Launch of Deaf International Women's Day 2025

Organised by Deaf-initely Women, this empowering day will feature inspirational speakers, informative talks, and engaging workshops hosted by deaf artists. The event will also showcase a variety of stalls of art and handcrafted items made by deaf and deafblind women.  The event will offer valuable networking opportunities, providing a chance to connect with women of all hearing loss, from those who are hard-of-hearing and deafblind individuals to British Sign Language (BSL) users.
 
“We are proud to bring this important event to Derby, providing a space to celebrate the significant contributions of deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing women in our community,” said Teresa Waldron, CEO of Deaf-initely Women. “This event is not only about celebration—it’s a call to action for greater inclusivity, representation, and equality in all spheres of life.”
 
Let’s Celebrate Deaf Women’s Day 2025 promises to be an inspiring and empowering day for all attendees. It will shine a light on the achievements of deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing women, while also addressing the barriers they continue to face.
 
Programme Highlights:

• Yvonne Cobb, BBC/ITV lifestyle/cook presenter, discusses healthy living and eating for women.
• Deepa Shastri, BBC Deaf Zone Presenter, Actor and Theatre-maker, shares her inspiring journey.
• Jo Milne, Founder of Cure Usher, speaks on resilience and advocacy. Jo is an author, campaigner and consultant on curing deafblindness - Ushers Syndrome.
• Paula Garfield MBE, Artistic Director of Deafinitely Theatre, shares her creative success story including mentoring Rose Ayling-Ellis BBC Strictly Come Dancing Champion 2022.
• Tammy Broskom, Comedienne and Compere of LCDWD 2025
• Caroline Parker, Thespian and Actor, Comedienne and Compere of LCDWD 2025

In addition to the exciting speaker line-up, Derbyshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts, will officially open the event. One of the key sessions of the day will focus on ‘Catfishing’, led by Deborah Lush in collaboration with Derbyshire Constabulary. This important session will raise awareness of the 101 service and how deaf women can access support in times of need. It promises to be a valuable discussion on online safety and the resources available to the community.

The day will conclude with a complimentary raffle of 3-star prizes, followed by a warm farewell to close what promises to be an inspiring and empowering day.
 
Deaf-intely Women’s Chair, Janice Silo, said: “We are thrilled to bring this event to Derby and celebrate the achievements of Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard-of-Hearing women together. Let’s Celebrate Deaf Women’s Day is a chance to inspire, connect, and empower women of all ranges of hearing loss. We welcome everyone to join us in recognising their incredible contributions to all deaf women together.”
 
Let’s Celebrate Deaf Women’s Day 2025! is a great way to network, stay connected, and meet up with friends. Why not make a weekend of it? Visit the event, reconnect with friends, and take the time to explore the beautiful highlights of Derbyshire.
 
Why Attend?
This event is a unique platform to celebrate the achievements of deaf women, inspire others, and make connections.
 
Tickets and Accessibility
Admission is free, and the venue is fully accessible. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Join in on 8th March to celebrate the power and achievements of deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing women!