Intervention project

 

Protect Black Women

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           Many Black girls, have been subjected to unwanted sexual harassment due to the hyper-sexualization of their mere existence. This is known as “adultification,”—the assignment of more adult-like characteristics to young Black girls, stripping them of childhood innocence. As a result, Black girls are perceived as more knowledgeable and experienced on adult topics, including sex, and less deserving of care and protection from abuse. These narratives, born out of racist and sexist ideologies, create a harmful reality that Black girls live through. One in four Black girls will be sexually abused before the age of 18. Too often, they do not feel supported enough to ask for help or are ignored or blamed when they do speak up. In other cases, these acts of violence are not acknowledged until much later in life.  

     

      In terms of politics even though Black women are practically tied in percentage rates within race with white women in voter registration and turnout, they are more likely to be discouraged from running for office than white women and men as well as Black men. When Black women do run for office, they are less likely to receive the early dollars and endorsements that help establish campaigns. This is the structural racism and sexism that Black women must contend with. Because of these structural hurdles, Black women often lack access to candidate training to help them translate their experience into effective campaign strategies.

     

  Protecting black women is important for several reasons. First and foremost, black women, like all individuals, deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality. Unfortunately, black women often face intersecting forms of discrimination and oppression based on their race and gender, which can lead to unique challenges and vulnerabilities.

   Black women are disproportionately affected by issues such as systemic racism, gender-based violence, economic inequality, and limited access to quality healthcare and education. Protecting black women means addressing and dismantling the barriers that perpetuate these injustices, and ensuring that they have equal opportunities and resources to thrive.

   Furthermore, black women have historically been at the forefront of social justice movements, advocating for the rights and well-being of their communities. Protecting black women means recognizing their invaluable contributions and ensuring their voices are heard, respected, and amplified. Ultimately, protecting black women is not only a matter of justice and equality but also a recognition of their inherent worth and their positive impact on society as a whole.

Larklewis. (2022, January 5). “Protect black women” isn’t just a catchy slogan-it’s a demand, and we deserve nothing less. National Women’s Law Center. https://nwlc.org/protect-black-women-isnt-just-a-catchy-slogan-its-a-demand-and-we-deserve-nothing-less/