Authors:
Dr Ifeoma Elizabeth Dan-Ogosi, Senior Lecturer in Public Health
Dr Tinkuma Ejovi Edafioghor, Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management
The 2023/24 academic year has been remarkable, with six Black Female academics becoming pioneers of UWE’s WHEN 100 Black Women Professors Now (BWPN) programme (login required). Through this initiative, UWE put Black women in the driving seat on a journey to reduce underrepresentation in the UK’s professoriate in Higher Education (HE). Being WHEN’s 100 BWPN programme candidates for one year has significantly enhanced our journeys and opened up opportunities for us to thrive and shatter the glass ceiling imposed on us by the intricate challenges we face in academia. Some of us have never experienced this level of support and encouragement, which is propelling us towards progression and promotion in HE.
It’s not due to a lack of hard work that we have faced barriers, but rather because of the numerous personal and structural obstacles that have marred the roads we travelled so far. The 100BWPN programme puts wind in our sails, motivating us to dare to aspire to shores never imagined. The promise was real, and we took it by storm. All its offerings were phenomenal and enriching, strengthening our resolve to be and become. The programme offered us a hierarchy of support which we, in our combined years of working in HE, have never experienced. From direct engagement with line management to having an audience with the senior management, the support has been empowering, offering us visibility, knowledge, tools, and grounding for our progression and promotion in HE. WHEN offered us access to mentors, coaches, sponsors, and a wealth of resources that boosted our confidence in the system and significantly opened our eyes to new possibilities to be grasped.
At UWE Bristol, we now see a commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all our academics. As part of this commitment, we’re excited to introduce the Black Women in Academia Safe Space Initiative. This initiative is designed to empower and uplift Black female academics within our community. It’s not just about creating a space — it’s about fostering a movement towards greater inclusivity, visibility, and professional growth for the Black woman in academia. The Safe Space Initiative aims to provide a platform for Black female academics to come together, share stories and experiences, and support one another, thereby addressing the unique challenges we face in our academic careers.
Why a safe space for Black women?
Because your stories, your voices, your experiences, and your journey matter. In the spirit of love and giving back, we are eager to share what we have gained from the WHEN 100 BWPN programme—a space where the Black female academic takes the lead in shaping a new, authentic, and refreshingly enjoyable academic journey here at UWE Bristol.
Qualitative research by Rollock (2019) with twenty of the UK’s 25 Black female professors revealed that Black female academics often face unique barriers and challenges that hinder career advancement and professional recognition compared to their counterparts ( male or female). These challenges include excessive workload, work pressure, microaggressions, and pervasive stereotypes, yet unnamed. Furthermore, we often lack the tools and resources to understand and navigate the complexities of career advancement (progression and promotion in HE).
We should no longer have to sit in our darkened, weakened, unsure silos and bear it all alone. We are one when we are alone, but we are a force when we come together.
Think UBUNTU – the African Philosophy: ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’.
Call to Action!
Join us to build a network where Black female academics can collectively address these challenges, share experiences, and support one another. Let’s dare to dream, thrive, and uplift each other one day at a time. One for all; all for One!
If you are interested please contact us at 100BWPN Safe Space Initiative Teams email address
Project Objectives: Empowerment Through Community
The Black Women in Academia Safe Space Initiative is built on a foundation of six core objectives:
- Creating a Dedicated Safe Space: We aim to establish a physical and virtual space exclusively for Black female academics at UWE Bristol. This space will be a confidential and supportive environment where participants can gather, discuss their experiences, and explore career-related topics without fear of judgment or marginalisation.
- Facilitating Regular Discussions and Workshops: Monthly or bi-monthly meetings, workshops, and seminars will address key topics such as career advancement strategies, leadership development, and navigating institutional challenges. These sessions will provide valuable insights and practical tools to help Black female academics thrive.
- Providing Peer Support: Peer-to-peer support networks will be a cornerstone of this initiative. By encouraging participants to exchange advice, experiences, and resources, we aim to foster a strong sense of community and mutual support among Black female academics.
- Offering Training and Development Opportunities: Collaborating with UWE Bristol’s HR department and other relevant units, the initiative will offer training sessions on promotion pathways, effective networking, grant writing, and other skills crucial for career advancement. These opportunities will equip participants with the tools they need to succeed in their academic careers.
- Promoting Visibility and Recognition: The initiative will actively showcase the achievements, research, and contributions of Black female academics through internal newsletters, social media features, and university-wide events. By increasing visibility, we aim to challenge stereotypes and celebrate the excellence of Black women in academia.
- Advocating for Policy and Structural Changes: The initiative will also focus on addressing systemic barriers within academic settings. By collaborating with university leadership, we will advocate for policies that promote equity and inclusion, ensuring that the needs of Black female academics are recognised and met.
How Can I Get involved?
The success of the Black Women in Academia Safe Space Initiative depends on the collective efforts of our community. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Join the Initiative: If you’re a Black female academic at UWE Bristol, we invite you to join this supportive community. Your voice and experiences are invaluable to the success of this project.
- Become a Mentor or Facilitator: We seek mentors, facilitators, and guest speakers from within and outside UWE Bristol to contribute their expertise and perspectives. Your involvement can help shape the future of Black women in academia.
- Support the Initiative: Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of Black female academics at UWE Bristol by providing resources, offering training sessions, or simply spreading the word.
- Advocate for Change: If you’re in a position to influence policy, consider advocating for changes that promote equity and inclusion within academic settings. Your efforts can help create a more supportive environment for all.
The Road Ahead: Implementation and Impact
The Black Women in Academia Safe Space Initiative will be implemented in four phases:
- Project Launch and Needs Assessment: We will establish a project team and conduct a needs assessment survey to understand Black female academics’ specific challenges and aspirations at UWE Bristol.
- Establishing the Safe Space: A suitable physical location on campus will be identified, and the space will be equipped with the necessary resources. Guidelines will be developed to ensure the space remains inclusive and respectful.
- Program Development and Execution: Based on the needs identified in the assessment, a calendar of events, including workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, will be designed. Mentors and facilitators will be recruited and trained.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular feedback mechanisms will be implemented to assess participant satisfaction and the impact of the initiative. We will continuously evaluate the program to ensure it meets the needs of Black female academics.
Expected Outcomes: Building a Brighter Future
By implementing the Black Women in Academia Safe Space Initiative, we aim to achieve the following outcomes:
- Increased confidence and self-efficacy among Black female academics in navigating career challenges.
- Enhanced networking opportunities and collaborations across academic disciplines.
- Improved retention and career progression rates for Black female academics at UWE Bristol.
- Positive institutional changes towards fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment.
The Black Women in Academia Safe Space Initiative is more than just a project — it’s a commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and the professional growth of Black female academics. Together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Join us on this journey to make UWE Bristol a place where every academic, regardless of race or gender, can thrive!