I want to start this post with two disclaimers: 1. This is just one female volunteer's views. I don't represent Peace Corps or the US Government 2. This is not a finger-pointing exercise. I am very aware of the recent 20/20 special and other investigative reporting about PC and want to weigh in on the issue.
Being a woman has its dangers. There is always an inner voice questioning motives, actions, words, in any new encounter with the opposite sex. Defensive skills are inherent in being a woman. We have a sixth sense for hidden meanings. Now add to that the Peace Corps situation of living alone in a different culture and where local government has a felt need to work in gender equality. Whoa! This poses many potential dangers. It didn't take a 20/20 special for me to think about these. In fact, I chose not to join Peace Corps when I was in college because of them and during my PC phone interview I asked about the safety of women living alone.
My own decision to join PC was sealed by the belief that my advanced age would protect me. I have discovered that to be true. Age is respected. While discussing the respectful nature of Zambians during a ride I got through hitch hiking (the safest mode of transport), the driver openly admitted that his own attitude toward me changed when he realized my age. I can see the difference when I am in the company of the young female volunteers walking in town. They are approached and treated differently than I. At times I pose as their mother to counter the unwanted attention. Some have reported weekly marriage proposals. I can only imagine how tiring it would be to continue working in a positive way while fending off inuendo and verbal propositions. I truly admire their strength and bravery.
During training we were given a "rap" sheet of crimes against volunteers complete with breakdown and trends. I am happy to report that theft, not rape, was the number one crime in Zambia. I also know that our Safety and Security officer is ranked "very supportive" by all volunteers and he acts very quickly and decisively on reports. I just wanted you who personally know me to not worry.
I also want to express my admiration for young women Peace Corps volunteers.
I saw that 20/20 piece and wondered about its truthfulness; you know how some reports are sensationalized. At the same time as you applied to PC a young cousin of mine did too. She had just graduated with an engineering degree and would have been working with Muslim men who never had a woman for a boss before. Teresa is also an exceptionally beautiful woman. To the relief of her mom Teresa met a guy and ended up not going into the PC.
ReplyDeleteFrom the weather display on my computer I see you have had a lot of rainy days. Yesterday we were under blizzard conditions, today Ann and Suzie are getting pelted.
Yes, Phyllis, it is rainy season now but having wet, muddy feet constantly is nothing compared to trying to drive to work in a blizzard. I'll take this incredibly lush environment anytime.
ReplyDeleteI had a supervisor in East Chicago who had just returned from working as a dietitian in Saudi Arabia as a contract dietitian. She was so frustrated at not being looked at much less listened to by the professional male staff there. She came back despite the obscene amount of money she made. As American women, we are so used to being treated as equals. It is humiliating for the young women.
I didn't see the special so I can't comment on that: I only read about the topic.
I just hope that the good work and bravery of Peace Corps is not overshadowed by its inherent risks. Women need us here!
While Peace Corps is under scrutiny for its protection of Volunteers, my elected officials have drafted a bill to unprotect women at home by back-peddling on rape definition. Come on!! Americans, please go to the following link and sign the petition. http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fpol.moveon.org%2Fsmithbill%2F%3Frc%3Dfb.share.smithbill.0.2.taf.alt_c.fb.ads.ck.sb.SM2.11.A15&h=2177f
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