At the Deafblind Association of Slovenia DLAN, we took the time to celebrate International Women’s Day and the upcoming St. Gregory’s Day.
Volunteer Marica Kovačič prepared a facial care and beauty workshop for the women, while our member Jakob led a workshop on massage techniques for the men.
The female participants learned different ways to care for their skin and took a moment for themselves, allowing others to pamper and beautify them. Regardless of the challenges they face, being a woman with deafblindness is a unique challenge—but also an opportunity to develop a different approach to self-acceptance and to recognizing one’s own beauty.
How do you nurture your femininity when your sight is so limited that you can only see part of your face? How do you accept and love yourself, and see beauty even when it is veiled by darkness? Together with the volunteer, the women created a relaxed atmosphere filled with friendship and mutual support. They shared experiences, helped each other with skincare and makeup, and concluded the workshop with homemade herbal tea and chocolate cake.
The male participants also created a “men’s atmosphere” together with Jakob. They talked about their experiences with massage, how they use their massage skills for their partners and wives, and how massage can strengthen a relationship. Much of the conversation also focused on the importance of touch. Building connections with others often begins with touch—respectful, gentle, and painless. There was no shortage of laughter as they tried out relaxation massage techniques on each other’s hands, necks, shoulders, and backs.
We all deserve opportunities to take good care of ourselves. And we all need moments when we receive praise, encouragement, and kind words.
Ljubljana, 5 March 2026
