Black women have long contributed to British history, culture, and life, but, like their American sisters, they do so in the face of racism and sexism.
Black women’s experiences of microaggressions and discrimination mean they are more likely to experience mental health disorders than white women.
They also have negative experiences of mental health care. Their treatment often involves law enforcement for Black women, with fewer opportunities for talking therapies.
Black women are also over four times more likely to be involuntarily detained compared to other racial groups in Britain.
But Black women are also working to dismantle the injustices they face and support each other’s mental health and wellbeing.
So, as Black History Month UK reaches an end, get to know four of the many Black British women using tech to do just that.
Storia – helping us unleash our inner voice
Founded by Elizabeth Uviebinene, Storia is a journaling app to organize your thoughts and unleash your inner voice.
She is a multi-award-winning author of five books, including the co-author of bestseller Slay In Your Lane: The Black Girl Bible.
The digital tool Storia combines AI-guided prompts, on-demand sessions, reflective insights, and community connection to provide users with a personalized journaling experience.
Anfaani – reconnecting Black women with their bodies
Anfaani, founded by Motunrayo Oyetunji, aims to transform Black women’s mental health through somatic therapy – a holistic approach to psychotherapy that focuses on the mind-body connection.
Somatic therapy can benefit Black women and empower them to reconnect with their bodies and better understand their physical responses to stress and emotions.
Oyetunji and her app aim to tackle missed care and close the mental well-being treatment gap and disparities by approaching it holistically.
Mindwalk Yoga – Bringing Yoga online
Mindwalk Yoga is the UK’s first online not-for-profit yoga studio representing Black women in yoga while promoting the benefits it has for mental health.
Their online app has 300+ on-demand yoga practices, monthly livestream member classes, and tailored practices to support anxiety, insomnia, stress, and menopause.
Founder Zakiya Bishton aims to improve mental health for Black women by centering their experiences in what Mindwalk Yoga calls the often “white-exclusive” wellness industry.
Glitch – making the internet safer for Black women
Seyi Akiwowo founded Glitch, an award-winning UK charity ending online abuse and championing digital citizenship.
The charity has a particular focus on Black women and marginalized people.
Through training, research, workshops, and community building, they are building an online world that is safer for all.
They recently worked with the End Violence Against Women Coalition and other partners to add women and girls into the Online Safety Bill as official law.
