Women of Another Color, part 2

by Nancy R. Koerner – Naples, FL
Copyright © 2008 – All Rights Reserved


As hard as it is to acquire accurate data and create functional programs for victims of DV in the United States, research and implementation in developing countries is far more difficult. Without the benefit of underlying infrastructure, there is no easy answer. Helping a young nation to reach this level of intellectual understanding requires the intense dedication of at least a few enlightened individuals who persistently forward their visions to open-minded authorities through grassroots leadership and, in doing so, eventually influence governmental policy. Once an anti-domestic violence blueprint has been established, a great deal can be accomplished.

Part-time work programs, especially those that match ethnic women to local jobs without extensive daily travel, could be considered a good start. There is always more that could be done with skills and training, especially those with an emphasis on helping women return to the job market after childbirth. Expedient intra-departmental procedures, specifically designed to cut through governmental red tape, can prevent a loss of momentum. Celebrations of ethnic pride might be particularly beneficial, especially if the governments themselves participate and use the events as outreach opportunities designed to publicize programs and specific job opportunities. Having more ethnic women in the public eye, serving as role models, would help women of color to envision themselves as powerful, capable, and effective individuals. Continuing measures to support sex discrimination rulings help increase women’s participation not only in political movement, but also in educational administration – ultimately providing higher salaries for both. In fact, any human action that serves to increase self-esteem and self-confidence helps to empower minority women and allow them to rise above their previous concept of self.

Another related issue is the escalation of natural disasters such as drought, flood, fire, and hurricane – as marginalized minorities continue to suffer disproportionately to their wealthier counterparts. This was made painfully apparent in Hurricane Katrina. The elements of poverty, substandard housing, disadvantaged geographical locations, plus the invisibility to government-sponsored agencies all serve to exacerbate the impact of natural disasters, leading to greater impoverishment, frustration, and criminal behavior on a grand scale – including vastly increased cases of domestic violence. And, once again, humanitarian forces in charge of assessing pre-disaster vulnerability and post-disaster distribution of emergency supplies are obstructed by a lack of official data. Societal norms may also play a role, as in many societies, women may be more prone to drowning, simply by virtue of living near a river and never having been taught to swim. Women with small children are less able to flee and, therefore, may not be able to reach food distribution centers. Nor do women generally have as much say in how aid is distributed. In fact, under circumstances of extreme duress, women may face even greater victimization by trying to compete for limited food supplies. Natural disasters inevitably lead to the types of chaos and despair that can create a ripple-effect in the form of forced prostitution and rape.