Even as she edges ever closer to retirement age, PC Andrea Reynolds of the West Midlands Police force has decided to “have a last push to illuminate the debate” around why there’s such a disconnect between the black community and the police in the UK. After almost 30 years of service, Andrea felt that the “gulf was getting wider” and the recent Black Lives Matter protests show quite powerfully how disgruntled this community is. That’s why she decided to take on the challenge

The Muslim Women’s Network UK (MWNUK) is wholeheartedly and systemically grounded in the lived experiences of Muslim women and girls. It’s inception happened in 2003 after a group of women’s rights activists came together with the support of the Women’s National Commission to give independent advice and guidance to the government on issues relating to Muslim women and public policy. When this commission was shut down in 2011, six of these women decided to continue their work

We were so touched by this letter from Jessica Cruse who is one of our long-time members and beneficiaries that we simply had to share it... Hi Shakti, I hope everyone on the team is doing well. Lockdown 3 has been the worst for sure- for myself, someone who works internationally, works directly with challenging roles and beneficiaries focused and also someone who loves to network, it's been tough. Add that I do prefer hot weather, Ive been living away from family and friends

When is our society going to overcome its ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ syndrome? Silly little Red Riding Hood. If only she hadn’t wandered off into the woods on her own. If only she hadn’t talked to a stranger on the way. If only she hadn’t been so naive. If only she hadn’t worn that most sexually provocative of colours, red. If only she hadn’t been so pretty. If only she hadn’t been a young woman, flaunting herself like that with her pretty bouquet of flowers. If only, if only,

Inspiring music industry artist, Namywa (pronounced Nam-eye-wa), is on a mission to amplify the unsung voices of women and girls from marginalised communities, supporting creative entrepreneurs with her new Community Interest Company (CIC), GirlGrindUK. Herself spending a number of years on the grind against the all-too-familiar barriers she has navigated to success in the music industry as a black woman from Birmingham, Namywa tells us how she was inspired to help other youn

THE PINK PAPER LAUNCH EVENT: With International Women’s Day just around the corner, Shakti Women is thinking pink. Yes, that’s right, PINK! The 8th March is a time for celebration, reflection and action and we are full of hope that the future is female, but we aren’t fools now ladies, there’s still a lot of work to be done and our Pink Paper 2021 is the starting point... Where: Zoom, When: Thursday 1st April, Time: 10.30am-12.30pm What you get? - Free copy of Pink Paper worth