Miss Caribbean UK Finalist Launches Fundraiser to Support Black Women Survivors of Abuse
Black News 
Miss Caribbean UK Finalist Launches Fundraiser to Support Black Women Survivors of Abuse
LONDON, UK – Nayana Mena, a 22-year-old Christian and multimedia journalist from East London (Newham), has launched a powerful campaign to raise awareness and funds for Sistah Space, a UK charity providing culturally specific support for women of African and Caribbean heritage affected by domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Representing Jamaica in her first-ever pageant, Nayana is a finalist in Miss Caribbean UK 2025, a national competition that has been championing the Caribbean diaspora for over a decade. The 11th annual finals will take place on Saturday 1st November at The Shaw Theatre in London.
“This is my first pageant, and I didn’t just want to walk the stage, I wanted to walk in purpose,” said Nayana. “My Christian faith teaches me to serve others, and this platform has given me the opportunity to speak up for women who are too often overlooked.”
A Personal Mission for a National Cause
As a survivor of domestic abuse and coercive control, Nayana’s campaign is deeply personal.
Just three days after launching her JustGiving fundraiser, she has already raised 22% of her target, a clear sign of growing public support and the urgency of the issue.
During Black History Month, Nayana is using her platform to highlight the disproportionate impact of abuse on Black women in the UK.
Her campaign includes online fundraising and a community event titled “She Reigns”, which will bring people together through creativity, culture, and collective action.
“Black History Month is a time to honour our legacy, but also to confront the challenges we still face,” she said. “With 86% of Black women in the UK having experienced abuse or knowing someone who has, this issue cannot be ignored.”
Also, Sistah Spaces new 2025 report revealed that 76% of survivors said they had wanted to report abuse but felt unable to do so.
About the "She Reigns" Fundraising Event
She Reigns will take place at Christ Church, Newham URCon 6th December, and will feature:
All proceeds will go directly to Sistah Space, which has been a vital lifeline to the community for over 10 years and remains the only UK charity offering specialist, culturally sensitive support for Black women facing domestic abuse.
A Voice Rooted in Faith and Community
In addition to her journalism work, Nayana volunteers with her church’s youth choir, blending her love for music, mentorship, and faith to serve her community. She has worked for BBC News, BBC Radio Kent, and currently works at Premier Christian News, where she focuses on stories that uplift and inform.
“For me, this isn’t just about a crown, it’s about using your voice with purpose,” she said. “I want young Black women to know that healing is possible, that they are valuable, and that their stories matter. We can all use our gifts to create lasting change.”
Support Nayana’s Campaign
????️ Attend She Reigns
???? Donate to Sistah Space via JustGiving:
???? https://www.justgiving.com/page/nayana-mena-supports-sistah-space
???? Instagram: @nayanam.official
