The Maya Centre celebrated International Women’s Day at the Islington Assembly Hall on the 10th of January 2025. The event aimed to celebrate the achievements of the Women Hub Project as it comes to an end, promote empowerment, and encourage collaboration across various sectors. A diverse group of participants and organisations attended including Protection Approaches, a charity working to tackle all forms of identity-based violence and mass atrocities, Solace, who offer free advice and support to women and children in London to build safe and strong lives, as well as other industry leaders, and community members. The event featured a variety of activities, including inspiring speeches, interactive workshops, and opportunities for personal relaxation and professional networking.

Speech by CEO

The event commenced with an inspiring speech by the Maya Centre’s CEO, Gona Saed, who highlighted the significance of International Women’s Day in acknowledging the contributions of the Maya Centre to the borough of Islington. In her speech, the CEO explained the Maya Centre’s founding in the early 1980s, based on feminist collective principles and driven by the belief that all women deserved access to free mental health services. Since its inception, the centre has evolved into a women-for-women service in response to community feedback, now offering a range of services including one-on-one therapy for over 237 women annually, as well as group therapy, psychoeducational workshops, and creative workshops in drama and art. She also touched on the specialised services that have been in operation such as the Irish Women’s Project, the Black Women’s Project, and long-term counselling for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Outlining the Maya Centre’s work was key in informing the attendees how supporting women’s healing journeys can help them recover from the trauma they’ve faced.

Guest Speakers

Following on from the CEO’s speech, the event featured a series of presentations by influential women from the borough of Islington. Speakers included the mayor of Islington, Anjna Khurana, Councillor Sheila Chapman, Executive Member for Equalities, Communities & Inclusion, and Councillor Saiqa Pandor, Women & Girls Champion. These speakers shared their personal experiences, achievements, and the challenges they have faced in their respective fields, inspiring the attendees to pursue their own goals and break through barriers.

Presentation by The Women Hub

The Women Hub Project was set up to empower women in Islington. They presented an impactful overview of the various workshops delivered to the local borough of Islington, highlighting their commitment to community engagement and empowerment. They reached a total of 751 women through its workshops, with 601 women actively participating in all activities. A variety of workshops, peer support groups, and events were hosted, and several partnerships have been formed with charities, community centres, and organisations. Among the initiatives were cooking workshops that fostered culinary skills and cultural exchange, Wellbeing Saturdays promoting mental health and social connection, Movement and Scent sessions designed to enhance physical well-being through mindfulness, and the Song Club, which encouraged creativity and self-expression through music. Each workshop not only addressed specific community needs but also created a supportive environment for participants to connect and thrive which was seen through the various photos that were presented by the team.

Through the Women’s Hub Project, a women’s leaders group was also created consisting of service users, clients, and independent members of the community who were involved in shaping the services they wanted to see. As the Women’s Hub comes to an end, this event served as a poignant reminder of the positive impact these programs have made in the community and the lasting connections formed among participants. We are going to be continuing our community work via Islington Mind on our shared women sanctuary day where we will be continuing some of the great initiatives championed by the Women’s Hub. More details to follow soon.

Well-being activities

Nail Manicure Service: To add an element of relaxation and pampering, a nail manicure service was offered to attendees. This service allowed women to take a break and enjoy a moment of self-care, helping to create a calm and friendly atmosphere during the event.

Laughing Yoga Session: A light-hearted and refreshing laughing yoga session was led by Lina Syprou, a certified yoga instructor. This activity encouraged participants to release tension, promote relaxation, and boost mood through laughter. It was an excellent icebreaker and helped set a positive and relaxed tone for the rest of the event.

Reiki Healing: Reiki healing is one of the three complimentary therapy services provided at the Maya Centre. Taster Reiki sessions were provided at the event by Gemma Durban, our certified Reiki practitioner. These sessions allowed attendees to experience the benefits of energy healing, promoting relaxation, balance, and well-being. It was a popular activity for those looking for an opportunity to recharge during the event.

NHS Bus Service: The NHS bus service offered the opportunity for women to take advantage of health screenings including glucose checks and blood pressure checks and receive valuable advice on maintaining their well-being. It was a great chance to prioritise health and seek professional guidance in a convenient and accessible way.

Information Stalls

A variety of information stalls were set up by different organisations and groups supporting women’s rights including Protection Approaches and Solace. These stalls provided attendees with useful resources, literature, and information available for women in need of support.

Networking Opportunities

Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to network with other professionals, community leaders, and like-minded individuals. A dedicated networking session provided space for discussions, sharing experiences, and forming valuable connections that could lead to collaborations or career advancements.

A light lunch was served, providing attendees with a chance to relax and socialise while enjoying a variety of sandwiches and refreshments. Those that were fasting were served a takeaway style lunch box prepared by our volunteers beforehand. The lunch setting fostered a casual, welcoming atmosphere and encouraged conversation and relationship-building.

End of event well-being bags

The event concluded on a thoughtful note, as attendees were given wellbeing bags to take home. These thoughtfully curated bags included a variety of soothing items aimed at promoting relaxation and self-care. Bags also consisted of bath and skin care products which were generously donated to the Maya Centre by global cosmetics retailer, Lush. A huge thank you to them for their donation in supporting the event. The gesture reflected the event’s commitment to supporting mental and emotional wellbeing, offering attendees a little something to help them unwind and nurture themselves after a day of reflection and empowerment.

The International Women’s Day event successfully brought together a diverse group of women and organisations, fostering empowerment, education, and relaxation. It marked the end of the Women’s Hub Project and all their hard work and efforts, but also the beginning of many more initiatives. The combination of inspirational speeches, workshops, relaxation services, and networking opportunities made the event a valuable and memorable experience for all attendees. It highlighted the importance of supporting women in all areas of life and provided a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering connections that can have a lasting impact.

The event was a true celebration of the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere, and it served as a reminder of the ongoing need to work toward women’s rights and empowerment for all.