Take Up Space: Help Heal and Empower Black Women

Our Story 

Dear Women CIC was founded in April 2024 by a passionate team—a mother, daughter, and close friend—united by a mission to create a sanctuary for Black working women. At the heart of this mission is Kheri-Ann, our founder, who felt called to humanise the Black woman’s living experience and provide a safe space for healing.

Kheri-Ann recognised a painful truth: Black working women are often bleeding internally, placing temporary patches on deep emotional wounds. These women face challenging emotions—whether rooted in childhood or triggered by workplaces and public spaces where they are not seen or treated as “human.” Too often, they feel the pressure to uphold the Strong Black Woman narrative, pushing forward despite the weight of unresolved pain.

This truth is personal for Kheri-Ann, who watched her own mother, a single Black woman, work tirelessly in a male-dominated logistics field to send her two children to private school. She recalls late nights spent on her mother’s truck, helping to collect barrels being shipped to the Caribbean. Some nights stretched into the early morning, leaving just a few hours of sleep before school, pretending everything was okay.

Now, as an adult, she reflects, “My mum did not lack the potential to be great, she lacked the resources and support to be great.”

This realisation is the driving force behind Dear Women. Kheri-Ann doesn’t want any more women to miss the mark on their potential due to barriers like systemic inequalities, lack of resources, or even self-doubt. She founded Dear Women to create a community where Black working women feel safe to heal, explore their emotions, and reclaim their power—not just for survival, but for sustainable, thriving lives.

Dear Women CIC is not just a community; it’s a movement to rewrite the narrative. We stand as a beacon of hope, offering women the tools, support, and sisterhood they need to overcome barriers, prioritise their well-being, and step fully into their greatness. Healing isn’t a luxury—it’s a birthright. Together, we are making it a reality, one woman at a time.

The Problem We’re Tackling

Black women face an unrelenting storm of challenges, from systemic barriers to deeply ingrained societal pressures. For many, the workplace becomes a battleground, where they are forced to prove their worth repeatedly, often at the cost of their mental and emotional health. As Paris Capleton shares in the ‘Dear Women Take Up Space’ E-book, “The bullying I faced in my clinical role was subtle but deeply damaging—comments undermined my intelligence, and I was excluded from key discussions.”

The impact of such experiences is profound. Over 50% of Black women in the UK quit jobs due to racial inequalities, and nearly one-third report being unfairly passed over for promotions. Black women are not only denied professional opportunities but also left to carry the emotional scars of being undervalued and dismissed. This often leads to feelings of inadequacy and isolation, making it even harder to step into spaces where they belong.

This cycle of marginalisation is reinforced by societal narratives that demand strength without acknowledging the need for rest. One contributor put it starkly: “I felt like I had to work twice as hard for half the recognition, but at what cost? My confidence eroded, and I began questioning my worth.”

These struggles don’t just exist externally; they creep inward, diminishing self-belief and reinforcing the false notion that Black women must carry the world on their shoulders. As Nikelle Christopher explained, “Being told repeatedly that I wasn’t good enough eroded my confidence, and it took a lot of inner work to rebuild it.”

For many Black women, this means living with the constant tension of striving to succeed in spaces not built for them while battling self-doubt and exhaustion. One heartbreaking account from the E-book states, “I left the job I loved because it was either my mental health or my career. I chose myself, but I still feel like I failed.” This isn’t an anomaly—Black women are twice as likely as others to experience negative workplace scenarios, creating a mental health crisis that goes unaddressed.

The consequences of these challenges extend beyond the individual. Families feel the ripple effects of burnout, and communities lose the brilliance of women who step away from their dreams—not because they lack ability, but because they are exhausted from navigating spaces that don’t support them. This is detrimental as 84% of Black mothers are the primary or sole breadwinners, carrying disproportionate financial and emotional responsibility, leaving little room for rest or healing. 

The Cost of Inaction

The challenges faced by Black women have far-reaching implications. If left unaddressed, the consequences are profound:

For the Black Woman:

• Mental Health Struggles: Black women are more likely to experience common mental health disorders, with 29% reporting such issues, compared to 21% of White British women. 
   
• Workplace Discrimination:75% of women of colour have experienced racism at work, leading to psychological distress and diminished career progression.
   
• Economic Disparities: Despite higher educational attainment, Black women often face significant pay gaps and limited opportunities for advancement, contributing to economic instability.

For Her Family Now:

• Financial Instability: Discrimination and mental health challenges can lead to job loss or underemployment, directly affecting family income and stability.

• Intergenerational Trauma: Children witnessing their mothers' struggles may internalise these experiences, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage and emotional distress.

• Health Risks: Black women in the UK are three times more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth than white women, highlighting systemic healthcare disparities.

 For Future Generations:

Educational Attainment: Economic and emotional strains can limit children's access to quality education and extracurricular opportunities, hindering their development.

Career Aspirations: Lack of representation and mentorship may deter young Black individuals from pursuing certain professions, perpetuating occupational segregation.

Mental Health: Exposure to familial stress and systemic discrimination increases the risk of mental health issues in future generations.

For Wider Society:

• Economic Loss: The underemployment of Black women represents a significant loss of potential talent and productivity, impacting the broader economy.

• Healthcare Strain: Unaddressed mental health issues contribute to increased healthcare costs and resource allocation.

• Social Cohesion: Persistent inequalities undermine social trust and cohesion, leading to a fragmented society.

Our Campaign to Solve the Problem

To tackle the pressing challenges faced by Black women, the Take Up Space campaign focuses on two transformative initiatives:

1. The Take Up Space E-Book

Access your free digital copy here

The ‘Dear Women CIC Take Up Space’ e-book is more than a collection of stories; it’s a blueprint for healing, empowerment, and action. Inside, readers will find:

• Inspiring Real Life Stories: Contributions from over 15 Black established working women who have faced adversity, navigated systemic barriers, and still dared to take up space in rooms not built for them. These narratives foster solidarity and hope, reminding readers that thriving is possible against the odds.

• Action-Oriented Guidance: Practical steps, reflective exercises, and strategies that motivate readers to pursue their dreams and take meaningful action in their careers, businesses, and lives.

• Representation and Visibility: A powerful reminder that Black women’s voices, experiences, and aspirations matter deeply and deserve to be amplified.

How It Helps:

The e-book goes beyond inspiration—it drives action. Showcasing relatable stories and actionable tools empowers Black women and young girls to pursue their dreams and confidently take up space in their careers and entrepreneurial pursuits. When distributed to underserved schools, workplaces, and communities, it has the potential to ignite ambition, foster self-belief, and create a ripple effect of empowered individuals positively feeding into wider society.

Reach Goal:

Our aim is to distribute hundreds of copies of the Take Up Space e-book to schools, colleges, universities, workplaces, and community centres across the UK. By amplifying these voices, we aim to spark a movement where more Black women and young girls step into their power and claim their spaces unapologetically.

2. The Take Up Space Well-Being Conference

The Well-Being Conference is a transformative one-day event in London, in September 2025, designed to provide 900 Black men and women with the tools to prioritise their emotional, occupational, financial, and spiritual well-being.

The conference will feature:

• Keynote Speakers and Panels: Insightful talks by trailblazing Black women and men sharing their journeys of overcoming systemic barriers and thriving in their fields.

• Workshops: Practical, hands-on sessions focusing on various areas of wellbeing such as stress management, setting boundaries, building resilience, and cultivating self-belief + more

• Local and Underrepresented Businesses: Spotlighting vendors and speakers from local and underrepresented communities, showcasing their products, services, and stories. This ensures we are feeding back into the local community financially. 

• Networking Opportunities: A space for Black men and women to connect, share experiences, and build a supportive community.

• Healing Spaces: Breakout sessions dedicated to mental health support, self-care, and spiritual renewal.

• Discounted Access to Resources: Attendees will have access to discounted therapy, coaching, healthcare services, consultations, and financial services. These resources are designed to provide ongoing support and actionable tools for long-term success.

• Mentorship Opportunities: The conference will connect attendees with mentors who can guide them in their careers, businesses, and personal growth, creating pathways for sustained progress and achievement.

This conference isn’t just about individual empowerment—it’s about building bridges and legacies. Allies from other communities will be invited to be in the room, standing in solidarity to support this mission collectively. By fostering collaboration and understanding, the conference aims to create a foundation for change that transcends boundaries and uplifts everyone involved.

How It Helps:

The conference offers a safe and inclusive space for 900 Black men and women to address the challenges they face, gain practical tools for self-empowerment, and connect with others on the same journey. By featuring local businesses and underrepresented voices, and providing access to resources and mentorship, it ensures attendees leave not only inspired but equipped to take meaningful steps toward their goals.

Impact Goal:

To sponsor attendance for 900 Black women and men who would otherwise be unable to afford this transformative experience. With your help, we can create an event that doesn’t just inspire but equips attendees with the resources, role models, and community they need to thrive.

How Your Donation Will Be Used

Your donation directly supports the Take Up Space campaign, enabling us to tackle systemic challenges and create empowering opportunities for Black women and men to thrive. Here’s how the funds will be used:

1. The Take Up Space E-Book

Printing and Distribution:

• Printing physical copies to ensure accessibility, especially for underserved Black communities, schools, colleges, universities and workplaces.

Marketing and Outreach:

• Spreading awareness through targeted social media campaigns to maximize the reach and impact of the e-book, ensuring it inspires action among Black women and young girls to pursue their dreams and take up space in their careers and businesses.

2. The Take Up Space Well-Being Conference

• Venue and Event Logistics: Hosting 900 attendees in an inclusive space designed for connection, growth, and healing.
• Expert Speakers and Facilitators: Covering fees for keynote speakers, workshop leaders, and facilitators to ensure high-quality, impactful sessions.
• Access to Services: Providing on-site therapy, coaching, health consultations, and financial services at heavily discounted costs or no cost at all for those most in need.
• Mentorship Programme: Establishing and running a mentorship initiative to connect attendees with experienced professionals who can guide them in their careers, businesses, and personal development.
• Subsidised or Free Entry: Ensuring free or subsidised ticket costs for attendees who may otherwise be unable to afford the experience, making the event accessible to all.

Your Impact

Every pound you contribute creates real, tangible change:

• £10: Prints and distributes 1 booklet, delivering stories of resilience and practical tools to schools, colleges, and workplaces, inspiring individuals to take up space in every area of their lives.

• £25: Prints and distributes 2 booklets and contributes toward outreach efforts to spread awareness about the conference, ensuring more people have the opportunity to attend this transformative event.

• £50: Sponsors 1 woman to attend the conference, breaking financial barriers while also funding the printing and distribution of 1 booklet. Your generosity creates impact both in person and through written inspiration.

• £100 or more: Sponsor 2 women to attend the conference and fund the printing and distribution of 2 booklets, amplifying the reach of both initiatives and transforming lives through healing, growth, and empowerment.

Together, we can address systemic barriers, inspire action, and create a future where Black women and men have the tools, support, and opportunities to thrive confidently and unapologetically. Your support doesn’t just fund a campaign—it builds a movement of empowerment, resilience, and lasting change

Why Now?

The Take Up Space campaign is launching at a critical moment when Black women are on the edge, struggling to navigate systemic challenges and the relentless pressures of everyday life. Many are facing burnout, mental health crises, and financial instability right now—not tomorrow, but in this very moment.

We can’t afford to wait. We aim to raise £10,000 to fund two transformative initiatives: the Take Up Space e-book and the Well-Being Conference. Together, these projects will provide immediate support, tools, and inspiration for Black women to reclaim their spaces and their power.

Here’s why the time to act is now:

• 84% of Black mothers are primary or sole breadwinners, juggling overwhelming responsibilities that leave little room for rest or healing.
• Over 75% of women of colour have experienced racism in the workplace, leading to mental health struggles, career stagnation, and feelings of isolation.
• Over 50% of Black women in the UK leave jobs due to workplace inequalities, a devastating loss of talent, leadership, and innovation.

Every day that passes without action, more women fall through the cracks—talented, resilient individuals forced to put their dreams on hold because they lack the support they need.

This campaign is about meeting the needs of Black women now. It’s about giving them the tools, community, and resources to move forward today—not next year or someday in the distant future.

With your support, we can raise £10,000 to ensure these women receive the help, hope, and empowerment they need to thrive. The time to act is not tomorrow—it’s today.