For years white women have primarily occupied the most powerful leadership roles in the gender-based violence (GBV) movement. As a result, white women’s perspectives, standpoints, and experiences become the primary drivers that shape local, state, and national movement agendas. The overt lack of diversity reflects an enduring racialized systematic erasure of women of color.
NRCDV interviewed fourteen women of color about their experiences with leadership in the gender-based violence movement. This document explores findings from these interviews, including multi-level systemic issues within the gender-based violence movement. In order to address white supremacy and racism, movement leadership must recognize the historical contributions of women of color, create supportive equitable work environments that emphasize anti-racist practices, and maintain accountability structures. For more information, see Recommendations & Strategies that Further Women of Color’s Advancement.
