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.