transform the lives of black women students at Edinburgh!

We are a group of 15 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 through mentorship, personal development, and career development while fostering a community of sisterhood.

We started this society because being Black women, and having navigated university for at least two years, we have become increasingly aware of the necessity of a community through which we can discuss university life through a lens that caters to the intersection of our racial and gender identities.

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, Rutendo Amanda Hoto and Claudia Efemini, who will be our President and Vice President respectively, alongside 14 committee members.

About us: 

Amanda - I am a 4th Year International Relations and Law student with a passion for changing the world through the legal sector and policy making. I am interested in all things around human rights, decolonising, and most importantly, creating safe spaces for Black girls! I enjoy reading, blog writing, podcasting, and volunteering. 

Claudia - I am a 4th Year History and Politics student with a passion for history, publishing, and creativity. I’m particularly interested in creative activism with a love for historical fiction and culture journals and magazines. My hobbies include reading, writing, and listening to music. Learning about the transnational histories of Black women organisations has inspired me to contribute to the building and flourishing of BWE. 

Our Committee will be focusing on five key areas: Community Building; Mentorship and Career Development; Sports and Physical Fitness; Health and Wellbeing; and Creative Empowerment. We recognise that our projects demand significant financial support, especially as we aim to keep events affordable for all members.

This is why we need your help to kick-start our society, beginning with donations to bring our vision to life. With your support, BWE will launch initiatives in our key areas, and be able to work on our first project and official publication: Nurtured, the Black Women at Edinburgh Magazine. Together, we can ensure that these initiatives reach their full potential, making a lasting impact on the lives of Black women navigating university life and beyond.

Our Immediate Goals Are To:

1. Create "Nurtured": Our magazine will highlight 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

Black Women at Edinburgh Instagram

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.