Understanding the Invisible Crisis

Every day in the UK, it is estimated that between five and ten babies are born as a result of rape. Despite the scale of this reality, the lived experiences of these mothers have historically remained in the shadows.

Little Ro was proud to collaborate with Hannah Jackson (SARSAS) and Dr Jane Meyrick (UWE) on the first-ever qualitative study into this profound issue. This research—frequently cited under the heading Rape-Pregnancy—was a vital catalyst for change. However, we recognised that research is only as strong as the lens through which it is viewed.

Introducing the Sankofa Project

While the initial data provided a foundation, the primary researchers were white. This presented a challenge regarding cultural competency and the nuance required to truly understand the Black experience of pregnancy resulting from sexual harm and subsequent maternity care. To ensure these stories were honoured with integrity, we established the Sankofa Listening Project.

What is Sankofa?

“Sankofa” is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana, meaning “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.” Our dedicated panel of Black women listened to the research interviews, providing a critical feedback loop that:

• Identified nuances that a white-centric lens had overlooked.
• Highlighted the specific “Emotional Labour” and systemic barriers faced by racially marginalised mothers.
• Translated findings through lived experience rather than institutional suspicion.

The Impact: From Research to Policy

This collaborative, culturally competent approach was a cornerstone of our presentation at the Parliamentary Roundtable, hosted by Natalie Fleet MP. By partnering the original research with the Sankofa perspective, we ensured that the “Grammar of Social Death” became a visible reality for policymakers, driving the redesign of maternity care.

Ensure Your Research Has Integrity

Is your organisation or university conducting research involving Black or racially marginalised communities?

Data collected without cultural competency risks causing further harm or missing the core truth.
Little Ro offers bespoke consultancy services to ensure your work is ethically robust:

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