Laughing Cows founder Hazel O’Keefe wins International Women’s Day award

Hazel O’Keefe, founder all-female comedy club Laughing Cows, has won the ‘Women in Culture and Art’ prize at this year’s International Women’s Day Awards.

O’Keefe came to the judges’ attention through her work on Laughing Cows, her directorship of the inaugural Women in Comedy Festival, her community and youth work, and as the producer of women-centred club night Rapture.

The Manchester City Council awards annually recognise women and organisations within Manchester that have impacted on women’s lives.

O’Keefe said: “I’m still in shock. It was such a privilege to even be nominated and to win means the world.

“When you have been doing something for nearly 20 years it’s wonderful and energising to have recognition like this; to have your work validated and to know that people appreciate what you do and believe in you.”