Social Determinants of Health & Black Women’s Well-Being
What Are Social Determinants of Health?
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that shape health outcomes. These factors—such as economic stability, education, healthcare access, social support, and safety—directly impact who gets sick, who stays healthy, and who has access to care.
For Black women, systemic inequities across these determinants create barriers to good health, economic security, and overall well-being. These challenges are rooted in racism, misogynoir (the intersection of racism and sexism), gender-based violence, and other systemic issues. To improve health outcomes, we need more than just access to healthcare—we need policy change, community support, and systemic transformation.
Understanding Black Women’s Health Through Data
Our Voices Unheard Survey—launched in 2024—is the first national survey focused exclusively on Black women’s health and well-being. This survey examines how social determinants of health shape Black women’s experiences across Canada.
We aim to survey Black women every two years to build a long-term dataset that tracks trends, identifies systemic barriers, and informs policy change.
How Social Determinants Affect Black Women
At BWIH, we recognize that health is more than just medical care—it is economic, emotional, social, and deeply connected to systemic barriers.
Economic Stability
Black women face wage gaps, employment discrimination, and financial instability that impact access to healthcare and overall well-being.
Education Access & Quality
Gaps in health education and underrepresentation in leadership impact long-term well-being.
Healthcare Access & Quality
lack women face medical racism, lack of culturally competent care, and limited access to specialists. This leads to misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, and disparities in maternal health outcomes.
Neighborhood & Built Environment
Unsafe housing, food insecurity, and poor living conditions contribute to chronic health conditions and increased stress. Many Black communities experience systemic barriers to safe, affordable housing and access to fresh, healthy food.
Social & Community Context
Racism, misogynoir, gender-based violence, lateral violence, and lack of social support contribute to stress, anxiety, and mental health struggles. Many Black women experience isolation and limited spaces for healing, mentorship, and community building.
A Holistic Approach to Health
At BWIH, we believe that health is not just physical—it is economic, emotional, and deeply tied to our relationships and communities.
Economic Stability
Workplace Advocacy & Legal Support
Wisdom Workshops
Education Access & Quality
Wisdom Workshops
Policy & Research Initiatives
Healthcare Access & Quality
Healthcare Navigation Support (Coming Soon!)Mothering MindsVoices Unheard SurveyPolicy & Advocacy Tables
Neighborhood & Built Environment
Healing Pathways (Youth & Adults)
Community Advocacy for Housing & Safe Environments
Food Access Advocacy
School Food Program Advocacy
Social & Community Context
Healing Pathways (Youth & Adults)
Mothering Minds
Sisterhood Circles (Coming Soon!)
Gender-Based Violence & Lateral Violence Advocacy
Policy & Advocacy Tables
Trauma-Informed Mental Health Support
Advocacy for Systemic Change
What’s Next?
Data Collection
We continue to survey Black women every two years, ensuring ongoing data collection that shapes policies, programs, and funding decisions.
Join the Movement
Whether you need support, want to partner with us, or help push for change, we invite you to be part of the work.
Book Us
Book a Workshop or Speaker – Bring our expertise into workplaces, schools, and communities.
Contact Us
Do you have questions or need support? Get in touch with us. We’re here for you.
Donate
Support programs that directly impact Black women’s health and well-being by making a contribution today.