We are a group of 17 passionate young black women who envision a space where we can support each other through the intersectional pressures of higher education. Our Society, Black Women at Edinburgh (BWE) aims to empower Black women, including women of African, Africa Diaspora, and Caribbean descent and those who identify with Black femininity in the university of Edinburgh through mentorship, personal development, and career development while fostering a community of sisterhood.

As Black women who have navigated university life ourselves, we deeply value the community our society provides - a space to connect, support, and celebrate one another through the lens of our intersecting racial and gender identities. We are committed to building on the vision of those who came before us and ensuring this society continues to be a place where our voices and experiences are centred.

Having a community of peers who can relate and offer support can be crucial to the success of Black Women students. In fact, a study by the Journal of College Student Development found that Black women who participated in a mentoring programme were more likely to persist in their academic programs and report higher levels of academic and personal growth.

By providing a space where Black women students can come together and share their experiences without fear of judgment or discrimination, we aim to create a supportive community that offers social support on topics such as mental health, relationships, and navigating discrimination and micro-aggressions. We believe that with the power of community support, we can make a real change in the lives and experience of Black women students in our community.

BWE's mission is to:

1. Empower: Empower Black women academically and professionally through mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities.

2. Support: Foster a sense of sisterhood and community by providing a platform for sharing experiences and offering support.

3. Celebrate: Celebrate the achievements of Black women within the University of Edinburgh and beyond.

4. Educate: Raise awareness of issues affecting Black women and promote cultural understanding and inclusion.

5. Advocate: Advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion within the university and broader society

Our society will be led by two trailblazers, Mokkie Tebeila and Hanaa Yousof, who will be our Co-Presidents, alongside 15 committee members.

About Us

Hanaa - I am the Co-President of BWE and Editor-in-Chief of Nurtured Magazine. I’m a fourth-year English Literature student and avid writer, passionate about exploring the intersections between racial and feminist thought and cultural and creative spaces.

Mokkie - I am the upcoming Co-President of BWE and a fourth-year law student passionate about the intersections of law and sociology in the pursuit of justice for women. I value storytelling through artistic mediums and am committed to building intentional spaces where Black women can exist authentically and thrive in their individual capacities

Our Immediate Goals Are To:

1. Launch the 2nd Edition of "Nurtured": Our magazine which highlights the experiences and achievements of Black women students, empowering them and celebrating their brilliance through storytelling, art, photography, and essays.

2. Launch Mentorship and Career Development Programs: These will include workshops on CV building, LinkedIn, industry insights, skills training, and personal development.

3. Produce "Nurtured" Podcast Episodes: Discussing relevant topics related to Black womanhood on campus and beyond.

4. Host Cultural and Social Events: These events will foster networking and community building, promoting the crucial sense of sisterhood among our members.

5. Promote Holistic Health and Wellbeing: Through events focusing on physical and mental health.

Your support will ensure that these initiatives reach their full potential, making a lasting impact on the lives of Black women students at the University of Edinburgh and beyond.

Every donation, no matter the size, will help us empower, uplift, and celebrate Black women at Edinburgh.

Together, we can create a future where Black women thrive and excel. Your contribution will make a difference today and for generations to come.

With profound gratitude,

Black Women at Edinburgh

How the funds will be used:

The funds raised will be managed by our Treasurer and our Sponsorships and Fundraising Officer through our student association-managed bank account. We are committed to using all funds responsibly and will consistently update this page on our progress, ensuring transparency and accountability in all our financial activities.

Why We Are Fundraising:

We are fundraising to ensure our society remains as accessible as possible, avoiding extra costs that young students may struggle to afford. As strong supporters of the University's widening access programme, we are committed to ensuring that social barriers do not negatively impact our members' ability to participate. By helping us fundraise, we will be able to host more free events and provide high-quality experiences for our community without burdening them with attendance costs.