiopiaid/ 

Monwara Ali MBE - https://www.linkedin.com/in/monwara-ali/ 

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Produced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk