100 Black Women Campaign

Social Justice

A landmark report amplifying the lived experiences of Black women across UK uniformed services and calling for urgent cultural and institutional reform.

“Black women serving within the UK’s uniformed services are speaking with honesty, courage and urgency. The 100 Voices Survey Report from Women in the Shade shines a light on the lived realities behind the badge — exposing the cultural and structural barriers that continue to affect wellbeing, progression and trust across policing, fire, ambulance and military services.”
BWSMContributor

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Women in the Shade — a Black‑led organisation dedicated to advancing equity, safety and leadership for Black women in UK uniformed services — has today published the 100 Voices Survey Report mark Black Inclusion Week 2026.

The report reveals significant cultural and structural challenges affecting Black women across policing, fire and rescue, ambulance and military services in the United Kingdom. Drawing on the lived experiences of women working within these environments, the findings highlight systemic patterns that continue to impact wellbeing, progression, psychological safety and trust

The report identifies areas where organisational culture has not consistently aligned with stated values, where systems have not fully protected those, they were designed to support, and where the lived experiences of Black women diverge sharply from organisational intent.

Key themes include:

Barriers to progression and leadership representation
Inconsistent organisational responses to discrimination and harm

The emotional labour required to navigate high‑risk, hierarchical environments

The impact of cultural norms on voice, safety and accountability

Opportunities for meaningful institutional reform
Karen Geddes QPM, Co‑Founder of Women in the Shade, said:
“Black women have contributed their experiences with honesty, courage and emotional labour. Their voices provide essential insight into the realities of working within uniformed services and offer a clear call to action for leaders, policymakers and practitioners.”

Women in the Shade has supported more than 600 Black women across uniformed services through research, leadership development, training and advocacy. The organisation works to strengthen psychological safety, rebuild trust, and drive systemic change across policing, fire and rescue, ambulance and military environments.

The report aligns with national priorities on workforce culture, public trust, leadership accountability and institutional integrity. It also supports ongoing commitments within the Police Race Action Plan, particularly the Culture and Workforce, and Trust and Reconciliation workstreams.

Survey Reopened – Call for More Voices
To continue building the evidence base, Women in the Shade has reopened the 100 Voices Survey and is inviting Black women across all UK uniformed services to share their experiences.

Survey link: https://form.jotform.com/261296435745364

The full report is available to download as part of Black Inclusion Week 2026 https://canva.link/7z3yp8jv2mz7kj4to

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