What is this International Women’s Day 2025 spotlight about?

This blog shines a light on Deborah Mills-Burns and her experience co-hosting International Women’s Day 2025 events in the security sector. It shares reflections from the IPSA event at The Royal Society of Chemistry and from The Athena Effect, focusing on connection, courage and the power of women coming together.

Who attended the IPSA International Women’s Day security event?

The IPSA International Women’s Day event brought together inspiring women from across security, police and fire services. Speakers shared personal stories of resilience and breaking barriers in traditionally male dominated roles, giving the audience real insight into life and leadership in the security sector.

Why is Sarb Athwal mentioned in this article?

Sarb Athwal is highlighted for her powerful and courageous talk on honour based violence. Her willingness to share deeply personal experiences raised awareness of the realities of honour based abuse and reminded attendees why creating truly safe spaces for women is so important.

How was Dame Kelly Holmes involved in these International Women’s Day events?

At The Athena Effect event, Dame Kelly Holmes brought women together to explore topics such as menopause, mental health and working in male dominated industries. Deborah describes the honour of introducing her with spoken word poetry and reflects on the powerful, nurturing space that Dame Kelly created for open and honest conversation.

What is the main message of this International Women’s Day 2025 spotlight?

The core message is that when women come together they create power, purpose and possibility. The piece celebrates women who share their stories, challenge harmful norms and build communities of support across the security sector and beyond.

International Women’s Day Security Events 2025. A Spotlight on Deborah Mills-Burns

Deb Mills-Burns
Mar 13
2 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Person speaks at a podium labeled "The Athena Effect." Wears a black and white patterned shirt. Elegant lighting and decor in background. — ‘When women come together, we create Power, Purpose and Possibility’ - International Women’s Day Events 2025

On Thursday, 6th March, I had the absolute privilege of co-hosting the International Professional Security Association (IPSA) International Women’s Day event, held in the elegant surroundings of The Royal Society of Chemistry. Alongside the incredible Marie Tyler, whose energy and passion were infectious we welcomed an audience filled with inspiring women to celebrate, learn, and unite in a shared vision of empowerment across the security sector.

The day was electric from the very beginning. Our speakers took us on deeply personal journeys across the security, police, and fire services. Stories of determination, resilience, and breaking through barriers that still exist in traditionally male-dominated spaces were shared with such raw honesty. These women are the leaders, changemakers, and trailblazers redefining what it means to be in security today and they were generous enough to bring us into their world for the day.

Two women stand at a podium in a room. One speaks into a microphone. The podium reads "Royal Society of Chemistry." The setting is formal.

One speaker who profoundly moved me was Sarb Athwal. Sarb stood before us with a strength that took the breath out of the room, sharing her story and raising awareness about the brutal reality of honour-based violence. Her courage, as she relived experiences no one should have to endure, and her unwavering determination to put an end to these harmful practices, were formidable. It’s a moment I will carry with me always, a reminder of why our work in creating safe spaces matters.

Two people smiling, posing arm in arm. One wears a black and white suit, the other a patterned shirt. A screen with text in the background.

And then came a personal highlight I will never forget. The following day, Friday 7th March I had the honour of introducing the phenomenal Dame Kelly Holmes to the stage at The Athena Effect. Through spoken word poetry, I tried to capture even a fraction of what Dame Kelly represents to so many of us, strength, hope, and triumph against all odds.

Dame Kelly brought together a community of women who are challenging norms, breaking silences, and lifting each other higher. She created a space that was both powerful and nurturing, where real, raw conversations took place about the issues we often shy away from, like menopause, mental health, and the unique challenges women face in male-dominated industries.

Audience listens to a panel discussing "Women of Our Time." Illustration features diverse people in orange and teal, exuding an engaging mood.

International Women’s Day Security Events 2025. A Spotlight on Deborah Mills-Burns

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