Soul Purpose 360^o

National Survey of Black Women & Girls in Britain

Understanding Our Experiences, Challenges, Aspirations and Priorities for Social Change

Welcome to #DefinitionRedefined

Your voice matters. Your experience matters. Your contribution can help create change.

Thank you for taking part in the most comprehensive survey of Black Women and Girls in the UK, ensuring that women and girls can voice their priorities and propose the changes required for them to thrive.

#DefinitionRedefined was launched in 2024 to challenge limiting narratives and create space for Black Women and Girls to define ourselves in the fullness of our lives. A national conference, a photographic exhibition and a Black Woman's Anthology 'Owning Every Line', have laid the foundation for the campaign. This national survey is an important next step: an opportunity to build a stronger, community-led picture of our experiences, contributions, needs, priorities and aspirations across Britain.

The survey is for women aged 16 and over who identify as Black women or girls and live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. This includes people of Black African, Black Caribbean, mixed Black heritage and other self-described Black identities. There is no single Black woman’s experience, and we want the findings to reflect the breadth and diversity of our communities.

The survey is expected to take around 40 minutes. There are seven comfort breaks built in to the survey. You can save your progress and return to the survey later. To resume, please use the same device you used to start the form. Please approach the questions in the way that feels right for you. You may skip any question, leave out sections that do not apply to you, pause or exit at any time, and answer only what you feel comfortable sharing. There are no right or wrong answers: we want to hear what is true for you, including experiences of challenge, joy, leadership, care, ambition, achievement and change.

Your contributions will be treated as confidential and pseudonymous. We will use appropriate safeguards to protect the information you share and will report findings in ways designed to prevent individual respondents from being identified. Providing your name or contact details is optional. If you choose to provide them, they will be kept safe and used only for the purposes explained to you. Contact details will not be routinely linked to your survey answers.

Some questions cover difficult or sensitive experiences. Clear safeguarding information and links to sources of support are provided within the survey. Please take care of yourself, pause if you need to, and do not include names, addresses or other details that could identify you or someone else in open-text answers.

This survey is not monitored in real time and is not an emergency or crisis-reporting service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please contact the emergency services or use the support information provided.

Your contribution will help inform:

The #DefinitionRedefined campaign; and
The proposed National Commission on Black Women and Girls.
Future Soul Purpose 360 services
Empowerment Circle programmes
Research and evidence gathering
Funding and investment priorities
Advocacy and policy recommendations.

We hope to publish the survey findings for International Women’s Day in March 2027. Participants who choose to provide contact details will receive a public summary, accessible findings and a “You said, we will” update showing how the voices shared through this survey have shaped priorities and next steps.

Thank you for giving your time, insight and truth to this work. By taking part, you are helping to build evidence that can strengthen services, direct investment, influence policy and support a future in which Black women and girls are heard, valued, represented and able to thrive.

Be heard. Be counted. Help redefine the future.

#DefinitionRedefined | Soul Purpose 360

Thank you in advance,

Palma Black

Founder & CEO

Soul Purpose 360 CIC

Company No: 12217224 | Reg Add: Soul-Full, 62 George Street, Croydon, London, CR0 1PD

www.soulpurpose360.co.uk | [email protected]

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I agree to terms & conditions provided by Soul Purpose 360. By ticking this box, I agree to my answers being stored so that I can save and return to my survey entries.

SECTION A: CONSENT, SAFEGUARDING & DATA PROTECTION

Black women's stories have too often been taken without care or credit, so this section makes sure you stay in control of your voice, your data and your wellbeing from the very first question.

If No, please do not continue.

A1. Informed Consent - Please confirm the following: *

I have read and understood the purpose of this survey.

I understand that participation is voluntary.

I understand that I may skip questions or stop participating at any time.

I understand how my information will be used.

I consent to participate in this survey.

Data Protection Consent (UK GDPR)

Please indicate your agreement:

A2: Please agree to all to proceed *

I consent to anonymised quotations being used in reports and publications.

I consent to anonymised information being used in funding applications.

I consent to anonymised data being used for research and reporting.

I consent to my anonymised answers being analysed by London borough or local areas, so that findings can inform councils and local services

A3. Safeguarding Statement - Please confirm *

I understand that if information suggests a child, young person or vulnerable adult is at significant risk of harm, Soul Purpose 360 may have a safeguarding duty to act.

SECTION B: ABOUT YOU

Black women are too often treated as one group, which hides the real differences in our lives, so these questions let us show the true diversity of who we are and where the gaps really lie.

B2: Ethnicity Origin *

Black African

Black Caribbean

Mixed/Multiple Black Heritage

common.other_option

B3: Specific national or cultural heritage (e.g., Nigerian, Ghanaian, Jamaican, Somali, Afro-Indo-Caribbean, etc.).

B5: If from London, please select the borough where you live.

SECTION C: YOUR BIGGEST CONCERNS

Decisions about Black women's lives are usually made without asking us what matters most, so your top three priorities will set the agenda for this campaign and the change we fight for.

Select just ONE from each of the three following - DO NOT pick the same issue three times.

C1. My #1 priority (Choose 1) *

C2. My #2 priority (Choose 1) *

C3. My #3 priority (Choose 1) *

SECTION D: #DEFINITIONREDEFINED – YOUR DEFINITIONS... REDEFINED.

Black women have long been defined by others' assumptions rather than our own truth, so these questions put the power back in your hands to define success, wealth and living well on your terms.

Key statistic: 98% of Black Britons say they have compromised how they express themselves and their identity to fit in at work. (Black British Voices Report, University of Cambridge, 2023)

D1. How do you define success for yourself, rather than by the expectations or stereotypes society places on Black women and girls?

Optional — share as much or as little as you wish

D2: What does living well mean to you when you define it in your own terms, not only through money, but through wellbeing, freedom, belonging, purpose and opportunity?

Optional — share as much or as little as you wish

To what extent do you agree with these statements about owning your narrative and being recognised in your full diversity?

D4: I feel able to define myself rather than be defined by stereotypes about Black women and girls.

D5: The diversity of Black women’s backgrounds, personalities, experiences and opinions is recognised in British society.

D6: My contribution is recognised without me having to fit expectations of how a Black woman should behave.

D7: Employers understand how racism, sexism, economic inequality and health inequality can combine in Black women’s lives.

D8: Public services understand how racism, sexism, economic inequality and health inequality can combine in Black women’s lives. (copy)

D9: What is the one assumption, stereotype or systemic barrier affecting Black women and girls that Britain most needs to redefine, and what should replace it?

Optional — share as much or as little as you wish

SECTION E: PHYSICAL HEALTH & HEALTHCARE

Black women in the UK are more likely to have their pain dismissed and to face worse health outcomes, including in maternity care, so your answers will help show the NHS exactly where it must listen and change.

Key statistic: Black women in the UK are more than twice as likely as white women to die during or after pregnancy. (MBRRACE-UK, 2025 report, covering 2021–23)

Please rate these statements

E1: I can access healthcare when needed.

E2: Healthcare professionals listen to me.

E3: Health services understand the needs of Black women and girls.

E5: Thinking specifically about the experiences and health needs of Black women and girls, what changes should NHS health services make to ensure they receive equitable, culturally responsive and consistently high-quality care?

Optional — share as much or as little as you wish

SECTION F: MENTAL HEALTH & EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

Black women carry heavy loads of stress, racism and caring, often while being expected to “stay strong”, so these questions help show the real toll and what culturally safe support should look like.

Key statistic: 29% of Black women have a common mental health condition, compared with 21% of White British women. (Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, 2014 – the latest breakdown by both ethnicity and gender on the Government's Ethnicity Facts and Figures site)

How often do you experience:

F1: Stress

F2: Burnout

F3: Loneliness

F4: Emotional exhaustion

F6: I know where to find support

F7: I can speak openly about mental health.

F8: My wellbeing is prioritised

SECTION G: HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS

Black women are more likely to live in insecure, overcrowded or unaffordable homes and to face poor treatment from landlords, so your experiences will help push for safe, secure and fair housing for all.

Key statistic: Black people in England are three and a half times as likely as White British people to experience statutory homelessness. (Heriot-Watt University & ROTA, 2022)

Please rate these statements

G1: My housing is secure.

G2: My home is safe.

G3: My housing is affordable.

G6: If you answered yes to any of the above, please expand - how do you feel you were treated by your landlord for example. Do not give any personal details.

Optional — share as much or as little as you wish

SECTION H: EDUCATION, LEARNING & SKILLS

Many Black women and girls have faced low expectations, unfair discipline and a lack of recognition in education, so these questions help show how learning can nurture rather than limit our potential.

Key statistic: In 2021–22, Black Caribbean girls were excluded from school at double the rate of White British girls. (Department for Education data obtained by Agenda Alliance, reported by the Race Equality Foundation, 2024)

Please rate these statements

H1: Teachers had high expectations of me.

H2: I was treated fairly in education.

H3: Have you ever experienced:

H4: If you answered yes to any of the above, please expand if you wish. Do not give any personal details.

Optional — share as much or as little as you wish

H5: What changes do you think need to happen in education for Black Girls and Women to improve educational experiences?

Optional — share as much or as little as you wish

SECTION I: EMPLOYMENT, CAREERS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Black women face a combined pay gap based on both race and gender, are held back from progressing, and receive only a tiny share of business investment, so your answers will build the evidence needed for fair pay, promotion and funding.

Key statistic: 75% of women of colour have experienced racism at work. (Broken Ladders, Fawcett Society & Runnymede Trust, 2022)

Please rate these statements

I1: I have equal opportunities at work.

I2: I am fairly rewarded.

I3: I see opportunities for career advancement at work.

I4: I feel psychologically safe in my place of work.

I6: If you work in London, which best describes your hourly pay before tax in your main job?

I7: Have you tried to get funding or finance for your business (for example a loan, grant, investment or overdraft)?

I8: If yes, what happened?

Approved in full

Approved in part

Refused

Still waiting

I9: What would make it easier for Black women to get funding for their business/social enterprise?

Optional — share as much or as little as you wish

SECTION J: MONEY & FINANCIAL SECURITY

Black women are more likely to be on low incomes, to have fewer savings to fall back on, and to be shut out of fair credit, so these questions help show the true impact of the cost-of-living crisis and what real financial security would take.

Key statistic: The typical Black African household in Great Britain holds £34,000 in wealth, compared with £314,000 for White British households. (ONS, Household Wealth by Ethnicity, 2016–18)

How confident are you about:

J1: Saving money

J2: Dealing with unexpected costs

J3: Accessing Financial Support

J4: Covering cost-of-living pressures / debt

J5: Access to fair credit

Rate these statements:

J6: I feel financially secure.

J7: I know where to access financial advice.

SECTION K: CARERS & CARING RESPONSIBILITIES

There are no right or wrong answers, and you can skip any question.

Black women often carry unpaid caring roles for children, elders and the wider community, at great personal and financial cost, so these questions help make that hidden work visible and properly valued. There are no right or wrong answers, and you can skip any question.

Key statistic: 38% of Black, Asian and minority ethnic carers were struggling

K1: Who do you give care or support to, outside of any paid job? If this question does not apply, select the right option and skip questions K2-K5

K2: In a typical week, how many hours do you spend giving this care or support?

K3: Which best describes how this caring role came to you? (Choose one)

K4: What has caring cost you? (Tick all that apply)

K5: If you have children under 16, which of these apply to your childcare? Select all that apply.

I do not need childcare

I can find and afford the childcare I need

I can find the childcare but struggle with the cost

I cannot afford to find childcare that fits my hours or location

Childcare limits my ability to work or study

I worry my child would not be treated fairly

I do or am considering Home Schooling

common.other_option

K6: If the care that Black women give were valued in the same way as any other essential work in society, what would be different for you, your family and your community? Optional — share as much or as little as you wish

Think about money, time, rest, support, respect or opportunities. Please don’t include names or details that could identify you or anyone else.

SECTION L: COMMUNITY SAFETY

Rate these statements

L1: I feel safe where I live.

L2: I feel safe using public transport.

L3: I feel protected by public services.

SECTION M: DOMESTIC ABUSE & VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS

Section M asks three brief questions about experiences of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls. You can answer this section, or skip to Section N

M2: Were you able to access support?

Yes

I did not seek formal support

Not applicable

M3: What barriers prevented you from seeking support?

I was worried that I wouldn’t be believed or taken seriously

I don’t trust the police to treat me fairly.

I was worried that the signs of what was happening to me would be missed, ignored or not recorded properly.

I didn’t think I would be offered the right specialist support, even if I did report it.

I couldn't find services run by and for Black women and girls, where I would feel understood and safe.

None of the above

Prefer not to say

common.other_option

M4: Is there anything you’d like to share about what would make it easier to ask for help?

Optional

SECTION N: IDENTITY, REPRESENTATION & BELONGING

Rate the following statements

N1: I feel valued in British society.

N2: Black women are represented fairly in the media.

N3: I have a strong sense of belonging.

SECTION O: CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP

O3: What support would help you / Black women to play an active role in society?

Optional — share as much or as little as you wish

SECTION P: DIGITAL INCLUSION

Rate your confidence in using the following

P2: Digital services (for example, booking a GP appointment online)

P3: Social media (for example, posting or commenting on Facebook)

P4: Online learning (for example, completing an online course)

P5: Digital communication tools (for example, joining a Zoom or Microsoft Teams call)

P6: Artificial Intelligence (AI) (for example, using ChatGPT to help draft an email)

P7: Online safety tools (for example, using two-step verification to protect an account)

P9: What needs to change to make online spaces safer, more respectful and more supportive for Black women?

Optional — share as much or as little as you wish

SECTION Q: FAITH, SPIRITUALITY & PURPOSE

Rate the following

Q1: Faith or spirituality supports my wellbeing.

Q2: My faith community provides support.

SECTION R: CLIMATE, ENVIRONMENT & PLACE

To what extent do you agree with these statements about the area where you live?

R1: I have access to quality green spaces.

R2: My local environment supports wellbeing.

R3: My area is changing in ways that benefit people like me.

R4: I have a say in decisions about my area (for example housing, high streets and regeneration).

R5: I worry about being priced out of my area.

R6: What would you like to see built, protected or changed in your area?

SECTION S: AGING WELL

How confident are you about:

S1: Health in later life

S2: Financial security in later life

S3: Access to care

Have you experienced perimenopause or menopause?

If you answer No. skip the next section

If appropriate, has perimenopause/menopause affected:

S4: Health

S5: Wellbeing

S6: Employment

S7: Black women can experience the cumulative effects of racism, sexism and long-term stress on their health. What support do you need from existing health, care and community services to help you age well as a Black woman? Optional — share as much or as little as you wish

SECTION T: DISABILITY, NEURODIVERSITY & ACCESSIBILITY

T1: Services are accessible to me.

T2: My needs are understood.

T3: I receive adequate support.

T4: What if any barriers have you experienced?

Optional — share as much or as little as you wish

SECTION U: JOY, STRENGTHS & ASPIRATIONS

Tick all that apply

Rate the following statements

U2: I am optimistic about the future.

U3: I have opportunities to thrive.

U4: I feel my talents are valued.

U5: What are your biggest aspirations?

Optional — share as much or as little as you wish

SECTION V: THE FUTURE OF SOUL PURPOSE 360 & THE MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE

V1: Are you a member of Soul Purpose 360?

Yes

To join the free membership, visit https://soulpurpose360.co.uk/member

V2: Would you like to play an active role in helping address the issues identified through this survey?

Yes

Maybe, I would like more information

If you tick Maybe, do share your contact details for follow-up.

V3. Imagine it is 2035 and Black women and girls are thriving across Britain. What has changed?

Optional — share as much or as little as you wish

V4. Is there anything else you would like policymakers, funders, public services and community organisations to understand about the experiences of Black women and girls in Britain today?

Optional — share as much or as little as you wish

Contact Details

If you would like to receive updates about this survey please click this LINK to share your contact details. This way, we can guarantee the anonymity of your contribution.

FINAL DECLARATION

Tick each box before submitting

I confirm that the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge.

I confirm my consent choices made in Section A regarding how my anonymised responses may be used

I understand that my contact details will only be used for the purposes I have consented to.

Thank you for contributing to the future of Black women and girls in Britain and helping shape the next chapter of Soul Purpose 360 CIC and the #DefinitionRedefined movement.

Soul Purpose 360o

National Survey of Black Women & Girls in Britain

Understanding Our Experiences, Challenges, Aspirations and Priorities for Social Change

Welcome to #DefinitionRedefined

SECTION B: ABOUT YOU

SECTION C: YOUR BIGGEST CONCERNS

SECTION D: #DEFINITIONREDEFINED – YOUR DEFINITIONS... REDEFINED.

To what extent do you agree with these statements about owning your narrative and being recognised in your full diversity?

SECTION E: PHYSICAL HEALTH & HEALTHCARE

SECTION F: MENTAL HEALTH & EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

How often do you experience:

SECTION G: HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS

SECTION H: EDUCATION, LEARNING & SKILLS

SECTION I: EMPLOYMENT, CAREERS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

SECTION J: MONEY & FINANCIAL SECURITY

Rate these statements:

SECTION K: CARERS & CARING RESPONSIBILITIES

SECTION L: COMMUNITY SAFETY

Rate these statements

SECTION M: DOMESTIC ABUSE & VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS

SECTION N: IDENTITY, REPRESENTATION & BELONGING

Rate the following statements

SECTION O: CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP

SECTION P: DIGITAL INCLUSION

Rate your confidence in using the following

SECTION Q: FAITH, SPIRITUALITY & PURPOSE

Rate the following

SECTION R: CLIMATE, ENVIRONMENT & PLACE

To what extent do you agree with these statements about the area where you live?

SECTION S: AGING WELL

If appropriate, has perimenopause/menopause affected:

SECTION T: DISABILITY, NEURODIVERSITY & ACCESSIBILITY

SECTION U: JOY, STRENGTHS & ASPIRATIONS

Tick all that apply

SECTION V: THE FUTURE OF SOUL PURPOSE 360 & THE MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE

Contact Details

FINAL DECLARATION

Thank you for contributing to the future of Black women and girls in Britain and helping shape the next chapter of Soul Purpose 360 CIC and the #DefinitionRedefined movement.

Soul Purpose 360^o