How African Barbecue is Empowering BME Women in Greater Manchester

The smell of sizzling meat, the sound of laughter, and the rhythm of traditional music — this is not just a food stall. It’s a movement.

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On a warm afternoon at a local farmers market in Greater Manchester, something beautiful is happening. At a small yet vibrant food tent adorned with colorful fabrics and beaming smiles, a group of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women are serving up more than just food. They’re serving identity, pride, and purpose.

From Isolation to Interaction

Just a year ago, Mariam, a single mother from Nigeria, was battling depression and isolation. Having recently moved to the UK, she felt invisible and alone.

“I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t feel confident to go out. I cooked food at home, but only for my children.”

Then she found Dynamic Support. Through one of the organization’s cultural cooking workshops, Mariam discovered something she didn’t expect: a way back to herself.

Now, she stands at the heart of the barbecue stall, tongs in hand, proudly serving suya and jollof rice to curious customers. She talks, she smiles, and most importantly — she belongs.

Why African Barbecue?

Food is not just sustenance — it’s storytelling. In many African cultures, preparing and sharing food is a way of celebrating life, family, and community.

Dynamic Support recognized this and asked a powerful question: “What if we could transform traditional cooking into an opportunity for healing, income, and inclusion?”

The result was a community-run catering project where BME women:

Share their culinary heritage
Gain real-world work experience
Interact with wider communities
Build confidence and employment skills

The barbecue isn’t just a food outlet. It’s a platform where women reclaim their voice and visibility.

More Than Just a Stall

The barbecue stall travels to:

Farmers Markets across Greater Manchester
Multicultural food festivals
Country fairs and community events
School fundraisers and council-sponsored functions

In each space, it opens doors — not just for the women behind the grill, but for those who pass by, taste, and connect.

“I had never tried African barbecue before,” said one local visitor. “But the women told me the story behind each dish. I left with food — and a lot more awareness.”

Mental Health Through Meaningful Work

For many women, this initiative offers a way out of emotional darkness. The mental health benefits of group activity, shared identity, and purpose cannot be overstated.

Isolation is replaced with interaction.
Fear is replaced with pride.
Unemployment is replaced with hope.

Dynamic Support ensures that the experience is trauma-informed and flexible. No woman is forced. Participation is designed to accommodate childcare, language challenges, and emotional readiness.

Inclusion in Action

One of the greatest achievements of this initiative is its power to bring BME culture into mainstream spaces. Events where BME participation was once rare are now witnessing vibrant African stalls, confident women, and crowds eager to learn.

This challenges stereotypes. It builds intercultural understanding. It makes inclusion visible and delicious.

What’s Next?

Dynamic Support plans to expand the barbecue initiative into:

A mobile food trailer for larger events
Pop-up catering at university campuses
Collaboration with restaurants for “African Food Nights”
Training programs for women to run their own catering ventures

Because when women are given the tools and the trust, they don’t just cook — they lead.