WiFP Celebrates Black History Month!

Black women have long been vilified by the media and this extends into the political arena - where black women are the subject of relentless gendered racism. Women in politics have always had it harder, and women of colour—specifically black women face even greater challenges. The term ‘misogynoir’, coined by gay black feminist and American academic Moya Bailey, represents the intersection between anti-blackness and gender discrimination, and articulates how black women’s multiple oppressions interrelate, uniquely subjecting them to heightened discrimination and scrutiny which extends beyond their politics. With the rising influence of media on international affairs, black women have been the face of discrimination in the form of colorism, criticism for their natural hair and clothing and harmful stereotypes which brand their assertiveness and confidence as aggression. Irrespective of their credentials, it seems that black women are always doing something wrong when they’re in the political spotlight. Whilst this occurs to varying degrees from country to country - one thing remains constant—black women face backlash for simply existing in the political field. In the West, in countries such as France and the United Kingdom, there are prominent figures who have had to experience negative media representation due to explicit misogynoir.

In France, the ‘law prohibits the collection of any data based on race, ethnicity or religion’, and this has been detrimental to the rights and treatment of black women. It effectively ignores and erases their deeply racialized discrimination. This also facilitates black women in French politics to be seen as outsiders. Laetitia Avia, a lawyer who grew up in the suburbs of Paris, was seen as a symbol of French diversity after entering Parliament for Emmanuel Macron in 2017. However, since obtaining this position, she has been the subject of racist trolls and abuse online. After dealing with threats and abuse on a daily basis she decided to do something about it. She introduced a bill that would punish hate speech online in the same way it would be punished in real life. Likewise, Diane Abbott made history as the first black woman to become a Member of Parliament. She is also the longest-serving black MP in the House of Commons. Born to Jamaican parents in London, she has been a key member of London political life. However, her career in politics has also come with threats and abuse, just like Laetitia Avia. An Amnesty International report found that over half of all abuse tweets about MPs were directed at Diane Abbott.

Laetitia Avia and Diane Abbott are just two of many examples of women who experience perpetual misogynoir - for existing in the political sphere and representing their constituents.

As women aspiring to transform the face of foreign policy - it is our duty to acknowledge and work towards removing the extra barriers that black women are faced with. Next time you see racial injustice in your place of work or social media—speak up! This Black History Month, let’s remember the women who face discrimination every day for breaking barriers in politics and international affairs, and collectively condemn the appalling discrimination that they are forced to experience because of it.

Kanisha Lucille DiCicco is WiFP's Representation & Inclusion Advisor.