How women of colour are fighting the lack of diversity in publishing through social media

By Maryam Nassif

Women from BAME background in the publishing industry fight lack of diversity on social media. Credit: Adobe Stock/stournsaeh

When it comes to the publishing industry, it's no secret that diversity has been an issue for years now. In 2015, a report by Spread the Word, which surveyed everyone involved in publishing concluded that out of 203 UK-based published authors, 30 per cent came from BAME background. Although this report wasn't gender specific, it's easy to say that women of colour have had their share of struggles too. So, what changed in four years? One of the first things I thought about before getting into the industry myself, was who on earth would I want to look up to in publishing that isn't a man and isn't white? Enter social media. 

Chidera Eggerue, most commonly known as The Slumflower on social media, is a writer, activist and creator of the #SaggyBoobsMatter movement. She spreads messages of acceptance, empowerment and fearlessness. She was featured as part of the #Okay100Women list that showcases stories of African women who contributed in driving inclusivity in the media, which she did by giving a platform to a community that felt unheard or misrepresented. 

Rupi Kaur is a bestselling author and poet, who explores themes of love, loss and healing. As an ode to her Indian heritage, she omits using caps in her writing similarly to the Hindi language and whilst on tour, she mostly wears Saris. Also known as the Instagram Poet, she openly talks about Indian womanhood and positively communicates sentiments of acceptance and cultural belonging. 

When Penguin announced the #WriteNow program to represent writers from BAME background, a new wave of opportunities had begun. It's now about feeling represented and wanting audiences to read about characters they can relate to. Online connections are building networks, and this fusion of cultures is electrifying the industry.