Written by: Anne Symon
Girls of Color in Crisis
One of America’s most vulnerable populations – 60% of children – have been exposed to violence in what is supposed to be their safest communities, at home and in school.
Unfortunately, the risk of exposure to violence is even greater for children of color, who are 61% more likely to experience traumatic events during childhood, including displacement, sexual abuse, poverty, witnessing violent incidents or exchanges, and racial discrimination. Young girls of color face a unique threat of violent exposures at earlier ages; hence they are more likely to experience harm/injustice, humiliation, or shaming than their counterparts. 40% of Black women report experiencing coercive sexual contact by the age of 18; furthermore those involved in public systems are at a greater risk for adverse childhood experiences. These harmful experiences and exposures to violence have the potential to negatively impact these young girls throughout their entire lives.
- Black girls are suspended from school more often and at a higher rate – 12% – than young girls of other races; tangentially, girls of color have the highest rate of confinement in juvenile facilities for non-violent offenses, at 13.4%.
- Black girls under the age of 12 are at a heightened risk of considering, attempting or dying by suicide; often as a result of sexual abuse, school discipline, and negative engagement with law enforcement.
The experience of young children of color, especially young black girls, cannot be dismissed, devalued, or silenced. This will only lead to a greater presence of violence in their lives, negatively impacting their emotional health, quality in the workforce, physical health, social happiness, and so much more.
Fortunately there are ways to show you C.A.R.E:
Connection: Talk & Listen- many young girls of color do not feel heard. It is important to foster open communication and emphasize that their experiences are important. Most importantly, do not pass judgment; you want to create an environment where they feel willing to share and express their feelings.
Awareness: Prioritize & Pay Attention- Young girls of color must be prioritized in policy research and advocacy in order to decrease the risk of exposure to violence and of vulnerability to adverse childhood experiences. Paying attention to young girls of color does not only mean noticing behavior, but also engaging with them in order to understand why they may behave in a certain way; do not assume they are “acting out,” inquire further – they may be going through a crisis and in need of assistance.
Retraining: Expand, Study, & Offer Mentorship- Mental health services in schools and communities that primarily benefit girls of color are essential to decreasing the risk of violent encounters and the negative emotional impacts of such. The specific experiences of young black girls must be looked at and studied to understand their circumstances, and work toward helping other young girls. Additionally, offering support through times of crisis can be essential to both their physical and mental wellbeing.
Encouragement: Focus- You must have an emphatic response and understand that your focus is the situation they are experiencing, not discovering whether or not they have a “problem.” You do not want to take over their health process; rather, be there to support and offer guidelines to further their journey.
Gender Inequality Experiences of Black and Brown Girls
GFG offers toolkits and training sessions to help individuals, and organizations, gain understanding and expertise on cultural competency; this includes knowledge of the experiences of young black and brown girls, a population we have dedicated ourselves to support and uplift. As mentioned above, these young girls are at a greater risk of experiencing violent encounters, and of suffering through adverse childhood experiences. Moreover, it is important to understand the intersectionality of their experiences. The term intersectionality was coined by civil rights activist, Kimberlé Crenshaw, and refers to the way different social identities and experiences compound themselves and create unique obstacles for individuals. Young girls of color experience a different form of sexism than young white girls and a different form of racism than young boys of color. Therefore it is vital to have an intersectional approach when looking to advocate and protect young girls of color.
Some examples of inequalities young black and brown girls face include:
- Uneven access to education
- Lack of employment equality
- Job segregation
- Lack of legal protection
- Lack of bodily autonomy
- Poor medical care
- Lack of religious freedom
- Lack of political representation
Education is a fundamental aspect of advocacy, both for oneself and others. Simply by raising your voice you can be a part of the fight for gender equality. Educating yourself is a great first step in your journey to taking action as an advocate for vulnerable populations. The #WithHerMovement raises awareness about gender-based violence, and the numerous global effects, in order to address the issue across various social media platforms.
Other ways to get involved include:
- Volunteering
- Start a Fundraiser
- Attend marches and protests
- Donating to Funds that work to end gender inequality and support children in crisis
Children in Crisis Rapid Response Fund
Our Children in Crisis Rapid Response Fund aims to target vulnerable populations of children with aid and support to better their lives, and to set them up for success in the future, by working to eliminate the threat of violence and other environmental circumstances that may place them in crisis. By donating to our fund, you will become part of an amazing team of people working to change the lives of at-risk youth, making a real impact; together we will fight against poverty, racial injustice, and gender-based violence on a national and international scale.