International Women’s Day: Women Leading Social Enterprises in the West Midlands
8th March 2026
Celebrating the women helping shape a more inclusive economy across our region.
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the women shaping our communities, economies and future. Across the West Midlands, female social entrepreneurs are leading organisations that combine successful trading with meaningful social impact.
The UK social enterprise sector continues to stand out as one of the most inclusive parts of the economy. Around 59% of social enterprises are led by women, compared with around 18% of SMEs in the wider business sector. This demonstrates how the social economy provides a space where women are not just participating, but leading organisations and driving change.
Across the West Midlands, we see women leading organisations that tackle inequality, strengthen communities and create new pathways into employment, health and opportunity.
Their work spans many areas of community life, from food systems and civic participation to advocacy and digital inclusion.
Here are three inspiring leaders making a difference.
Building community power and civic infrastructure
In Birmingham, Imandeep Kaur is helping to reimagine how communities shape their neighbourhoods through Civic Square. Civic Square works to create regenerative neighbourhoods and build community-led solutions to social and environmental challenges. Through new models of participation, learning and local leadership, the organisation is helping residents play a more active role in shaping the future of their communities.
Tackling food inequality through enterprise
Another example comes from Birmingham where Birgit Kehrer founded ChangeKitchen CIC. ChangeKitchen provides sustainable catering while creating employment opportunities for people facing barriers to work. The organisation combines food production with skills development and community support, showing how social enterprises can address both economic and environmental challenges at the same time.
Opening doors through advocacy and digital opportunity
Natalie Scarlett is another inspiring leader in the region. Through the Black Heritage Support Service, she provides advocacy and crisis support for Black communities navigating public services. Alongside this work, she founded Tech Rootz, helping people from underrepresented backgrounds access opportunities in the technology sector.
Building a more inclusive economy
Women have always played a central role in community leadership and social change. Social enterprise is providing new pathways for that leadership to translate into sustainable organisations that generate income while delivering impact.
Across the West Midlands, female founders are:
- Creating jobs and training opportunities
- Delivering essential community services
- Tackling inequality and environmental challenges
- Building resilient local economies
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, their work highlights the power of social enterprise to create an economy that works for everyone, and the vital role women play in leading that change.
Across the West Midlands, these leaders are part of a growing social economy that continues to combine enterprise with social impact.
