100 Black Women Professors NOW

The University of East London (UEL) joined the Women’s Higher Education Network’s 100 Black Women Professors Now (100BWP) programme in 2021 – one of only ten UK institutions involved since its inception – and has since supported four cohorts through the programme. 

The programme is focused primarily on promoting equity of opportunity within the academic world, given the increasing, but still incredibly low, number of Black female professors in the UK higher education sector. It aims to increase the diversity of the academic pipeline, break down barriers to academic progression proactively, and accelerate equity of opportunity, eliminating bias and racism.

In addition to the above, UEL's Office for Institutional Equity (OIE) has, during its involvement in the programme, provided additional support for participants, including one-to-one mentoring and increased visibility within the institution.

The scheme is a pioneering systemic change programme aiming to increase the number of Black women in the academic pipeline. When the pilot scheme started in 2021, there were just 35 female Black professors in the UK, out of 23,000.

At the end of the 2022/23 academic year, there were 60 Black female and 150 Black male professors, 490 Asian female and 1,365 Asian male professors, 160 female with mixed ethnicity and 240 mixed ethnicity male professors, compared to 6,190 White female and 13,280 White male professors in the UK. (Source: HESA)

The representation of Black professors within UK academia stands as a compelling indicator of the ongoing need for greater inclusivity and diversity. In a sector dominated by other ethnic groups, Black professors—comprised of 70 females and 180 males—represent a notably small fraction of the academic leadership.

These figures serve as a stark reminder of the systemic barriers that persist in academia. Addressing these disparities requires a concerted effort to create equitable opportunities and foster environments where diverse voices can thrive. The journey toward a more inclusive academic landscape continues, and the representation of Black professors is a crucial part of this narrative.

UEL participated in the pilot programme in 2021 with five Black female academics from two schools, and a further eight academics from four schools participated in the second cohort, which was extended to include early career Black women academics on fixed-term contracts and Black female PhD students. Participation in the programme during the last few academic years has made a considerable difference in culture and understanding across UEL, with the programme contributing to the career paths and progression of the participants. UEL is now in its fourth cohort of the programme.

About the programme

The 100 Black Women Professors Now (100BWPN) is a unique 12-month accelerator and change programme for UK higher education institutions developed and delivered by the Women’s Higher Education Network (WHEN).

The programme aims to propel equity of opportunity for Black women academics, researchers, PhD students and those in professional services and to deliver a step change in progress for the sector by working with individuals throughout the academic pipeline as well as institutions, managers, and leaders.

In 2018, there were only 25 Black women professors in the UK, compared to 12,500 white men. Since 100BWP began in 2021, the number of Black women professors has more than doubled, with the programme providing equity of opportunity while dismantling the deep-rooted barriers that are preventing gender equality from being our current reality by:

  • An exclusive focus on the most under-represented and disadvantaged group - Black women: those of the African diaspora who represent less than 0.2 per cent of the UK professoriate
  • The first and only sector-wide initiative that speaks to the issues and recommendations from the ‘Staying Power’ report, based on research with 80 per cent of Black women professors
  • Access to peer groups from multiple universities to facilitate cross-institution learning and accountability
  • A focus on systemic change and action, requiring deep commitment and engagement from three major stakeholder groups: institutional leaders, line managers, and the academic cohort.

More information

If you have any questions about the programme, please contact oie@uel.ac.uk

People profiles

Get to know some of those at the University of East London, who have taken part in the 100BWPN programme.

  • Amanda Francis

    Amanda Francis is a senior lecturer and course leader for BA Fine Art.

  • Augustina Akoto

    Augustina is the course leader for the LLB (Hons) Law and International Relations and a senior lecturer in law.

  • Carla Trim Vamben

    Programme leader and senior lecturer within the School of Arts and Creative Industries. Member of CPAD.

  • Georgina Cox

    Georgina Cox is an Associate Professor in Nursing Associates (incl apprenticeships)

  • Hattie Campbell

    Hattie Campbell is a senior lecturer in Early Childhood in the Department of Early Childhood & Education.

  • Iwa Salami

    Iwa Salami is a Professor of Law at the Royal Docks School of Business and Law.

  • Olajumoke Okoya

    Dr Jummy Okoya is the Dean of the Office of Institutional Equity. She leads on delivering UEL’s EDI strategy as a cross cutting priority of Vision 2028.

  • Lape Olarinoye

    Lape is a broadcaster with over a focus on representation, screen production and industry collaboration.

  • Naida Redgrave

    Dr Naida Redgrave is a senior lecturer in digital media and communications at the University of East London.

  • Nurat Ajibade

    Nurat Ajibade is an Associate Course Leader and Module Leader in the Department of Business, Management, Entrepreneurship & Finance, Royal Docks School Business & Law.

  • Paulet Brown-Wilsher

    Paulet is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in the School of Childhood and Social Care.