This month is Black History Month and the theme is Saluting Our Sisters to highlight the crucial role that Black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities.

'Saluting Our Sister means celebrating and acknowledging the amazing achievements of trailblazing sisters past and present which we benefit from and will do for many years,' said our Business Development Co-Ordinator, Bridget Kachidza.

We salute Black women who are helping to drive forward change at Terrence Higgins Trust. Our REACH staff group is a place for racially minoritised communities to come together for peer support and offer strategic guidance to senior leadership.

'It’s a safe space, where staff can meet and share their experiences in a supportive space,' said our Community Health Engagement Officer, Shamiso Zhanje.

'As a Community Health Engagement Officer I am in a unique position to support and empower Black women.

'By listening to their needs and having a person-centred approach, you can help implement awareness and equip women with informed information to make informed decisions about their health. Black women are still four times more likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth than White women, according to new data that has reignited calls to tackle racial inequality in maternal healthcare.

'There are many ways you can support Black women. You can amplify their voices and support Black-owned businesses. Educate yourself about the issues that affect Black women, speak out against injustice, volunteer your time to organisations and donate to causes that support Black women, and finally be an ally by standing up for them when they face discrimination or harassment. Remember that supporting us is an ongoing process that requires a commitment to learning, growing, taking action and ensuring that Black women receive the care they need and deserve.

'Helping people and making a difference – that’s what motivates me. I’m also inspired by Issa Rae, an American actress and writer who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. She has challenged the perception of Black people in mainstream media and has been vocal about the need for more diverse representation. Her work has inspired many people, including myself, to pursue their dreams and to challenge the status quo.

'The most important women in my life are Mumsy dearest, Gogo dearest (grandmother), my aunties, sisters, sister-in-laws, nieces, girlfriends and friends who have become family – Theona and Shakira. They are there for me when I need help, advice, support and banter and will always encourage me, love me and bring the best out of me – always reminding me that its quality over quantity!

'While studying at university, I researched topics such as the impact of female genital mutilation (FGM) on women who have undergone the procedure in the UK, attitudes towards skin lightening products among Asian, African, Latin American and Caribbean groups, and effective prevention methods to reducing teenage pregnancy in the UK.

'Working with people living with HIV led me into the world of sexual health. Evidence suggests that current healthcare provision, access, and delivery are less impactful within Black, Asian, and other racially minoritised communities in the UK. This has significant repercussions on life expectancy, quality of life outcomes, and healthy life years. I want to be part of the movement that tackles change and gets individuals proactive about their sexual health and remove barriers and stigma.'

'I am motivated by the significant impact Terrence Higgins Trust’s work has and how our services have the ability to reach millions of people and change lives,' said Bridget. 'This is all possible because of the supportive environment I work in and my family.

'My grannies, mum, aunt and sisters. They are my safe and happy place, love me unconditionally, have my back, give sound advice and keep me grounded.

'Terrence Higgins Trust provides HIV and sexual health services across the UK. My role involves researching, monitoring and contributing to bids for new business opportunities and retenders throughout the UK that are aligned with our strategy and work local community groups and organisations in areas where we seek to deliver services. As well as this, I am responsible for showcasing the amazing work our services are doing.

'I reach out and engage with women in order to understand the challenges they face in accessing sexual health services and share details of the different services available within Terrence Higgins Trust and other local organisations. I work with them to ensure their voices are heard and that the services we design and deliver meet their needs, which we continuously review to ensure we remain relevant whilst achieving our goal.

'My work helps shape what our work will look like in the future – a change I’d like to see is more open and honest discussions in our homes and communities around sexual and reproductive health and HIV.'

Bridget Kachidza is our Business Development Co-ordinator and Shamiso Zhanje is our Community Health Engagement Officer.