Women and Men Fight Domestic Violence Together

un articulo por Janene Yazzie

Video: To The Indigenous Woman

Revitalizing the sacred responsibility of building and maintaining respectful relationships, Indigenous men in the United States are joining the fight against the endemic culture of domestic violence. The Indigenous comedy group known as the 1491’s, in collaboration with the Indian Law Resource Center, has created a powerful and inspiring video tribute entitled “To the Indigenous Woman”. The message is simple; the effects and causes of violence against women are so pervasive, that they should be addressed in partnership with men. Written in the form of a poem, the message is founded on love, empathy, and relatedness reminding us that the effects of domestic and sexual violence is not a problem faced by women in isolation, but a shared experience of both genders.

click on photo to enlarge

This is an important development in the struggle for gender equality within American Indian communities. For generations women have had no recourse for the violence they experienced within the home. Instead, a pervasive culture of silence has created communities complacent to the violence endured by women and children. Seeking help requires women to break this silence, but most times instead of aid they are met with hostility and rejection as they find themselves ostracized, and shamed by their community. Ironically they are accused of violating the sanctity of the home and of their families, for talking about their private lives in the public sphere.

For Indigenous women in America this has been especially damaging, leading to the horrifying statistics which indicate that 1 in 3 Native American women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Rep. Dan Boren (D-OK) has introduced H.R. 4154 the Stand Against Violence and Empower (SAVE) Native Women Act. The video created by 1491s complements this legislation by reaching a broader audience through the use of social media, art, and youth outreach. This public dialogue of the issues women face should be encouraged because of the potential it creates to support positive collaboration between the genders.

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Protecting women and girls against violence, Is progress being made?

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Listen to me, I do have a voice

published in Le Mauricien on International Women's Day, 8 March, 2013, by Priya Baligadoo

Eager I was to tell my story and share my views but none was ready to listen. Sometimes, people did cast a glance at me and I was so happy. It made me think that I was not invisible and I did exist. These were however, momentary moments. Ignoring my presence and my wish to speak up, they would pass by me. I was just a curiosity for them. My ripped clothes, bruised arms and swollen face might have attracted their interest but none had the time to listen to my side of the story.

On the International Women's Day, women around the world are expected to make their voices heard. Yet, no one has asked me how difficult it is to talk. . ... continuación.

Este artículo ha sido publicado on line el August 5, 2012.

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