This is an excellent resource to explain how the “problem” woman of colour is brought in and then exits a non-profit organisation.
But this can be the same for any organisation.
alt-text: Title is The “Problem” Woman of Colour in the Workplace. COCo logo in top left. Step 1 The Woman of Colour (logo of woman with a hijab)enters the organisation. Step 2 White leadership honeymoon – the Woman of Colour feels welcomed, needed, and happy but is actually a tokenized hire. Step 3 – Reality (repetitive injury & microaggressions) – The Woman of Colour points out issues within the organization. She tries to work within the organization’s structure and policies. She pushes for accountability. Step 4 – Denial of Racism / Response – the organisation denies, ignores and blanes. The responsibility of fixing the problem is places on the Woman of Colour. People of Colour are pitted against each other. Step 5 – Retaliation / Target & Attack / The WoC exists the organisation. The organization decides that the WoC is the problem and targets her. The organization labels the conflict as a “communication issue” or claims that she is not qualified or “not a good fit”. Adapted from “The Chronicle of the Problem Woman of Colour in a Non-Profit” by the Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolene www.coco-net.org
