Celebrate International Women's Day

Sunday March 8th is International Women's Day - a global day recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while calling for accelerated action towards gender equality. Here at GCDA Learning we believe in supporting women to achieve their goals and to thrive as individuals and as members of the wider community.

Today we would like to share the story of GCDA Learner Kitty Noofah - an incredible woman that we are proud to profile on International Women's Day. Read on to find out more about her inspiring story.

Kitty Noofah at London Fashion Week

For me, International Women's Day is deeply personal. After everything I've been through, illness, a year in a coma, and learning to live life again as a wheelchair user, it reminds me that women have an incredible ability to rebuild, adapt, and keep going even when life changes completely.

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Kitty Noofah, who is originally from Thailand, is a professional make-up artist as well as a mum of one. Over the years she has worked with a wide range of luxury brands including Chanel, Charlotte Tilbury and Guerlain. However, in 2019 Kitty was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and the following year faced a severe flare-up and emergency surgery. She was placed in a coma, but her chances of survival looked slim.

Against all the odds, Kitty came round but initially found herself paralysed from the neck down. It took huge determination and effort to get to the stage where she could use a wheelchair. Kitty was discharged from hospital in 2025 - her life completely changed. That's when we met Kitty.

She talked to us about how GCDA Learning has been an important part of her journey.

Kitty with GCDA tutors Mary Jane and Gary

"GCDA came along at just the right moment. It helped me rebuild my confidence, my sense of purpose, and self-belief. I enrolled for the cookery clubs as well as several different culinary and business courses including website development, social media and product marketing. The courses reminded me of who I am beyond my illness and also supported my mental health."

What was the level of teaching like?

“The teaching was excellent. The tutors were patient, helpful and inclusive, which made learning feel safe and enjoyable, especially whilst adjusting to life as a wheelchair user. I always felt understood and encouraged to do my best.”

How did you find the social aspect of GCDA Learning?

“The people I met through GCDA courses were kind, supportive, and inspiring. Being surrounded by others who understood personal challenges and encouraged one another made me feel less alone. It was comforting to be part of a community where everyone supported each other’s progress and growth.” 

How have you put the skills you learned in GCDA Learning’s culinary courses into practice?

“The cooking courses as well as GCDA’s cookery clubs helped me rebuild my confidence and independence after a long period of illness. I learned practical cooking skills and, although I don’t naturally enjoy cooking, the tutors made it feel enjoyable, manageable, and pressure-free. I still use what I learned today, and it has helped me feel more independent in everyday life and more confident in my abilities.”

How did you find the business courses?

“I loved them. As a makeup artist, business skills are important for my future. These courses helped me reconnect with my professional identity after being unwell for several years. They helped me understand my strengths, organise my ideas, and believe in my potential again. The knowledge felt meaningful, practical, and inspiring.” 

What would you say to others considering these courses?

“I would say absolutely go for it. GCDA Learning offers so much more than education — it provides confidence, understanding, support, and hope. After everything I’ve been through, these courses helped me believe in myself again. I’m truly grateful for every course I took.”

Kitty says we women are stronger than we think

What would you say to other women who might be struggling with health issues as you are doing?

"I would say: please don’t lose hope. When life changes because of illness, it can feel frightening, lonely, and overwhelming. I spent a year in a coma and woke up paralysed from the neck down, and there were moments when I didn’t know how I would rebuild my life. But healing and strength can grow in ways you never expected. Be patient with yourself and celebrate every small step forward, because each step matters. Your journey may look different now, but that does not mean your dreams, your identity, or your future are gone. You are still the same strong woman inside. Even in the darkest moments, there is still hope, and you are stronger than you realise."

To explore GCDA's extensive range of courses, click the button below and make today the day you start your journey with us.

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