Black History Month is a time to celebrate the stories of Black people, focusing on those that have not been told.

This year’s theme, Reclaiming Narratives, aligns perfectly with the work of Housing for Women, as it encourages us to reflect on how the stories of Black people, especially Black women, have all too often been overlooked, ignored, or distorted.

Reclaiming Narratives is an invitation to every member of the Black community to take part in shaping how their stories are told—stories that, in the past, may have been narrated by others—and to ensure that the voices of those who were once ignored are now heard.

At Housing for Women, we understand that women often face structural inequalities when trying to access and secure safe homes and appropriate services, and it is our mission to change this. We don’t just provide homes; we offer specialist support and resources to help women regain control of their lives. Every day, we hear powerful stories from women in our services who have overcome adversity, discrimination, and other challenges to become self-assured, independent members of the community.

By embracing the theme of Reclaiming Narratives, we aim to ensure that all women, regardless of their background, can tell their own stories and shape their own futures. This Black History Month, we join the movement to reclaim narratives.