What does it mean to navigate UK higher education as a non-academic Black woman, foreign-born and working within predominantly White institutions?

This powerful book offers a rare and necessary perspective, uncovering the ways race, gender, and foreignness intersect to shape identity, career, and belonging.

Through deeply personal narratives, reflective analysis, and scholarly insight, Abigal Muchecheti reveals how systemic colorism, unconscious bias, and institutional racism persist in spaces that claim diversity. She highlights how foreign-born Black women in particular are hyper-visible yet undervalued, often facing compounded exclusion because of accent, cultural background, and perceived “outsider” status.

Challenging the illusion of meritocracy in higher education, this book builds on intersectionality theory and key research to illuminate how hidden barriers continue to marginalize women of colour in the sector.

Ideal for students, scholars, and practitioners in Black Studies, Gender Studies, Sociology, Anti-Racism, and Higher Education, as well as anyone committed to understanding and dismantling systemic inequalities.

Dr. Abigal Muchecheti is a Zimbabwe-born scholar, activist, and author focusing on equity in higher education and women’s rights.