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St. Cloud State University
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Hmong activists influence
By Julie Cronk
Published:
Thursday, February 27, 2003
Media Credit: Jason Risberg
Dr. Dia Cha outlined some of the struggles Hmong women have faced in becoming equal in the eyes of men Wednesday afternoon in Atwood Little Theater for Women on Wednesday.
Have you ever considered what one individual can do to change the thoughts and lives of so many people?
Dr. Dia Cha, Anthropology and Ethnic Studies Professor from SCSU, did just that. Cha and many other Hmong women devoted their hearts and souls to bringing to the surface many controversial issues relating to women in the Hmong community.
They not only concentrated on women's issues, but also promoted peace among our own vast community, the world. Coming from a culture that has a history of over 5,000 years, the traditional role for women never really changed.
With a woman's identity being solely affiliated with the man in the house, Hmong women never had a chance to become independent. The husband was the breadwinner and the wives were expected to devote their lives to her husband and family.
The discrimination was also relevant in the old tradition of women and men not even being able to eat at the same time or even in the same room. Cha and many other Hmong women activists are resolute to changing these customary roles and evolving women into what they should be.
"I believe that even one drop can cause such a great ripple," Cha said, "imagine what a thousand can do."
Determined to surpass the little expectations for Hmong women, Cha is accredited to being the first Hmong woman to obtain her Master's degree in America. Also, she has received countless awards for promoting peace locally, nationally and internationally, as well.
Cha decided to contribute her time and efforts to promote awareness for the Hmong women and by doing this, she conducted a survey with Hmong women to gather information. Cha e-mailed 14 professional women and six emerging women activists with 15 open-ended questions relating to who they are and what achievements they have accomplished.
All of the women have broken way from the traditional Hmong culture and focused on becoming strong, important Hmong role models. Cha used the information that she gathered to show how the Hmong women are moving away from the traditional culture and attaching themselves to new ideas.
The women that played a role in Cha's survey were all actively concerned with the Hmong community. Many coming to America as either first or second generation refugees from China, these women voiced their ideas anywhere they could. The professions of these women ranged from a public policy coordinator to attorney to a registered nurse.
There were also students right here on campus that were energetically involved in women's issues. Their main focus is showing all other cultures that they, as women, were emerging from the traditional roles of being secluded and oppressed.
"Any person, regardless of their gender, needs to get involved in issues that are important to all people," said Alissa Anderson, SCSU student. "By learning more about the Hmong culture, we can all become more aware of their determination of being heard."
Cha's inspiration to making Hmong women no longer oppressed, but rather seen as equals has taken many helping hands and has only begun.
As more Hmong women begin to fight for their individual rights and people of all cultures desire to learn more, there is only success in the future. This is what many Hmong women are shooting for, including Cha.
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