Crossroads Derbyshire hold inspiring International Women's Day event

Gamesley Community Centre was buzzing with conversation and celebration on Friday 6th March as Crossroads Derbyshire hosted an International Women’s Day event.

The event, held in partnership with High Peak MP Jon Pearce, shone a spotlight on violence against women and girls, hidden disabilities and the power of inclusive communities. 

Attendees were treated to a series of inspiring speeches from local figures. Dr Fatima Eltinay, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, and Dr Shirley Woods‑Gallagher offered powerful insights, while author Johanne Lee also shared her experiences. Each speaker helped bring the day’s theme to life, and MP Jon Pearce highlighted the importance of community-led action, education and leadership. 

In his talk, Jon highlighted the work of the police to reduce violence against women and girls, stressing that the ambition must be to halve such violence within the next decade. He warned that progress is threatened by harmful online content, with algorithms pushing “toxic masculinity” to boys and damaging body‑image and self‑harm material to girls.  

Citing research that 40% of girls under 16 report experiencing some form of abuse in relationships, Jon also raised concern that a similar proportion of boys hold a positive view of online influencer Andrew Tate. He argued that these attitudes pose a serious challenge for the next generation and called for society‑wide action and better education to counter misogyny and abuse.  

In a powerful address, Dr Shirley Woods‑Gallagher spoke about being autistic, the experience of being “outed” and the broader issue of hidden disabilities. She argued that disclosure of autism or other conditions should always be a person’s own choice, warning that forced outing is about “power and control” and can be used to sabotage people and reinforce stereotypes.  

Dr Woods‑Gallagher criticised workplace cultures that treat reasonable adjustments and flexible, inclusive working as separate issues, insisting they are “part of the same continuum”. As more people reach middle age with health conditions, caring responsibilities or disabled family members, she said, employers must have honest conversations so that “a happy workforce turns up to work”.  

Describing herself as “unapologetically autistic”, Dr Woods‑Gallagher urged people not to be embarrassed about who they are and to reject stigma. She warned that pretending autistic people do not exist “sets a really poor example” to children and young people at a time when they “need us adults more than ever”.  

She illustrated her journey with the image of the “fire lily”, a flower that lies dormant underground for years until a forest fire awakens it, allowing a richer, more biodiverse rainforest to grow. Although being outed was “horrendous”, she said it had enabled her to help build “this fantastic rainforest” of neuro-inclusion in Glossop, Tameside and beyond, where people can finally talk openly about autism and inclusion.  

Reflecting on the afternoon, Jon said it was “a really great event” and praised the community for turning out in such numbers to engage with difficult but vital conversations. He emphasised that education, open discussion and local leadership are crucial to challenging abuse, supporting neurodivergent people and creating a more inclusive society for the next generation. 

Crossroads Derbyshire have since thanked everyone who attended, noting the strong community turnout and the generosity of those who donated, raising over £120 to support victims and children affected by domestic abuse. The charity provides outreach, recovery, and specialist services for adults, children, and young people exposed to domestic abuse.