In an ever-changing world where opportunities are not always equally distributed, organisations like Teakisi are proving that real empowerment starts at the grassroots level — by equipping women with practical, life-enhancing skills that unlock doors to personal fulfilment, financial independence, and community leadership.
For years, Teakisi has stood as a beacon for women across the North East and Cumbria, especially those from Black, African, and minority backgrounds. Their mission is simple but profound: to listen to women, understand their needs, and build programmes that reflect their lived realities. And the results speak for themselves.
More Than Just Skills — Building Pathways to Power
At the heart of Teakisi’s approach is the belief that skill-building is not merely about learning — it’s about transforming lives and fostering resilience.
Digital literacy workshops have become a gateway for many women to access resources, apply for jobs, start businesses, and connect with global networks. In a digital-first world, being confident online is no longer optional — it’s essential. Teakisi’s training ensures no woman in their community is left behind.
But the empowerment doesn’t stop at tech skills. Understanding the diverse interests and needs of their participants, Teakisi introduced creative workshops in sewing, braiding, and crochet. These may seem like simple crafts, but they are so much more: they nurture mental well-being, restore cultural traditions, and offer pathways into entrepreneurship. A hand-made garment, a unique hair-braiding style, or a beautifully crocheted product can spark a small business, generate income, and build confidence.
What began as therapeutic outlets for stress and creativity have quietly become stepping stones to self-reliance and potential business ventures — the very definition of sustainable empowerment.
Amplifying Voices Through Storytelling
For Teakisi, empowerment is also about whose voices are heard and whose stories are told.
Their Creative Residency Programme is a standout example of this vision. Through hands-on mentoring in blogging, digital storytelling, and content creation, Teakisi encourages women to take ownership of their narratives — to speak their truths, share their heritage, and influence how Black British women are represented in both mainstream and alternative media.
This is more than creativity; it’s activism. By creating their own content, these women reshape public perception, challenge stereotypes, and assert their rightful space in the cultural landscape.
Fighting Inequality, Building Inclusion
Teakisi’s work goes beyond skill-building — it strikes at the very heart of gender, racial, and social inequality.
In a society where women of colour, migrants, and marginalised communities often face multiple layers of disadvantage, Teakisi’s workshops and networks offer more than skills — they offer belonging, visibility, and validation. This is a space where women are not just taught — they are seen, valued, and celebrated.
Through collaborations with local businesses, councils, and organisations, Teakisi helps build more inclusive economies and communities. Their programmes don’t just benefit individual women; they ripple outward to strengthen families, neighbourhoods, and regional resilience.
A Future of Possibilities
What sets Teakisi apart is its flexibility and responsiveness. They don’t operate on assumption — they listen. As community needs evolve — be it digital upskilling, artisan crafts, mental health support, or leadership training — Teakisi is ready to adapt, introduce new workshops, and grow alongside the women they serve.
And the impact is real. Former participants have launched businesses, taken on leadership roles, or simply felt confident enough to pursue new life opportunities. Each success story adds to a larger narrative of empowered women shaping empowered communities.
Teakisi: More Than An Organisation — A Movement
Teakisi isn’t just another community project. It is a living, breathing network of change-makers. By sitting at the intersection of race, gender, and social justice, Teakisi is creating a legacy of action — not talk.
Their work reflects a deep understanding: that true empowerment is not delivered from above but built from within. Every workshop, every creative session, every blog post written by a woman in their programme is a brick in a stronger, more inclusive society.
For women across the North East and Cumbria — especially those long underrepresented — Teakisi is opening doors that many thought permanently closed. And in doing so, they are shaping a future where skills lead to success, and success fuels community transformation.
Want to get involved or support Teakisi’s mission?
Visit Teakisi’s website to learn more about their workshops, residencies, and how you can contribute to building empowered futures for women in our region.
