Welcome, it is a delight to see so many of you here today.
It is an absolute privilege to stand here today in this iconic building to launch the Welsh Ethnic Minority Professors Initiative, a milestone moment in our collective journey toward a more inclusive, diverse, and representative academic community.
This moment has been years in the making, a vision sparked from lived experience and shaped through collaboration. It began as a quiet idea; one I carried for a long time. But it truly came to life when I met my remarkable colleague, Professor Dipak Ramji. He shared both the vision and the passion, and with the unwavering support of our dedicated advisory committee, this initiative found its wings.
I arrived in this country as a housewife, with no formal ambitions. I never imagined I’d stand here as a professor, speaking at the launch of an important initiative. My journey wasn’t just about achieving academic success — it became a mission. A mission to inspire others, especially those who have felt marginalised or overlooked, that their stories matter, and their potential is limitless.
This initiative is about creating opportunities. It’s about giving access to those who have been underrepresented in top academic roles. It’s about ensuring that those from underrepresented backgrounds are not just welcomed into academia but are supported, seen, and heard.
We are here today because we know that representation matters. When students walk into a lecture hall, they should see diversity that reflects the world around them. When scholars and researchers come together, they should hear diverse stories, experiences and perspectives.
The current situation is concerning; only 1% of UK professors are Black, with Black women making up less than 0.7%. Ethnic minority academics often lack access to meaningful mentorship and senior role models, leading to isolation and limited career progression.
Mentorship isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. This initiative focuses on building structured, culturally aware mentoring frameworks to support and advance ethnic minority talent A mentor helps you build your self-confidence and self-belief and celebrates with you as you reach your goals. When I began my academic journey, I wished for a mentor who shared my background, but there wasn’t one.
We must acknowledge the complex challenges that arise from intersectionality. Women of colour face both racial and gender-based barriers. They are often expected to carry the pastoral roles while being overlooked for leadership roles. That must change. WEMPI is committed to feminist and anti-racist frameworks- frameworks that not only count who’s in the room but also reshape the room itself so that all voices are heard, valued, and empowered.
Wales has always been a nation of progress and principle. It was the first to launch an Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan. I am so pleased to welcome many people here who were involved in the creation of this plan.
But we must acknowledge that progress is not a destination. It is a process. And there is still important work ahead.
The Welsh Ethnic Minority Professors Initiative is a commitment to creating pathways to leadership in higher education for ethnic minority scholars, breaking down the barriers that have too often hindered their progress. But this is not just about individual achievement — it's about fostering an environment where every academic institution in Wales can thrive on diversity, excellence, and opportunity.
We know this journey demands more than intention. It requires sustained action, collective resolve, and long-term support. But I have no doubt: together, with collaboration between academia, government, and industry, we can shape a Welsh academic landscape that truly reflects the vibrant, diverse population it serves.
Let us celebrate today as the beginning of something transformative. A future where every aspiring ethnic minority scholar sees themselves reflected, heard and empowered to break new boundaries.
Thank you for being here, for supporting this initiative, and for being part of this important movement. We thank the Learned Society of Wales, the University of South Wales, Cardiff Metropolitan University for sponsoring us.
Together, we will pave the way for a more inclusive, just, and forward-thinking Wales.
Thank you.