The third annual Women Who Werkkk (WWW) launch made a powerful return on Thursday 23 April, selling out 45 London Shoreditch and bringing together a vibrant cross-section of Black British women across the UK’s creative industries. From music and fashion to PR, marketing, media, writing and visual arts, the room reflected the breadth of talent shaping culture today.
Founded by Martina Gordeen—Founder of HumanThreadsss and Senior Account Executive at One Green Bean—the platform has steadily grown into a vital space for recognition, connection and opportunity. Since its inception, Women Who Werkkk has spotlighted more than 200 Black British women, championing both emerging voices and established leaders.
A Platform Built on Power, Proximity and Progress
This year’s theme—power, proximity and passing it on—set the tone for an evening centred on access and community. The panel featured industry leaders including Harry Trotman (Co-Founder of Mirchi), Annisha Taylor (Head of DEI at Ofcom), Jo Grierson (CEO of One Green Bean), Shannie Mears (Co-Founder of The Elephant Room), and Teon Harris (Senior Brand Partnership Manager at Dose of Society).
Together, they unpacked what it means to build sustainable networks, create access points, and ensure knowledge is shared across generations within the creative sector.
The Industry Reality: Pay Gaps and Underrepresentation
The event landed against a stark industry backdrop. According to the Major Players Creative Industries Census 2026, Black women remain the lowest-paid group across the sector, with an average salary of £53,666 and a 25% pay gap compared to White men.
This data underscores why initiatives like Women Who Werkkk are not just celebratory—but necessary.
As Martina Gordeen explained: “Women Who Werkkk exists because talent is everywhere, but access is not. This platform is about making sure Black British women are seen, recognised and connected to the rooms they have historically been excluded from.”
Community Overcomes Barriers
Despite London Underground strikes on the night, the event still drew a full house—highlighting the urgency and demand for spaces that centre Black British women both professionally and creatively.
PJ Somerville, Talent Manager and A&R Consultant, reflected on the impact:“Martina Gordeen brought over 100 people together to celebrate Black women, share knowledge and create opportunity. The impact of what is building here will reach far beyond that room.”
Zara Stewart, a 2026 honouree and global streaming strategy specialist, echoed this sentiment:“It was an incredible room of creatives, founders and people across the industry actually connecting. It showed how much being in the right rooms, and bringing others into them, matters.”
The 2026 Honourees and Growing Digital Reach
The 2026 Women Who Werkkk list features 66 women across a wide range of disciplines, further reinforcing the platform’s commitment to diversity within creativity. Within just 72 hours of release, the list generated over 30,000 Instagram views—demonstrating both its cultural relevance and growing influence.
View the full list of honourees here: https://www.humanthreadsss.com/blog/women-who-werkkk-2026
Backing the Movement
This year’s launch was supported by financial partner Limitless Live, alongside in-kind partners including Tenzing, Drip Water, XOXO Soda, Olu Olu Olu Foods and Moss Glow. Their involvement signals a growing recognition of the importance of investing in platforms that uplift underrepresented talent.
Why Women Who Werkkk Matters Now
As the creative industries continue to grapple with inequality, Women Who Werkkk stands out as more than an event—it’s a movement actively reshaping access, visibility and opportunity for Black British women.
In a landscape where systemic barriers still exist, WWW is proof that community-led initiatives can drive real change—one room, one connection, and one opportunity at a time.
