Mum-of-two who escaped abusive marriage will put on events in Portsmouth and Leigh Park for International Women's Day

A MUM who left an abusive marriage and overcame many barriers in life is putting on two free events celebrating equality for International Women’s Day.
Charlene Maines is putting on two events for International Women's Day this year, branching out from the original event in Leigh Park to include one in PortsmouthCharlene Maines is putting on two events for International Women's Day this year, branching out from the original event in Leigh Park to include one in Portsmouth
Charlene Maines is putting on two events for International Women's Day this year, branching out from the original event in Leigh Park to include one in Portsmouth

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.

Read More
Portsmouth rape and abuse service to offer counselling sessions in Havant and Go...
Ashlene Boyer-Millard at last year's International Women's Day event in Leigh Park Ashlene Boyer-Millard at last year's International Women's Day event in Leigh Park
Ashlene Boyer-Millard at last year's International Women's Day event in Leigh Park
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Charlene, 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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Four 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.

Hide Ad
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].

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.