BSWN is very proud to be a Black-led infrastructure racial justice organisation with strong women leaders. Not only do we celebrate International Women's Day each year, we also ensure that through our work we support, uplift and, empower women and underrepresented communities everyday of the year!
Some of the women from our BSWN team have put together some of their favourite Black and Minoritised, famous female entrepreneurs, writers and activists in this blog.
We hope you find very resourceful!
IWD Good Reads
The Girl and the Goddess - Nikita Gill
Join Paro on her journey navigating different cultures, religions and identities through a poetic tale of where we come from, how we grow and how we become who we are.
“I have read everything Nikita Gill has written. The beauty and depth of her writing through the eyes of a girl who grows up into a young woman guided by a host of powerful and changeable goddesses is an experience I would recommend to anyone. Especially to all the incredible young women finding their identity and voice during the Me Too and BLM era”
All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, & Solutions for the Climate Crisis' - edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine Keeble Wilkinson
All We Can Save is a bestselling anthology of writings by 60 women at the forefront of the climate movement who are harnessing truth, courage, and solutions to lead humanity forward.
“I discovered Dr. Ayana Johnson on Instagram and instantly connected with her words around how important the female perspective and leadership in addressing the climate crisis is. I would encourage everyone to not just read this book but also engage with the movement, and Dr. Johnson’s podcast and content.”
IWD Inspiring Influencers/Artists
Blair Imani is a a queer mixed heritage Black woman who is also an award-winning educator, influencer and writer. She utilises her social media platforms to ensure she amplifies underrepresented voices and helps to educate people on topics such as neurodivergence, intersectionality, gender and, race.
“Blair Imani’s ‘Get Smarter’ and ‘Get Smarter in seconds’ series really speak to me as she covers topics that can be really difficult to digest and make them accessible. She is an inspiration and wears her queer, Black and Muslim identity on her sleeve. I wish we had more role models like her when I was growing up!”
Watch the #GetSmarterWithBlairImani series on Youtube or Blair’s #SmarterinSeconds Instagram Reels. Blair also has a new book called, ‘Read This to Get Smarter: about Race, Class, Gender, Disability, and More: about Race, Class, Gender, Disability & More.’ You can preorder this book HERE
Sakina Saidi is a French-Moroccan artist and illustrator, her work centres around bringing people together, human rights and world peace. Visit her website here.
“Sakina’s work is really inclusive and you can see her interesting heritage and politics portrayed through her work as an artist and as an activist.”
IWD Empowering Figure
Madam C. J. Walker
Madam C. J. Walker (1867-1919) the first Black woman millionaire in America, remains an inspirational figure to this day. Her storey is especially inspiring because she had to overcome both racial and gender problems throughout her career.
“Before you are a leader success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”