Meet The Woman Empowering Domestic Abuse Survivors Through Fitness & Fashion

Charlene Simba is the founder of GraceSimba Community Village (GSCV), an initiative that connects domestic abuse survivors with high end brands to offer opportunities for independence and empowerment. We met with Charlene to find out more….

Tell us all about Grace Simba Community Village

GraceSimba Community Village is dedicated to helping women impacted by domestic abuse overcome their trauma and rebuild their lives. We achieve this by offering free resources such as personalised mentoring and partnering with lifestyle brands that donate experiences, trips, and gifts as part of their social responsibility. Our mentoring program provides tailored support in areas such as financial budgeting, preparing for job interviews, and starting a business.

Additionally, the donated experiences contribute to our community members’ well-being by helping them feel joyful, seen, and cared for. These opportunities not only support their journey towards financial security but also help them build supportive relationships, boost their self-esteem, and, most importantly, inspire hope for the future.

You have experience of domestic abuse, can you share your personal story with us?

Fifteen years ago, I found myself late at night, sitting in my car with my four-month-old child. I had been attacked again by my ex-partner, and the police had advised me to find somewhere safe to stay. I felt utterly hopeless, with no money, no career, and no community to turn to for support. The shame of being a young, single mother with no qualifications left me feeling purposeless. The abuse had severely impacted my self-esteem, leading me to believe it was my fault. As a result, I chose not to press charges, a decision I now regret, as it meant the perpetrator’s abusive cannot be connected to any future patterns of abuse.

What obstacles have you encountered, and how did you overcome them?

As a not-for-profit organisation that operates without external funding or financial donations, we rely entirely on the voluntary contribution of time from individuals who provide services to our community members. However, we have encountered significant challenges in recruiting volunteers to support our mission of empowering these individuals. The pursuit of profit, particularly when it involves vulnerable women who are striving to rebuild their lives after facing circumstances beyond their control, often takes precedence over the support they need. This focus on profit has been a substantial obstacle to securing the necessary volunteer engagement for our cause.

To overcome this challenge, I have, at times, independently provided the necessary support by leveraging my own personal experience. Additionally, I have personally funded services, negotiating steep discounts, to ensure that we could continue to offer essential assistance to those in need.

How have you achieved connections with brands?

I established connections with supporting brands by directly approaching them and by leveraging the network I have built over the years. This network has been instrumental in providing introductions and direct contact details, enabling me to secure the necessary partnerships for our initiative.

Which brands are on your wishlist?

The Bank of England, for a  program focused on empowering women through financial education and practical skills like budgeting and credit management). Le Cordon Bleu  – I would love to organise a cooking session to revitalise their energy and self-esteem through learning to cook nutritious meals. I’m hoping that The Grove Hotel in Hertfordshire will agree to host a spa break. Marks & Spencer for donation of clothes to help our community members regain confidence by recreating and transforming  their wardrobes, and Virgin Voyage who I really hope will a short break providing a restorative and healing experience)

What is the future of the GSVC, and how do you intend to achieve it?

The future of GSCV is to sustain and enhance our mission of restoring hope in the lives of women impacted by domestic abuse. We aim to achieve this by continuing to build a robust network of experts who can volunteer their time to mentor our community members and by forging partnerships with brands to provide valuable experiences. Our primary focus is to reduce the incidence of suicide among victims and survivors of domestic abuse by offering support and resources that address their needs and foster their well-being.

What would be your advice for anyone setting up a not-for-profit?

Establish a clear mission statement and specific goals for your organisation. This will guide your efforts and ensure alignment in your work. Build a network of experts, volunteers, and partners who can contribute their skills and resources; this will help save costs, especially if you choose not to request financial donations. Be prepared to face challenges and adapt to changing circumstances, as your initial plans may evolve over time with new ideas and opportunities.

What women have inspired you?

Llakpa Sherpa and Maya Angelou have profoundly inspired me because, despite experiencing extreme trauma, they did not allow their pasts to define or limit them. Instead, they overcame incredible odds and pursued their true purposes with resilience and strength. Their stories have given me the courage to persevere, especially during times when I felt like giving up.

If you could speak to 22-year-old Charlene, what would you say?

You may not realise just how brave, talented, and wise you are. Hang in there and don’t give up. Challenges will come, but you will overcome each obstacle, and your experiences will inspire and uplift others. Keep smiling and continue being the loving and caring person you have always been— these qualities will offer comfort to others when all hope seems lost.