Girls and
Violence: Soroptimists making a difference

by Dr Donna
Swift, Social
Anthropologist, New Zealand, www.girlsproject.org.nz

 

Photograph: Dr Anne Else, of the New Horizons for Women
Trust, presented the Sonja Davies Peace Award to Dr Donna Swift (right) for her
work that has developed from ‘The Girls Project: An investigation of girls’ use
of violent and anti-social behaviour’.  

"I am a
social anthropologist and for years I have been passionate about ending male
violence towards females. President-Elect Yvonne Simpson kindly asked for
me to share the important role Soroptimist International New Zealand has played
in supporting my work through their National Project of 2011-2013.

First a bit
of background. In 2005 my research took a radical twist and I began focusing on
violence perpetuated by females, namely girl against girl.  This received the criticism that I was
latently diluting or swaying attention from the abuse females suffer at the
hands of males. Yet I always remained adamant that patriarchal oppression was
at the root of females’ use of violence.

In 2009,
Stopping Violence Services Nelson, New Zealand obtained funding for me to
conduct a study called The Girls’
Project. This research was carried out over
two-years in the Tasman Police District, New Zealand’s largest policing region.
It involved 3500 questionnaires collected from year 9 and 10 girls and boys
allowing for gender comparison of their experiences of violence, 40 focus
groups with naturally forming groups of girls between the ages of 12 and 18 and
100+ interviews with teenage girls directly involved in violent behaviour and
referred by police, lawyers, school staff and social services. 

The findings were both enlightening
and deeply disturbing as they identified the range of violent and anti-social
behaviour employed by some girls, how these practices had become normalised in
their lives and how parents, teachers, media and society, often unwittingly,
foster girls’ attitudes towards this behaviour and acceptance of its use. Sadly
it was also my realization that girls’ violent response frequently corresponded
to their feelings of anger and misery, and experiences of trauma. PDF copies of the research report can be
downloaded from www.thegirlsproject.org.nz
. 

In 2010, my work came to the attention
of Yvonne Simpson and Donna Kennedy of the Westland and the Nelson Soroptimists
of New Zealand. Through their energy, support and encouragement, as well as that
of their club members, ‘Cliques, Crews and Catfights: Moving Beyond Girls’
Violence became New Zealand’s National Project for 2011-13.  Clubs throughout New Zealand provided me with
an opportunity to present my work along with the girls’ stories to communities,
schools and professionals. Sadly, the plight of these girls had been obscured
by the rhetoric of ‘girl power’ and a continual ‘what about our boys’
focus.  This National Project served to
remind and encourage New Zealand not to overlook our girls.

It is with appreciation that I
remember the fundraising commitment made by each club so the National Project
could happen, along with the hours of networking, organising and promoting that
each club did so that I could come to their community to raise awareness of our
girls. The most memorable outcomes from the National Project was meeting so
many wonderful Soroptimist women who hosted me. 
I was also fortunate to present at the Pacific Conference of Clubs held
in Hotikita, New Zealand. This extended my connections with Soroptimist clubs
in Australia who have hosted my presentations and it is through this wonderful
network that I gave a talk to Soroptimist women in Peterborough, Canada. 

As a result of the National project,
the profile of my work gained significant recognition throughout New Zealand.
In July this year I was honoured to receive the Sonja Davies Peace Award. Sonja
Davies is a New Zealand heroine who endlessly fought for women’s social rights.

My research continues to explore the
ideology of patriarchy and the influence that a background of family violence
has on girls’ use of violence. In particular, I have recently begun researching
concerns for girls living in rural locations that are predominated by a
hyper-masculine culture.

I would like to express my sincere
gratitude to Soroptimist International of New Zealand for its commitment to
my work and the well-being of our girls.