The Lord Mayor’s Appeal has announced the launch of We Can Be 2026, with Eastern City BID subsidising participation for local businesses, supporting with event running costs and volunteering for facilitator duties throughout the afternoon.

We Can Be was created in response to research showing that young women are often more likely than their male peers to have lower career aspirations, believe they must work harder to achieve the same level of success, and perceive certain professions as inaccessible due to their gender (Prince’s Trust Perceptions Survey; Girlguiding Attitudes Survey).

The programme aims to challenge these perceptions by raising aspirations, helping participants recognise their strengths, and inspiring them to explore a wider range of careers — including those within the City of London. It also seeks to dispel the myths and stereotypes that continue to shape how the City is viewed as a workplace.

We Can Be 2026 centres around a flagship event on Thursday, 12th February 2026. During the morning, leading businesses from across the Square Mile will welcome young women into their offices for an interactive introduction to their sectors. Participants will gain insight into a variety of professions and have the chance to engage directly with employees at all levels, including senior leaders.

In the afternoon, everyone will come together at the historic Guildhall for a plenary event bringing over 300 young women and their host businesses into one inspiring space, putting the morning’s learning into action through collaboration and shared experience.

The benefits of participation are wide-ranging. For schools, We Can Be enhances their careers curriculum with a high-quality, experiential initiative. For businesses, it provides an opportunity to connect with and learn from the next generation of talent – young women who may one day be part of their early careers programmes.

Watch the 2025 recap video here

To find out more, please contact the We Can Be Initiative Manager at carla.emmanuel@thelordmayorsappeal.org.