About WomanzVue
Biographical Information
The organisation was founded by Dr Velma McClymont who is a writer, poet, scholar-activist, international speaker, and the director. She is a former lecturer in Caribbean Studies and has worked in banking, in local government and as a visiting author in schools and libraries across the UK (including Scotland) and in Jamaica.
About Us
WomanzVue is a limited company listed on Companies House. Founded in June 2020, in response to the murder of George Floyd in the USA, WomanzVue was officially launched on 15th September 2020. Initially, the virtual platform acted as a form of Covid relief (during the global lockdown) for many people in isolation, providing a safe space where Black women were able to engage in discussions with likeminded individuals, and to connect with fellow activists in the black community and abroad.
As an educational resource, WomanzVue aims to bridge the gap between community learning and academic studies; hence the platform attracts some of the leading voices in politics, health, faith, community activism and academia (UK, USA and Jamaica).More pertinently, WomanzVue is an intentional space for Black women where they can come together to tackle the pressing issues impacting on their lived reality in Britain, whether economically, politically, socially, or culturally.
Although WomanzVue is primarily aimed at women, the colossal problem we face in the African diaspora (systemic racism) requires all of us to come together to fight for the future generation. Consequently, men are more than welcome to attend (note the wide range of speakers who have participated in our events).
In addition, WomanzVue aims to give voice to the ‘voiceless’, to find out who is doing what, to build connections, work in partnership, and to empower women.
Our Patrons
Following the passing of our first patron, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer OBE (12th June 2025), WomanzVue is thrilled to have the continued support of two patrons: Professor Tony Leiba, and Rev’d. Delroy Sittol JP (Jamaica Baptist Union). Resident Historian: Brother Cecil Gutzmore.
Volunteers
We are grateful to have the support of our fantastic volunteers: Sharon Tomlin, Lyndon Musaka, Rikki Maynard, Yvonne Reynolds (educator/photographer) and Nicole Wilks.
Sponsorships
Since our founding in 2020, we have had the support of George Ruddock, Managing Director of the (Jamaica) Weekly Gleaner UK. The newspaper continues to sponsor our events and to review our publications.
Sponsored by The Weekly Gleaner Newspaper UK
Honours and Awards: 2000-2025
March 2025: Phenomenal Ladies of the Community…Award – June Daley Foundation.
June 2024: Shortlisted by the BLAC AWARDS for “Services in Writing”.
October 2023: Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (RHS) in Recognition of Contribution to History.
October 2022: The Jamaica Weekly Gleaner Honour Awards in Education.
September 2015: The Debsandy Foundation Award for Social Justice…
August 2014: Universal Peace Federation Award for Humanitarian Work.
2007: London Borough of Croydon Award for Contribution to Equality & Diversity.
September 2000: European Social Research Council Award to pursue PhD in British Women’s Writing on the Early West Indies.
1996: London Metropolitan University- First Class Honour in English/Caribbean Studies Degree
Affiliations:
Former Director of the Caribbean and African Learning and Heritage (CALAH) Centre, London.
Fellow of the African Forum Scotland, Glasgow.
Patron of Jamaica Education Taskforce (JET) UK.
Chair of Women in Action, Glasgow.
Former Trustee of Dayspring Ministry, London.
Ambassador for Peace, Universal Peace Federation UK.