Girls Night In
Event Date:
February 10, 2026
Event Time:
6:00 pm
Event Location:
The Host Space, Greetham Street, Portsmouth, England, PO5 4LH, United Kingdom
Event Description
Resilience: Bounce Back, Move Forward
Join us for Girls Night In, an evening of inspiration, empowerment, and truth, hosted by Shamila Dhana and Roni Edwards. This special event is designed for young people in the City, offering a safe and uplifting space to explore personal growth and resilience.
Through authentic and courageous conversations, we’ll hear inspiring stories from incredible women in our community who have faced challenges and emerged stronger. Together, we’ll celebrate the power of connection, growth, and shared experiences.
What to Expect:
- Engaging discussions and storytelling
- Light refreshments to enjoy during the evening
- A chance to connect with others and feel empowered
Guest Speakers:
Martina Elgue
I was born in Uruguay and moved to Spain at age 10, where financial hardship taught me resilience and the value of education. Inspired by my parents’ sacrifices, I earned a degree and a Master’s in Social Education and Family Intervention.
In 2016, I moved to England with little English, working in cleaning, childcare, and a nursery before becoming a family support worker. With encouragement and determination, I qualified as a Social Worker. Volunteering in Africa led me to URBOND, where I supported young people as Youth Development Manager. I now work as an Advanced Practitioner Specialist in Anti-Racist Social Work. Embracing a lifelong eye condition has shaped my empathy and strength.
Nikki Coles
Originally from Midhurst, West Sussex, she has lived in Portsmouth since 2007 and is a proud mother of three daughters. Professionally qualified as a Senior Care Assistant and Early Years Educator, her work has always centred on care, compassion, and advocacy.
Alongside her career, she has dedicated many years to community volunteering, including roles with Sure Start Children’s Centres, the Portsmouth Breastfeeding Network, Fratton Big Local, and the Portsmouth Parent Board, supported by Home-Start. Her commitment has been recognised through volunteer awards, and she has also served as Former Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth. She passionately campaigns for early years services, women’s rights, mental health support, and inclusion for the neurodivergent community.
Alice Clarke
Alice is a student, creative, and committed community advocate whose experiences of isolation, transphobia, and mental health challenges have shaped her resilience and desire to support others. Through her school work and involvement with the Portsmouth Youth Cabinet, she uses her voice to advocate for her community locally and beyond. In recognition of her impact, she received Pamodzi’s Inspirational Young Person Award in 2025. Currently studying an art foundation course, Alice explores creativity in playful and imaginative ways, including designing cloaks from reclaimed curtains, while also supporting her mum at home. She brings honesty, compassion, and creativity to every space she enters.
Laura Watford
Laura Watford is an educator, community leader, and co-founder of STEMunity, a charity dedicated to making STEM education inclusive, creative, and community-led. She is also a Teaching Fellow at the University of Portsmouth, bridging academic knowledge with real-world impact. Through initiatives such as the 5PARK learning resources and community-centred STEM challenges, STEMunity has reached tens of thousands of young people, earning the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Team Prize for Excellence in Secondary and Further Education. At the heart of Laura’s work is a commitment to confidence-building, collaboration, and equity, creating supportive spaces where young people feel empowered to imagine and shape their futures.
Tickets: £18 (covers both the young person and accompanying adult).
Note: Young people under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Ubuntu: I am because we are. Let’s grow together.
