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Crossing the Barriers

May 27, 2008

In maintaining the focus on minority women, let us examine some of the inherent barriers that exist within our immigrant societies.

It is essential that minority women are socially empowered to exist in our constantly evolving environment. One of the major barriers for some women may be the English Language. While this is indeed a barrier, we need to get to our women and educate on and encourage the use of the resources that are already available. Women need to get past “I can’t” to “I will”. Organizations such as sakhi.org should be commended for their work with minority women.

Health literacy may be another issue with both English speaking and non-English speaking minority women. While in some cultures the matters of health are left to “the people who know about such things”, or to the man in the family who knows best, or to the “best friend” who knows more than I do, it is imperative that women are empowered to make intelligent and informed decisions about themselves. While there is a considerable amount of focus on minority women’s health, a good portion of women either are too embarrassed to seek information, or cannot get to the information.
While in other countries it might be acceptable for females not to pursue further education, women need to understand the importance of equipping oneself for the future. While not all of us can pursue college degrees, we need to understand our other options, the means by which they can be possible, and the importance of utilizing those options.

What do minority women do, when they have to go on a job interview for the very first time in their lives? Whatever the nature of the job (every job has its dignity), certain protocols should be followed. Who’s telling them this beforehand?

What do women do when they take their children to school for the very first time? The issues are different in a new school, new country. Who’s teaching them what to look for, what questions to ask?
Our women need to understand the importance of keeping up with current events, because many of the issues at hand will ultimately affect them. They need to know the importance of having an knowledgeable voice.

What all of the social issues come down to is the empowerment of women and the development of self-confidence. Many women fear if they speak up in a social situation, they will be speaking inappropriately or out of context, especially if the other players are men or non-minority women. Self-confidence will allow women to speak up appropriately when they know they have something of value to add to the conversation.

How then are women supposed to become empowered and self-confident? I believe peer support and social networking are two of the key elements. While each individual is unique in their strengths and weaknesses, peer support and social networking will allow them to enhance their knowledge and strengths to their advantage. Peer support form other minority women is meant to educate, encourage and in general assist in the quest for knowledge that in turn leads to independence. A chance to network socially, will allow women to meet others like them selves and allow for team growth while striving for similar goals. While some may argue that extended family support fulfils these obligations, for some women this actually backfires. Their social and emotional development can actually be hindered by well meaning family members with stronger personalities.
Peer support (and advice) from other minority women with the knowledge and experience of having been there themselves can be priceless to a woman.

Veronica

Written by Andrew · Filed Under All    

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