The women’s boxing nights helping abuse survivors
The Fight Forward programme is a powerful initiative that uses boxing as a tool for empowerment and healing among women who have survived abusive relationships. Led by Lesley Sackey and supported by Shelly Sweeney and Poppy Mason-Watts, this program not only provides free boxing classes but also fosters a community where women can rebuild their self-esteem and confidence. For participants like Saria, the program has been life-saving, offering a sense of self-worth and the courage to move beyond harmful situations. The upcoming Fight Back event aims to sustain these efforts by raising funds through ticketed boxing nights, creating a sustainable model that supports even more women.
The initiative is particularly notable for addressing fair play in women's boxing, considering factors like menstrual cycle weight changes, and ensuring equitable matchups, which have historically been overlooked. By partnering with brands and engaging in thoughtful matchmaking, Fight Forward and Fight Back Promotions are not just offering a sports program but are creating a platform for social change, challenging the norms of a male-dominated sport and providing survivors a controlled, empowering environment to reclaim their autonomy.
Constructive analysis
The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.
- The problem
- The challenge the story responds to is the need for emotional and physical empowerment for women who have survived domestic abuse.
- The actions
- The Fight Forward programme offers free boxing classes to help survivors build confidence, while Fight Back Promotions organizes events to fund these initiatives.
- Evidence of progress
- Nearly 40 women have completed the boxing programme, with positive feedback on improvements in mental health and self-esteem. Organizers also collaborate with domestic abuse charities to reach more women.
- What we can learn
- Others can learn from this model by creating safe, supportive environments that empower individuals through structured physical activities while addressing specific community needs.
PERMA profile of this story
How this story scores across the PERMA dimensions.
- Positive Emotion
- 8
- Engagement
- 9
- Relationships
- 7
- Meaning
- 8
- Accomplishment
- 8
Character strengths in play
Top VIA strengths this story embodies.
Courage
Saria's involvement in boxing now goes well beyond a weekly fitness class: on 28 November she will join several women from the programme to step into the ring at London’s Ladbroke Hall for The Fight Back.
Hope
For Saria, 28 November will be her fourth fight in the ring. She has been told who her opponent will be, although they have never met, which she says is beside the point. 'It’s not about getting into the ring and fighting somebody else. It’s about fighting for me, because I am worth fighting for.'
Kindness
Founded by Sackey alongside three-time national boxing champion Shelly Sweeney and impact media entrepreneur Poppy Mason-Watts, Fight Back Promotions aims to turn ticketed events into a sustainable source of funding for Fight Forward CIC, the not-for-profit organisation behind Saria’s training programme.
Try this today
Inspired by this story, consider identifying an activity that empowers you and commit to practicing it regularly. Reflect on how it affects your confidence and sense of self-worth, and consider how you might share this experience with others in your community.