IWD Speaker Bios

Rebecca Giraud

Rebecca has co-directed the social enterprise OnlyMums & Dads for over 15 years; she co-edited ‘101 Questions About Separating With Children’ and ‘Almost Anything But Family Court’. She lives with her family on Dartmoor in Devon.

Learn more here: – Family Separation Support Hub

Jodie Phelps

Jodie Phelps is a single parent of two who has spent the past eight years rebuilding her life after separation, balancing family, career, and the realities of doing it all on her own. Her personal journey has given her a deep understanding of the challenges single parents face and the resilience it takes to move forward. Now an award-winning financial planner specialising in divorce, Jodie is passionate about helping others take control of their finances and create a more secure, confident future.

Jodie is part of the ASPN’s directory of experts, The Trusted Network: Jodie Phelps – Financial Adviser – Asian Single Parents Network CIC

Nesim Rehman

Nesim is a 51-year-old Muslim Indian woman who has shown remarkable strength and independence throughout her life. After her first marriage ended, she spent eight years as a single mother raising her two daughters, during which time she faced pressure from her family to remarry but chose not to give in. Eventually, she remarried 14 years ago and has since built a happy life within a blended family. Her journey reflects resilience, strong values, and a deep commitment to creating a stable and loving environment for her children.

Vasu Krishnaswamy

I am a child of immigrant parents – my parents moved to England from Chennai, India in the 60’s and I grew up in Stevenage. We were one of the first immigrant families in Stevenage, which made my parents cling to their roots zealously. Being an early immigrant child meant that I was very confused about my identity and my beliefs, and so I fought the expectations of my parents, especially regarding arranged marriages. While on holiday in Mysore, India, I met and married a local man following a whirlwind romance. To date, I see that as the biggest mistake of my life! Having suffered domestic violence and abuse, I eventually walked away from the marriage with two young children. I feel that this is the point where my life began …. Now both my children are married and I have recently become a grandma, so I’m in a prime position to reflect on all that has happened and look for meaning.

Navdip Dhariwal

Navdip Dhariwal, a senior family lawyer with over 10 years’ experience, a single mum to two young children, and someone who knows what it’s like to juggle life, work, and everything in between.

 Navdip is a solicitor at The Manely Firm UK LLP, part of an international family law practice originally from the US, handling complex cross-border cases. She advises families on divorce, child arrangements, international disputes, and modern family issues like surrogacy, always combining practical legal expertise with empathy. Beyond her legal work, she’s also a member of the Asian Single Parents Network, helping create a space where parents feel seen and supported, particularly in communities where stigma and silence can be a challenge.

Navdip is part of the ASPN’s directory of experts, The Trusted Network: Navdip Kaur Dhariwal – Family Law Solicitor – Asian Single Parents Network CIC

Tillat Kadri

Mum to a beautiful 16 year old boy who is the apple of my eye. I head up a Data & CRM Team. In my spare time I support Aruna at The ASPN as a non-exec director, I volunteer with SWAN – A charity committed to providing life’s essentials—food, water, shelter, and empowerment opportunities—to vulnerable communities, and I love walking.

Kam Padda

I am an Asian single mum of two. People see being a single mum as less but I don’t see myself as less. As much as society may want you to believe this. I am incredibly capable and resilient but it took for me to be a single mum to see that. I have a fulfilling and successful professional career. My Beautiful children are growing to be such wonderful people. I cannot ask for more richness in my life. If you believe in yourself and see what you are capable of, it’s amazing where that can take you.

Vickie Robertson

Vickie has endured a life of domestic violence, being removed as a child and then full circle into her adult experiences. Vickie’s story was published as part of the #braveme campaign, reported as heart wrenching yet empowering. Her experiences have been enacted throughout Poland as part of a campaign to raise awareness by highlight her experiences to help others. After escaping her adult perpetrator of nearly 13 years, in 2018 Vickie was the first to petition for mandatory training of the UK family court system having experienced both the family and criminal courts and the gaps between them. Founding multi award winning Kaleidoscopic UK in 2019, a peer support charity which provides open ended survivor support groups, recovery programmes, holistic health and empowerment throughout the survivor journey. As CEO Vickie continues to expand the service and was awarded the British empire medal in the King’s first birthday honours for her work with survivors and refugees.

Operating across England and Wales they strive to educate all by delivering training and awareness campaigns, delivering prevention programmes and challenging myths. Their international post separation abuse awareness week is in its 4th year, and Vickie is campaigning for PSA to become a specific offence. Kaleidoscopic UK have recently been awarded the Kings Award for voluntary service, the equivalent to an MBE for the charity and recognising the unique and vital support provided.

Learn more here: Kaleidoscopic UK – Turning the lens on domestic abuse