International Women's Day event: Survive to Thrive

 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.  Every 30 seconds the police receive a call relating to domestic abuse.

Join CWN and Lesley Sackey this International Women’s Day for an inspiring session focused on the theme “Accelerate Action”, where we’ll explore how to drive meaningful change and provide effective support for survivors of domestic abuse. This dynamic event will include a talk exploring survivor stories, key statistics and strategies to support domestic abuse sufferers from all backgrounds—including corporate environments—and insights into boxing as a therapeutic tool.

Following the talk, there will be breakout sessions which will provide an opportunity to reflect on key topics and share perspectives, culminating in a Q&A session with comments and feedback. Be part of the movement to transform survival into thriving—let’s accelerate change, together.

The Panel:

Lesley Sackey

Amja Unabasheldy

Sarah Williams

Ruth Greenberg

Lesley Sackey is a former boxer who proudly represented Great Britain on numerous occasions and held the title of ABAE (Amateur Boxing Association of England) Champion.  She made history as the first female to win Gold in the EU Championships on her first entry and was part of the inaugural British Olympic selection camp.  She also featured as one of five female athletes in Last Women Standing, a BBC endurance series celebrating the world’s toughest female athletes.

Her journey into boxing was anything but typical.  Through her personal journey of overcoming domestic abuse, she discovered the transformative power of boxing. It became a vehicle for change, not only on an individual level but also on a societal scale. Today, she delivers workshops and keynotes under the theme “Championing Women to Thrive".

Lesley is the founder of Fight Forward, a not-for-profit organization using boxing to empower women recovering from domestic abuse through events, workshops, and community-building initiatives. One of her key programs, The Fight Back Club, is a 12-week boxing program featured on Channel 4 that equips women with the tools to thrive after abuse. Additionally, she hosts The Fight Forward Podcast, sharing stories of inspirational women who use movement to overcome challenges. Currently, she is developing a tech start-up focused on creating a human-centered app to help women transition from surviving to thriving after domestic abuse.  

Amja Unabasheldy is a self-taught artist, public speaker, and advocate for survivors of domestic abuse.  Her personal journey of reclaiming freedom is expressed through her art as Amja explores themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the beauty of embracing one’s authentic self.

At the heart of her work is the belief that self-love is the foundation of our greatest potential.  Her mission is to use art as a tool for empowerment, social change, and personal growth—creating a world where those impacted by trauma can move from surviving to thriving.

In January 2024, Sarah Williams, Co-founder of Darklight, embarked on an intensive physical training programme under the tutelage and encouragement of former GB boxing champion Lesley Sackey and her initiative Fight Forward. Designed to help women conquer their trauma and emerge as champions of their own lives, Lesley established Fight Forward as a way of sharing the healing power of boxing with those who need it the most.

The boxing camp came to an end in March, after three months of hardcore training, culminating in the women fighting three rounds in the ring, in front of hundreds of spectators. The atmosphere was completely electric and no doubt created an army of boxing converts.

Ruth Greenberg
Ruth is a Scottish BAFTA winning and BIFA nominated screenwriter and BIFA long-listed writer-director making feminist genre films. In 2024 Ruth won the Scottish BAFTA for Best Picture for her prehistoric horror film, OUT OF DARKNESS (aka THE ORIGIN). Ruth was also BIFA nominated Best Debut Screenwriter 2022 for the same film. On its release Out of Darkness achieved the highest US box office for a UK Independent first feature in seven years.

Ruth’s directorial debut, RUN, starring Niamh Algar, and funded by Film4 and BFI NETWORK, was BIFA long-listed Best British Short Film 2021. Her British boxing script, SUGAR, is in late-stage development with Wild Swim Films and the BFI as her debut feature as a writer-director, with Naomi Ackie attached to play the lead role.

Since entering the industry in 2016, Ruth has been commissioned by A24, NETFLIX US, the BFI, BBC Films, Film4 and Creative Scotland. Her post-apocalyptic British Western screenplay, THE COMPETITORS, topped the Brit List in 2016. Her Indian-set Thriller, THE SPARK, was awarded the Tribeca Film Institute Filmmakers Fund 2018. In 2022 she was named a Screen International Star of Tomorrow. Ruth has a PhD in Screenwriting from UEA and is represented by Marnie Podos at Under New Mgmt.

Timings

6:00pm: Registration, networking & drinks 
6:30pm: Talk begins
7:15pm: Discussions and Q&A
7:45pm: Networking with drinks & canapes
9:00pm: Event ends
 

Pricing:

This event is free to Members and Corporate Members with the option of donating £10, £20 or £30 to our Charity Partner, Woman's Trust.  There will also be the option to donate on the evening o f the event.  Guest of Member tickets costs £25 and Non-Members tickets cost £35.  All proceeds will go to Woman's Trust

Cancellation Policy

For tickets cancelled no later than 7 days in advance of the event we are able to provide a full refund of the ticket fee. For any tickets cancelled later than 7 days in advance of the event, a refund can only be given should the ticket be re-sold to the waiting list. 

Photographs

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