Mum-of-two who escaped abusive marriage will put on events in Portsmouth and Leigh Park for International Women's Day
Charlene Maines has been running a Leigh Park event around the global day of celebration since 2018 to give people a platform to share their stories, and this year will expand into Portsmouth to put on a second event.
The 35-year-old moved to the area 10 years ago with her two children after leaving a marriage where she was being domestically abused, and has overcome barriers including long-term unemployment, disability and being a young carer.
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Hide AdCharlene, who now lives in Rowlands Castle, said: ‘It was a pretty scary time.
‘I didn’t have anyone to talk to, I was isolated and felt like no-one would want to listen because I came across so many barriers.’
The Portsmouth event is set to take place on March 6, two days before International Women’s Day, from 7pm to 10pm.
Caritas Diocese of Portsmouth is hosting the event at Cathedral Discovery Centre in Bishop Crispian Way, and it will feature inspirational speakers as well as a DJ, music and candyfloss provided by Party #1.
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Hide AdFour days later, on March 10, Tanya’s Kitchen in Leigh Park’s Greywell Shopping Centre will host a second event to celebrate the day.
Speakers will cover a range of topics to help normalise and celebrate them overcoming barriers, this will include homelessness, LGBTQ+, mental health, domestic abuse, addiction, equality, isolation and unemployment.
Mum-of-two Charlene, whose birthday falls on International Women’s Day, is keen for both men and women to attend, as well as professionals.
She said: ‘They’re taboo subjects but it’s more of a positive celebration. It’s good to be normalised so we don’t hide subjects, all our speakers will be speaking from the heart.
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Hide Ad‘There may be someone in the audience who may not have the confidence to stand up but they know they’re not alone.’
Services will be on standby if people need support, including Portsmouth City Council, Stop Domestic Abuse and Citizen’s Advice.
Both events are free and anyone is welcome. For more information, contact Charlene on [email protected].
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