Why We Exist

Black women in Scotland experience intersecting inequalities related to race, gender, health, employment, leadership and access to culturally responsive services.

Evidence from Scotland and across the UK shows persistent disparities in maternal health, mental wellbeing, economic opportunity and representation in decision-making.

Despite these challenges, there are few dedicated services designed specifically to meet the needs of Black women in Scotland.

BWISE (Black Women in Scotland Empowered) seeks to address this gap through advocacy, information sharing, workshops, mentoring, partnerships and policy engagement.

Black women in the UK are significantly more likely to experience poor maternal outcomes, including a higher risk of death during pregnancy and childbirth.

They are also more likely to experience discrimination in maternity services, delayed diagnosis of conditions such as fibroids, and inadequate pain management.

Chronic exposure to racism and socioeconomic stress can negatively affect both physical and mental health.

In Scotland, limited ethnicity-specific health data makes it difficult to fully understand and address these issues.

Black women often face the combined pressures of racism, sexism, caregiving responsibilities and social isolation.

These experiences can contribute to anxiety, depression and chronic stress.

Cultural stigma and lack of culturally competent mental health services may prevent women from seeking support.

Community-based, trusted spaces are essential for promoting wellbeing and reducing isolation.

Minority ethnic women in Scotland are more likely to live in areas of deprivation and to experience barriers to employment and career progression.

Caring responsibilities and a lack of affordable, culturally sensitive childcare can further limit participation in paid work, education and entrepreneurship.

Tailored support is needed to strengthen financial independence and economic resilience.

Black women remain underrepresented in leadership positions across business, politics, academia and the third sector.

Limited access to networks, mentors and visible role models can reduce confidence and opportunities.

Dedicated leadership development and mentoring programmes can help Black women and girls build the skills and connections needed to thrive.

Black women’s experiences are shaped by overlapping factors including race, gender, class, age, immigration status, disability and geography.

These intersecting identities create unique barriers that are often overlooked by mainstream services.

Effective support must therefore be designed with Black women and reflect their lived experiences.

Scotland has made progress in addressing equality, but there remains a significant gap in culturally responsive support specifically for Black women.

Many women report feeling unseen within mainstream services and underrepresented in research and policy.

A dedicated service provides a trusted, community-led space where Black women can access relevant information, connect with peers, develop leadership skills and advocate for systemic change.