The first half of the year has seen many ‘women champions’ and campaigns ‘championing women’ in Devon.
In March, a Devon vicar was in New York to champion women’s justice at the UN: “Rev’d Lizzi Green, Team Vicar of Plympton St Mary Church attended the UN Commission on the Status of Women as Chaplain to the conference.”
Also in March, on International Women’s Day, 26 inspiring Devon ladies to be proud of were championed by Devon Live: “We’re celebrating all of the inspiring women who are creating change and making the world a better place for future generations.”
And in a further report, we heard how Barnstaple united to celebrate women’s empowerment at the Pannier Market: “From mental health support to community activism, International Women’s Day in Barnstaple was a powerful celebration of local women.”
Also, Sidmouth College launched the new Empowering Girls programme: “A new mentoring programme has been launched to help girls succeed in their future careers. The Empowering Girls scheme at Sidmouth College pairs Year 9 students with women from various industries, including finance, healthcare, law, and project management.”
In April, Devon Live ran a report on a Devon woman’s topless runs – which were no gimmick: “Louise Butcher doesn’t run for medals or attention. She runs topless—deliberately and defiantly—to challenge the shame that too many women carry in silence after breast cancer. At 51, and having chosen not to undergo reconstructive surgery following a double mastectomy, she’s turned her body into a banner for visibility and strength. Her chest is bare. Her message, bold.”
In May, Exeter welcomed the Women’s Rugby World Cup: “As part of a nationwide three-week tour, the prestigious Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 trophy will make a special stop in the city – giving fans and media a unique opportunity to get up close to the prize at the heart of this record-breaking tournament.”
We are well under way with the season, as Budleigh Salterton hosts Devon Women cricket: “County standard cricket is coming to Budleigh in a move that recognises facilities at the town’s club as ‘second to none’ in the region, as Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club announces to members that its new home The Holt has been chosen as host for Devon Women’s home fixtures for the 2025 campaign.”
Finally, earlier this month, a Devon woman won a national business award: “Plymouth-based Dawn Fazackerley, 55, has been awarded a national business award after being named ‘Direct Seller of the Year’ at the UK’s Diamonds of Direct Selling Awards. The accolade is awarded to the person who best reflects the benefits of working in the direct selling industry, and followed a nomination by Avon, after she set up her own business with the company in 2014.”
All very positive stories: let’s look forward to more over the next six months!
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