Book IWD Speaker: Joanna Foat

Giving voice to forgotten women’s history through powerful storytelling, inspiring equality & lasting change

Joanna Foat is an author, historian and speaker whose work brings overlooked women back into the centre of our national story — asking who history remembers, who it forgets, and why that still matters today.

Best known for her pioneering research into the Women’s Timber Corps – the World War II women affectionately known as the Lumberjills – Joanna has spent more than a decade uncovering these powerful stories that were overlooked, undervalued and quietly erased.

She has travelled across Britain to meet surviving veterans, written and curated a touring exhibition for Forestry England, and brought these women’s experiences to life through non-fiction, historical novels, articles and public talks.

Joanna’s speaking combines powerful storytelling with meticulous research and a strong contemporary lens.

Her work challenges traditional narratives of heroism by revealing how women stepped into physically demanding, dangerous roles and reshaped ideas of work, strength and leadership in times of crisis.

Joanna contributed to VE Day 80 celebrations at the Royal Albert Hall and to BBC One’s The Nation Remembers.

She has delivered over 200 talks, and whether speaking to corporate audiences, festivals or community groups, she connects past and present to show how history shapes the opportunities women have today.

Her media interviews include BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, TV’s How We Won The War, Walking Wartime Britain, BBC South TV, and Dan Snow’s History Hit Podcast.

Aligned closely with the aims of International Women’s Day, Joanna’s talks explore equality, visibility and women’s leadership — connecting historic struggles with the challenges women continue to face today.

She speaks about reclaiming space for women in traditionally male-dominated industries, amplifying unheard voices, and recognising the power of collective action, resilience and solidarity.

Alongside her work as an author and speaker, Joanna is a communications consultant working in the environmental and conservation sector, where she champions equality, representation and the protection of the natural world.

Joanna’s talks are engaging, accessible and emotionally resonant — blending humour, humanity and challenge.

She leaves audiences inspired, informed, and asking better questions about visibility, power and whose stories still need to be told.

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