Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025

Happy International Women’s Day to you all! Today is a day to celebrate the triumphs of women around the world and serves as an opportunity to highlight the contributions of women from all walks of life. We are talking about seven exceptional women who have made significant impacts in the disabled community, breaking barriers and inspiring others: Georgina Colman, Samantha Renke, Victoria Jenkins, Millie Flemington-Clare, Liesje Dusauzay, Sophie Morgan and Sam Cleasby.

1. Georgina Colman: Founder of Purpl Discounts

How could we start with anyone but our very own Georgina Colman! She is the founder of Purpl Discounts, the UK’s first discount site exclusively for disabled people in the UK. Recognising the financial barriers faced by many disabled people, Georgina created Purpl Discounts to make everyday products and services more accessible and affordable and to make a difference to her community.

Her journey into entrepreneurship stems from her lived experience with disability and her determination to break down economic and social barriers. She lives with MS and ADHD and wanted to create a space that not only provides practical financial support but also fosters a sense of community and empowerment among its members.

Through Purpl Discounts, Georgina is reshaping the landscape of consumer accessibility and proving that inclusive business models can drive positive change. She is our fearless leader, always ready with ideas and hard work and will never stop striving for making Purpl the most accessible, supportive and informative space for the disabled community.

She ensures that Purpl gives money to disability charities and her long term aim is to build a Purpl Foundation to give grants to disabled people in the UK.

Georgina is a white woman with long dark straight hair, she is wearing a sleeveless red top and jeans and is walking outdoors on a path with green trees and bushes round her and is using two walking sticks

2. Samantha Renke: Actress, Author, and Disability Campaigner

Samantha Renke is an actress, author, and disability rights campaigner who has made significant strides in challenging perceptions of disability in the media and society. Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (brittle bone disease), Samantha has spent her life navigating physical challenges, but her determination and resilience have propelled her to success.

Samantha is best known for her role in the Maltesers television advert, which broke new ground in disability representation on mainstream TV. She has also written extensively on issues affecting disabled people, including access, representation, and mental health. Sam’s memoir, You Are The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread, explores her journey, touching on themes of self-acceptance, confidence, and living life unapologetically.

An ambassador for various charities, including Scope, Samantha uses her platform to promote disability rights and challenge outdated narratives. Her candid discussions about her experiences have resonated with many, making her a leading figure in the conversation around disability and inclusion in the UK.

Samantha Renke is a white woman with long blonde hair, she is wearing a peach sweater — Samantha Renke via Instagram

3. Victoria Jenkins: Designing for Inclusivity

Victoria Jenkins is a fashion designer and founder of Unhidden, a clothing brand designed for people with disabilities and chronic conditions. After being diagnosed with a chronic illness that required multiple surgeries, Victoria recognised the lack of adaptive fashion available to disabled people. This realisation inspired her to create a brand that prioritises both style and accessibility.

Unhidden is revolutionising the fashion industry by addressing the practical needs of disabled people without compromising on design. Victoria’s clothing designs include features such as hidden seams, easy-access fastenings, and adaptable cuts to accommodate mobility aids and medical equipment.

Victoria has been vocal about the fashion industry’s lack of inclusivity and works tirelessly to push for greater representation of disabled bodies on runways and in campaigns. Her work has not only provided stylish solutions for disabled individuals but has also sparked important conversations about diversity and inclusion in fashion.

In recognition of her groundbreaking work, Victoria has been nominated for numerous awards and continues to advocate for a fashion industry that embraces all bodies and abilities.

Victoria Jenkins is a white woman, she has shoulder length dark hair and is wearing a royal blue blouse and is leaning on a turquoise mannequin — Victoria Jenkins Via Instagram

4. Millie Flemington-Clare: Founder of Human Beauty

Millie Flemington-Clare is the founder of Human Beauty, an ethical and inclusive beauty brand that celebrates diversity. Millie, who lives with a disability, launched Human Beauty with the vision of creating products that are accessible and suitable for all, regardless of ability.

The beauty industry has often been criticised for its lack of representation and accessibility. Millie’s mission with Human Beauty is to change that narrative by offering products designed with disabled users in mind. From easy-to-open packaging to inclusive marketing campaigns, Millie’s brand challenges the industry’s conventional standards.

Millie also uses her platform to raise awareness about the intersection of disability and beauty. She challenges the perception that beauty is tied to able-bodiedness and promotes the idea that beauty comes in many forms. Through Human Beauty, Millie aims to empower disabled people and encourage the beauty industry to adopt more inclusive practices.

Her efforts have garnered widespread recognition, with Human Beauty being celebrated as a brand that truly represents the diverse needs of consumers. Millie’s leadership and advocacy are reshaping the beauty landscape, making it more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Millie is a white woman, she has brown hair with pink streaks in the front and is holding a Human Beauty Makeup therapy colour palette

5. Liesje Dusauzay: CEO of Sparkle Sheffield

Liesje Dusauzay, founder and CEO of Sparkle Sheffield, has significantly impacted the lives of families with autistic children. Established in 2014, Sparkle Sheffield began as a small parent-led support group and has grown into a vital charity offering a range of services, including family support, educational resources, and social activities.

The charity’s efforts have been recognised with awards such as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2022. Beyond local initiatives, Sparkle Sheffield has influenced broader policy discussions, advocating for the rights of disabled individuals during critical health care decisions.

Liesje co-hosted a radio show on BBC Radio Sheffield with our Marketing Manager Sam Cleasby bringing the community together to talk about family matters, mental health, disability and lots more. Sparkle Sheffield celebrated it’s 10th birthday in 2014 and Liesje humbly said the group would not have survived without the army of volunteers who were their “heart and soul”.

They are the driving force behind everything we do. We are a community united by our experiences, determined to make a difference.
Liesje Dusauzay

Liesje Dusauzay is a black woman with black shoulder length hair, she is wearing a red dress and silver necklace and earrings

6. Sophie Morgan: Broadcaster and Disability Advocate

Sophie Morgan is a British television presenter and disability rights advocate known for her work in raising awareness about disability issues. After sustaining a spinal cord injury in a car accident at the age of 18, Sophie became paralysed from the chest down. Despite this life-changing event, Sophie pursued her ambitions and has become one of the most prominent disabled figures in British media.

Sophie first came to public attention when she participated in BBC Two’s Beyond Boundaries, a documentary series following disabled individuals on an expedition across Nicaragua. Since then, she has presented numerous television programmes, including coverage of the Paralympic Games and documentaries on disability and social justice.

Beyond broadcasting, Sophie is a passionate campaigner for disability rights. She works closely with organisations that promote accessibility and inclusion and has been recognised with several awards for her advocacy. Sophie uses her platform to challenge misconceptions about disability, highlighting the achievements and capabilities of disabled people worldwide.

Sophie Morgan is a white woman with long blonde hair, she is a wheelchair user and is wearing sunglasses and a black tshirt, she is on a tree lined road and is smiling — Sophie Morgan via Instagram

Sam Cleasby: Disabled Artist and Disability Activist

Sam Cleasby is our marketing manager, but she is also a disabled artist and disability activist who has made significant contributions to the disability community. As an advocate for disability rights, she has used her platform at So Bad Ass to challenge societal perceptions of disability and chronic illness.

Through her powerful art and personal storytelling, Sam has highlighted the lived experiences of disabled people, addressing issues such as body image, accessibility, and the importance of representation and she is part way through her Master’s in Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion.

Sam has won awards such as Blogger of the Year and Women of Sheffield Award for Creativity, she was honoured in the 2018 Shaw Trust Power 100 of the most influential disabled people in the UK and was shortlisted in 2024.

She was a radio presenter for BBC Sheffield and now is marketing manager for Purpl, she specialises in storytelling and connection with her honest and unapologetic approach to discussing disability. Her advocacy has helped change the narrative around disability, encouraging a more inclusive and accessible society.

Sam Cleasby is a brown woman of indian and british descent she is sat backwards on a chair and is laughing with her eyes closed, she has short curly brown hair

The Importance of Representation and Inclusion

The stories of Georgina Colman, Samantha Renke, Victoria Jenkins, Millie Flemington-Clare, Liesje Dusauzay, Sophie Morgan and Sam Cleasby highlight the importance of representation and inclusion. These women are not only excelling in their respective fields but are also using their platforms to challenge societal norms and advocate for change.

Representation matters because it allows people to see themselves reflected in all aspects of society. When disabled women are visible in media, fashion, business, and advocacy, it challenges stereotypes and shifts perceptions. It sends a powerful message that disability does not define a person’s abilities or limit their potential.

However, representation alone is not enough. There must also be meaningful inclusion, where disabled people are provided with equal opportunities to participate and succeed. This requires systemic changes, such as improving accessibility in public spaces, ensuring inclusive education and employment practices, and promoting policies that protect the rights of disabled individuals.

Breaking Barriers and Creating Change

The women featured in this article are breaking barriers in various ways:

Georgina Colman is transforming the consumer landscape through Purpl Discounts, making products and services more affordable for disabled people and offsetting the extra costs of living as a disabled person in the UK.
Sam Renke is using her platform in media and literature to change perceptions and promote self-acceptance.
Victoria Jenkins is revolutionising the fashion industry by designing clothing that is both stylish and accessible.
Millie Flemington-Clare is reshaping the beauty industry with products and campaigns that celebrate diversity and inclusivity.
Liesje Dusauzay is creating support for autistic children, their parents and families through bold and ambitious plans.
Sophie Morgan is raising awareness about disability issues and advocating for change through her work in broadcasting.
Sam Cleasby has spent over twelve years creating connections through storytelling and community.

Looking Ahead: Building a More Inclusive Future

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is essential to reflect on how we can continue to support and uplift disabled women. This includes:

Promoting Accessibility: Ensuring that physical spaces, digital platforms, and services are accessible to all.
Challenging Stereotypes: Addressing and dismantling harmful stereotypes and assumptions about disability.
Supporting Representation: Encouraging media, fashion, and business industries to represent disabled people authentically and respectfully.
Advocating for Policy Change: Supporting legislation and policies that protect the rights of disabled individuals and promote inclusion.

The achievements of Georgina Colman, Sam Renke, Victoria Jenkins, Millie Flemington-Clare, Liesje Dusauzay, Sophie Morgan and Sam Cleasby remind us that disability is not a barrier to success. We celebrate their achievements and recognise the challenges they continue to face as well as acknowledging their contributions and the unique perspectives they bring. Their stories inspire us to build a society where every woman, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.

Their work not only challenges societal norms but also creates opportunities for others. As we look to the future, let us commit to building a more inclusive society, one where disabled women are seen, heard, and empowered to achieve their dreams.

This International Women’s Day, let us celebrate the resilience, strength, and brilliance of disabled women who continue to inspire change and break barriers across the UK.