Public Harms: How do public services harm Black women and how do we reform them?

Join Fawcett and Black Equity Organisation for our Public Harms report launch: How do public services harm Black women and how do we reform them? On Wednesday 12th June at Black Cultural Archives.

This partnership report draws out the similar ways that women, in particular Black women and girls are harmed, across policing, education, and mental health services. We connect individual harmful incidents with the broader systemic issues of racism and sexism within these institutions.

The report will feed into our wider public harms project which seeks to re-imagine anti-racist and feminist public services, advocating for women's safety, dignity, and equality. 

About the event 

We will bring together lived experiences from our research advisory group along with experts working and supporting women in the policing, education and mental health services and presentations from the Fawcett and Black Equity Organisation team. 

Featuring:

• Jemima Olchawski, CEO, Fawcett Society 
• Timi Okuwa, CEO, Black Equity Organisation 
• Presentation of report findings from Fawcett and Black Equity Organisation
• Panel discussion and audience Q&A 

About our speakers

Aisha Sanusi, Director, Afro Caribbean Education Network (ACEN)

Aisha Sanusi is the co-founder and managing director of the African Caribbean Education Network (ACEN). ACEN convenes a national network of over 8000 Black parents, students, teachers, and professionals. In addition, our network consists of engaged schools, universities, companies, and professionals registered to offer or receive racially equitable opportunities on behalf of their stakeholders. Using qualitative and quantitative data collected on behalf of the network and external bodies, ACEN trains, consults and works with schools, universities, and private organisations (over 20,000 students, teachers and professionals trained to date) in areas of racial equity.

Dr Alison Heydari, T/Deputy assistant commissioner, National Police' Chief Council (NPCC)

Alison joined the Metropolitan Police Service in June 2020 as a Frontline Policing Commander with additional pan London responsibility for a number of portfolios including neighbourhood policing. Alison is the NPCC Chief Officer lead for Out of Court Resolutions (Disposals).  Her recent appointment as Director for the Police Race Action Plan sees her driving a national programme of work necessary to respond to critically low levels of trust and confidence in Black communities.

Danielle Bridge, CEO, Black Minds Matter

Danielle Bridge is a dynamic and visionary leader with a passion for driving positive change in the realm of mental health and social impact. In her role as Chief Executive, Danielle is poised to leverage her extensive experience in the third sector to propel Black Minds Matter UK to new heights. Her strategic vision includes not only expanding the reach of the organisation but also amplifying its impact on mental health disparities within the Black community. Under her guidance, the charity is poised to become a leading force in the fight for equitable mental health care.

Adenike Adebiyi, Director, Bounce Black and member of our public harms advisory group.

Nikki Adebiyi is a writer, speaker, advisor, consultant, certified trauma-informed life coach, and social entrepreneur. Driven by her own journey of overcoming adversity while building a career, in 2020 Nikki launched Bounce Black, a social enterprise and consultancy, to address the support and resources lacking in her own experiences. She has since become known for her unwavering commitment to championing the workplace and wellbeing needs of Black professionals. Through her platform, she speaks truth to power and collaborates with forward-thinking organisations to create inclusive environments where Black students and professionals can thrive. Committed to making meaningful change, Nikki fearlessly navigates the intersection of racial equity, mental health, and social mobility, embodying the ethos of "good trouble" in her advocacy efforts.

Paris Williams, Member of our public harms advisory group

• Find out more about our Public Harms project
• To keep up to date with our work and events sign up to the Fawcett Society newsletter. 

To discuss any accessibility needs regarding this event please e-mail [email protected]