9 pieces of advice these award nominees won’t forget
Plus: ⚖️ Better work rights 🔬 Groundbreaking medical research ✍️ Changemakers
We’re told a lot of things over the course of our lives, but sometimes you get a piece of advice so good, it can shape who you become. At the 2026 Olivier Awards, we asked nominees and winners to share the best piece of advice they’ve received from a woman - the kind that’s guided their careers and helped get them to where they are today. Their answers were thoughtful, unexpected, and far too good to keep to ourselves…
In this issue of Take The Lead, we’re spotlighting two long-overdue milestones for women. First, the creation of a 3D-printed anatomical map of the clitoris - an organ that has been historically overlooked and under-researched in medicine. Then, a look at groundbreaking changes to women’s workplace rights in the UK, set to have a significant impact, particularly for low-paid women.
We also sat down with Gugu Mbatha-Raw ahead of her new Amazon Prime Video film Fuze, where she spoke about finding agency and making a difference, even when the world feels overwhelming. And Kerry Washington opened up candidly about her abortion, and the wider fight for women’s health rights, on an episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast.
Enjoy, share it with your friends, and let us know what you think!
The Female Lead Team
We’re talking about…
🧬 Mapping the clitoris properly - For the first time, scientists have created a detailed 3D map of the clitoris - a breakthrough led by Ju Young Lee at Amsterdam University Medical Center. Using high-energy X-rays on donated tissue, the study reveals the full network of nerves linked to sexual pleasure.
For decades, the clitoris has been overlooked in medical research, with understanding trailing far behind male anatomy (which was mapped properly nearly 30 years ago). This new mapping will help to correct outdated ideas and change how surgery is done, helping doctors avoid nerve damage during pelvic procedures and better protect sexual function.
⚖️ Stronger rights at work - New protections under the Employment Rights Act 2025 are set to make working life fairer for women across the UK, with changes rolling out through 2026 and 2027. Big shifts include mandatory menopause support plans in larger companies, stronger protections during pregnancy and after returning to work, and tougher expectations on employers to prevent sexual harassment - including from customers. Employers will also have to show how they’re actually closing gender pay gaps, not just reporting them.
Inspire me…
“We’re all more the same than we are different”
Actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador Gugu Mbatha-Raw told The Female Lead how she believes people can make their own difference in the world.
The Female Lead attended the Olivier Awards with Cunard Green carpet on Sunday, 12th April, and while there was plenty of talk about performances and nominations, we were more interested in something else - advice that actually works.
We asked nominees, winners, and guests about the best piece of advice they’ve ever received from a woman - the kind that’s guided their careers and helped get them to where they are today. Their answers were thoughtful, unexpected, and far too good not to share.
Final thought…
“Your opinion is yours… but my bodily autonomy… that needs to be mine”
Kerry Washington opened up about her own abortion on the Call Her Daddy podcast.
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