A lively celebration of the recent achievements of Women of Colour in Public Service CIC
Women of Colour in Public Services CIC (WoCiP) is delighted to announce a gathering and book signing event. The Burden of One Celebratory Roadshow event celebrates early progress culminating in the publication last month of a seminal book, Driving Systemic Change and Empowerment for Women of Colour in Public Services: The Burden of One.
The event will take place on Thursday 21 August 2026 from 6pm to 9pm in the Council Chambers at Luton Town Hall, George Street, Luton LU1 2BQ. The Roadshow launched at the Barbican Centre, London, to coincide with the publication of the book, will again bring together colleagues, community leaders, partners, supporters, and readers for an evening of reflection, discussion, and celebration. Members of the public, including young people contemplating a career in the public sector, will be very welcome.
Sandra Smith, WoCiP Director, speaking on behalf of her co-directors, said: “We are all delighted to be able to host this event in Luton and are grateful to everyone who has helped to promote our important work, in Luton and beyond. We are particularly grateful to Cllr Maria Lovett MBE, Portfolio Holder for Women, Equalities and Community Safety, who will be joining us on Friday evening.”
Co-authored by Sandra Smith and Sam Alexander and written by Suzanne Simmons-Lewis, The Burden of One explores the lived experiences of Women of Colour across public service sectors. The book presents powerful, deeply personal accounts of racism and social injustice, moving beyond jargon to reveal their real-world impact. It examines challenges around representation, visibility, leadership, and inclusion, while highlighting the resilience, contributions, and achievements of women who continue to shape and transform public institutions.
WoCiP has already begun to raise standards in the state sector by raising awareness of the many challenges Women of Colour face and by offering flexible support.
Driving Systemic Change and Empowering Women of Colour in Public Services: The Burden of One. (Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 171 pp) The Burden of One, a testament to the experiences of Women of Colour in public services, was published on 16th July 2026.
The book provides powerful insights into the realities faced by Women of Colour working within systems that have not always reflected their experiences. Through personal narratives, professional reflections, and practical recommendations, the authors encourage organisations to move beyond performative commitments to equality and towards meaningful and sustainable systemic change.
The Luton Roadshow and book signing event will offer an opportunity for guests to meet the authors, hear about some of the experiences which inspired the book, and engage in conversations about the WoCiP mission, which embraces equality, fairness, leadership, and organisational culture within public services.
More than a record of lived experiences, The Burden of One is a call to action. It invites institutions to listen more deeply, redesign more boldly, and recognise the value, talent, and expertise Women of Colour bring to public service. The book presents a roadmap for empowerment rooted in authenticity, collective courage, and transformational leadership.
As conversations about inclusion and equity continue across the public sector, The Burden of One contributes an important voice, extends understanding and offers practical insights and a vision for creating workplaces where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential.
The Burden of One is available from: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group