6 - 8 November, 2026 · Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Connect. Grow. Inspire.
IKAT is a bi-annual conference for women leaders working in and for Southeast Asia to connect, learn from one another, and be inspired in their unique leadership journeys. Hosted by Harpswell in cities across the region, IKAT weaves together a diverse community of women and allies who share a commitment to leading positive change in Southeast Asia.
Join us this November in Phnom Penh for IKAT!
The
Experience
The inaugural IKAT gathering will be hosted in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital. Known for its rich history and dynamic culture, Phnom Penh offers the perfect backdrop for women leaders to connect, reflect, and imagine new possibilities for the region alongside their own leadership path.
IKAT will primarily take place at The Factory, a modern mixed-use creative hub that cultivates the next generation of entrepreneurs, makers, and creative professionals. This innovative space reflects the spirit of collaboration and creativity that defines IKAT.
IKAT is intentionally designed to prioritize community. The substance of the gathering, using the foundation of the Inner Development Goal framework, is guided by three core themes:
Women and Gender: Exploring the powerful role of women’s leadership and regional progress toward gender equity.
Southeast Asia: Understanding the region’s rich diversity, shared challenges, and boundless opportunity.
Leadership Development: Reflecting on the personal and collective journeys of women leaders, whatever their unique path.
Who should join IKAT?
IKAT is designed to weave together women and allies of all nationalities, professions, ages, and interests, united by a shared commitment to fostering women’s leadership and collaboration across Southeast Asia.
IKAT is for you if:
✷ You’re seeking to join and contribute to a network and friendships that last beyond the conference
✷ You’re open and excited to grow as a leader
✷ You’re eager to share your own experiences, insights and wisdom
✷ You believe in the power of women’s leadership in transforming systems and structures for good
✷ You’re invested in the future of Southeast Asia
IKAT is a ticketed gathering open to all. Participants arrange their own travel, accommodation and transport in Phnom Penh. Included in each ticket purchase is:
✷ Access to all IKAT sessions, activities, and workshops throughout the weekend
✷ One cocktail hour, two lunches and one dinner, alongside delicious coffee & tea breaks
✷ Access to the Harpswell alumnae sisterhood, including ongoing professional development opportunities
✷ A digital certificate of completion post-IKAT
Join IKAT today
Two Tickets, One Reason: At Harpswell, we believe in the power of collective action to uplift women leaders.
In order to ensure IKAT is accessible to one and all, our base ticket, Lotus, has been heavily discounted.
We invite those who are able to purchase the “true cost” ticket, Jasmine, to do so, investing in the diversity and sustainability of IKAT.
Why is it called IKAT?
IKAT’s name was inspired by the beautiful, traditional weaving found through-out Southeast Asia of the same name. Derived from the Malay word meaning “to tie” or “to bind,” ikat weaving is a time-honored tradition preserved by women artisans throughout the region.
IKAT aims to weave together women leaders, binding together their stories and wisdom across borders.
About Harpswell
Harpswell advances young women leaders in Southeast Asia with education, training and a supportive network. We envision a new generation of women leaders who create and inspire positive social change. We believe a community of educated women leaders constitutes the most powerful force for social and economic advances in Southeast Asia and beyond.