We envision a world where Hmong women and girls are valued and supported to achieve their highest potential in all of their roles. We see a society that honors the choices that Hmong women make and celebrates their ability to direct their own destinies.
This is interesting. It's always changing. As I reflect back to my first consciousness of gender equity, I think my definition of a woman then is different from today. Today, I ask myself that question and I can't come to a conclusion. I think that is my answer, it is a cycle of obstacle, struggle and constant negativity. It feels as if I have to lose a piece of myself to break out of this cycle and attain true happiness. Paradoxically, how can I be happy without being my whole self? I have to remind myself in my decision making how the outcome will affect me, as a woman, and other women around me. I think today's society has made great progress but still a long way from the ideal.
ReplyDeleteThere are many Hmong women in different conditions of living. I see opportunities, access, and more equality. On the other hand, my friends and family members might say they see the illusion of opportunities, access and equality because the mainstream community ensures that this happens. When a Hmong woman must go through the Hmong legal system, women still have few rights. Those who are unmarried or divorced have even fewer rights. They have no recourse when an injustice has occurred against them.
ReplyDeleteThe video ends with the message: Unite for Children. In the Hmong community, children have NO rights. If they are abused or violated they have no recourse and no place or person to turn to for justice.
This is why the mainstream system has been a godsend to Hmong women and children and it gives us the illusion that we have more equality and access today then before coming to the United States.
We're seeing more and more Hmong men, women, and young adults returning to a traditional lifestyle. The United States is becoming more conservative, which helps to reinforce traditional Hmong thinking and cultural expectations for women and children. We shall see if Hmong women are truly freer and equal to men as the Hmong become more conservative.