Day 9 Women of Color
Since 2006, 14 Valentines has striven to both celebrate how far women have come, and to increase awareness for how far we still have to go for full equality, autonomy, and inclusion.
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While there is overlap between the experiences of white women, and women of color, the truth of the matter is that women of color face different societal issues and problems than white women. Unfortunately, while fields such as feminism, GLBTQ rights, and sociology supposedly promote an intersectional examination of women, a lot of research and mainstream activism is created through a white lens, with a focus on cis white women. This acts to further marginalize women of color (both cis and trans), not just in society, but in activism and social justice movements.
The numbers for violence against, and sexual assault on, women are higher for women of color. The gender wage gap is larger for women of color than it is for white women. Representation in media of women in color is far less than for white women. As well, GLBTQ women experience more harassment and discrimination, with less focus from GLBTQ groups and activists.
INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence is a national activist organization of radical feminists of color advancing a movement to end violence against women of color and our communities through direct action, critical dialogue and grassroots organizing.
Based on ongoing discussions with women of color (primarily with African-American, Asian, Hispanic and Native- American women), across the country whose opinions we valued, The Women of Color Foundation learned that all of us felt it was critical for us as women to share our successes, triumphs and yes, our failures with our peers and younger women coming along behind us.
The Professional Women of Color Network, a diverse multicultural organization, facilitates and encourages strategic connections and reciprocal networking relationships for all women of color.