Margaret Atwood: Voice of Many Generations on Power, Access and Equality Speaking at Take The Lead Conference August 26
"Power is power," Margaret Atwood tells an audience recently at Syracuse University. "If you give some people more than others, they'll take it."
She says she is the “same type of feminist as Anita Hill-- one who believes in improving process and laws.” Atwood adds, "The more gender equality there is in a society, the less abuse there is."
This is why Atwood, 86, who has published more than 50 books of fiction, essays, poetry and a more recent memoir, is the keynote speaker at Take The Lead’s Power Up Conference 2026 in Washington, D.C. on Women’s Equality Day August 26. The theme of the conference is "Audacity: Leadership in Action."
Go Red: What The Handmaid's Tale Gets Right About Power
We were speeding along from Arizona to Michigan in my husband’s red Ferrari in the summer of 1986.
He got four tickets. I was reading Margaret Atwood’s all-too-prescient book, The Handmaid’s Tale and trying not to notice the
speedometer. Ironically, 1986, the year The Handmaid’s Tale was published in the U.S. portending the stripping away of women’s rights, was the start of the three-year celebration of the 200th anniversary of the United States Constitution. “It was never about piety. It was always about power.”
Take The Lead Power Up - Audacity: Leadership in Action 2026 Concert & Conference
Everyone is talking about "The Testaments" on Hulu right now. This August, you won't just be watching it, you'll be in the room with Margaret Atwood. Join us in Washington, D.C. for a rare live appearance from one of the most influential voices of our time, plus a full day of speakers who challenge you, solutions that move you forward, and connections with women who get it. Breakfast together. Lunch together. Snacks in between. And when the last session ends, you don't go home, you dance.
August 26. Spots are limited. Early bird rates through April 30.
Join Dr. Randee Sanders, Founder of Design Not Default Academy, and Take The Lead Power Tool Champion of Power Tool # 1: Know Your History, in conversation with Felicia Davis, founder of Haus of Vocal
Empowerment.
Women professionals not working a standard week in the office were more likely to end up in less prestigious careers than those in full-time work, according to a study of 12K women and 10K men in UK. “Employees who use flexible working arrangements may be viewed as less committed, less available or less promotable, contributing to what has been termed the flexibility stigma," the study shows.
Take The Lead prepares, develops, inspires, and propels all women of all diversities and intersectionalities to take their fair and equal share of leadership positions across all sectors. Learn more at www.taketheleadwomen.com.
