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Join us for Women in the Shade Conference 2025!
“On January 16, 2025, we’re tackling the urgent need for diversity, equity, and inclusion in uniformed services and beyond. Under the theme "The Power of Colour – What happens when we are not in the room," this groundbreaking event will empower, inspire, and drive change.
Keynotes, panels, and interactive sessions with leaders in public service, health, education, and more. Let's build a future where Black women are heard, valued, and empowered to lead.”
BWSMEditor - in - Chief
Women in the Shade Conference 2025 Addresses Urgent Need for Diversity and Inclusion in Uniformed Services
BIRMINGHAM, UK – November 11, 2024 – As the UK continues to grapple with issues of racial inequality and underrepresentation in key sectors, Women in the Shade announces its second conference, “The Power of Colour – What happens when we are not in the room,” to be held on January 16, 2025, in Birmingham.
Recent events have highlighted the persistent challenges faced by Black women in uniformed services and other professional sectors.
The 2024 Lammy Review update revealed ongoing disparities in the criminal justice system, while the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard report showed little progress in representation at leadership levels.
These findings underscore the critical need for focused discussions and actionable strategies to promote equality and inclusion.
The Women in the Shade Conference 2025 aims to address these pressing issues by bringing together representatives from police, fire services, military, health services, education, and community organisations.
The event will feature panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive sessions focused on tackling systemic biases, microaggressions, and developing strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in organisational settings.
Karen Geddes
“In light of recent reports and ongoing challenges, it’s clear that we need to take decisive action to create more inclusive environments for Black women in uniformed services and beyond,” said Karen Geddes / Marcia Ore, organiser of the Women in the Shade Conference. “This conference provides a unique platform for sharing experiences, developing strategies, and fostering collaboration to drive meaningful change.”
Marcia Ore
The conference is primarily aimed at Black women working in uniform organisations and the wider community. However, it also welcomes leaders from all backgrounds who are committed to eliminating racism and advancing anti-racism initiatives.
Key Highlights of the Conference:
This unique and high-profile event will bring together people from a variety of uniformed services, other agencies and organisations, and the community to discuss and shape actions towards a future where every Black woman feels empowered, respected, and valued for her contributions. The gathering aims to foster meaningful dialogue, share experiences, and develop strategies that promote equality and inclusion within these sectors.
Participants will include representatives from the police, fire services, military, health services, education, and community organisations, all working collaboratively to create a supportive and inclusive environment for Black women.
Using the skills, knowledge, experience and thought leadership we aim to deliver facilitated sessions, and panel discussions, we aim to:
- Empower Black Women: Highlight the achievements and potential of Black women in uniformed services and other sectors, fostering an environment where they feel empowered and confident to contribute their best.
- Promote Respect and Recognition: Address the need for respect and acknowledgment of Black women’s contributions, ensuring their efforts are valued and celebrated within their respective fields.
- Encourage Dialogue and Understanding: Facilitate open and honest conversations about the challenges and opportunities Black women face, promoting a deeper understanding and collaboration among participants.
- Shape Future Actions: Develop actionable strategies and initiatives that organisations can implement to support and uplift Black women, driving systemic change towards greater equality and inclusion.
- Build a Supportive Network: Create a robust network of allies and advocates committed to fostering an inclusive environment where Black women can thrive professionally and personally.
Dynamic Speaker Lineup: The conference will feature an impressive roster of speakers, including:
- Grace Onoiwu CBE, a trailblazer in public service who has championed diversity in leadership.
- Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts was elected as Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner in May 2024 and currently serves as one of the APCC Leads for Economic and Cyber Crime.
- Dr Shungu Hilda M’gadzah is the Director and Lead Consultant Psychologist
- Dr Sarah Charman is Professor of Criminology at the University of Portsmouth
Panel members includes: Gavin Stephenson, National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), who will speak on the importance of inclusive leadership within law enforcement and the benefits of diverse perspectives in maintaining public trust; Jacquline Alcindor, a prominent voice in social justice and community advocacy, known for her impactful work in empowering underrepresented voices and Justin Placide – Head of Net Zero Governance, Briefing and Fiscal Events & Co-Chair of The FAME Network and Co-Chair of The Civil Service Race Forum
Early bird registration is available until December 15, 2024, with special rates for group bookings. The organisers also offer a “Friend of Women in the Shade” package, allowing supporters to sponsor a young Black woman’s attendance at the conference.
For more information and registration details, visit https://womenintheshade.com/wits-conference-2025 or email: info@womenintheshade.com
The Importance of This Year’s Theme:
The conference theme, “The Power of Colour – What happens when we are not in the room.”, is not just a question—it’s a challenge to institutions that continue to overlook the value of Black women in leadership. In the wake of recent global movements for social justice, diversity, and inclusion, it has become increasingly clear that having Black women in positions of influence leads to more equitable policies, innovative solutions, and a deeper understanding of community needs.
Founders’ Message:
Marcia Ore and Karen Geddes, founders of Women In The Shade, emphasised the urgency of this mission:
“Black women bring a wealth of knowledge, resilience, and vision to the table, yet we are still underrepresented in spaces where decisions that shape our lives are made. This conference is not just about empowerment; it’s about taking action to ensure that Black women are recognised as the leaders they are. We aim to equip women with the tools and networks they need to step into those spaces and drive meaningful change.”
Why This Conference Matters Now:
In light of current conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion, the conference addresses a critical gap: the underrepresentation of Black women in leadership. Recent reports have shown that organizations with diverse leadership teams are more innovative, profitable, and better equipped to serve diverse communities. However, Black women continue to face barriers that limit their access to these influential roles.
The conference will not only highlight these challenges but also present actionable solutions, empowering attendees to break through the glass ceiling and become changemakers in their fields.
About Women In The Shade:
Women In The Shade was founded by Marcia Ore and Karen Geddes with a mission to empower Black women through education, mentorship, and community engagement. By creating platforms where underrepresented voices are uplifted, the organisation aims to dismantle barriers and foster inclusive leadership across sectors.
Event Details:
– Date: 16th January 2025
– Location: 3 Queensway, Birmingham, UK
– Registration: Tickets are available now.
Visit https://womenintheshade.com/wits-conference-2025 to register and learn more.
Media Contact:
Marcia Ore & Karen Geddes
