Own My Life Celebrated in Baroness Sara Hyde’s Maiden Speech for International Women’s Day

OML Admin
2 days ago
2 min read

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/7c3a0c_abe6e8da62484f65849f707b6863de91/720p/mp4/file.mp4

Part of Baroness Hyde's speech

We were deeply honoured to hear Own My Life featured in the maiden speech of Baroness Sara Hyde in the House of Lords for International Women’s Day 2026.

In her speech, Baroness Hyde celebrated the work of women making a difference; firstly Karolina Bober and Catherine Bridie’s pioneering work in the London Borough of Islington to make women safer and we were incredibly proud that she also chose to highlight the work of Own My Life.

She spoke enthusiastically about our brilliant founder, Natalie Collins, recognising the powerful work she has done in supporting women to reclaim their voices and rebuild their lives. In true style, the speech didn’t shy away from celebrating women’s bodies - yes, vaginas made an appearance - but most importantly she centred the real stories of women across the UK who have taken back ownership of their lives.

Those women are the reason we exist.

Their courage, resilience and determination inspire everything we do, and we were overjoyed to hear their words and stories shared in Parliament.

We were especially delighted that Baroness Hyde closed her speech by quoting Shannon, one of the remarkable women who, alongside Natalie, featured in the BBC documentary Lover, Liar, Predator. She encouraged everyone to watch the film - something we would also wholeheartedly recommend.

International Women’s Day can sometimes feel complex. It is a moment to celebrate the women in our lives and the incredible progress that has been made, but it is also a reminder of how much further we still have to go.

At Own My Life, wherever possible, we choose joy and hope. That’s why we are so grateful that Baroness Hyde used her first speech in the House of Lords to celebrate women; their strength, their stories, and the power of reclaiming their lives.

This International Women’s Day, we invite you to join us and Baroness Hyde in celebrating the women in your life: the ones who support you, challenge you, inspire you, and remind you of the power of courage and community.