Letter from Womankind CEO Niketa Sheth

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF WINI LAO

Dear Friends of Womankind,

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we are fully and relentlessly focused on supporting our community. While this crisis is disrupting daily life and impacting our safety and well-being in ways we would have never imagined, all of us at Womankind aim to be a reliable, consistent resource to those in need and a frontline advocate for change.

Around New York City and the world, individuals, families, and nations are rising to this challenge with courage and perseverance. I am especially grateful to the staff members, volunteers, and supporters of Womankind for their continued response to our communities' needs.

History suggests that economic downturns lead to a significant increase in domestic violence; this reality is at the forefront of our minds right now. Survivors are now confined at home for longer hours with their abusers, many of whom may be under worsening pressure. Worldwide, experts have rightly predicted a surge in incidents of domestic violence during this time. We also know that despite a rise in cases, many more will go underreported. Now more than ever, our work is necessary.

Approximately 75% of Womankind survivors are immigrant people of color, with average family incomes of $15K or less. Many are grappling with a heightened fear of anti-Asian racism alongside limited access to medical support as the effects of this virus disproportionately impacts communities of color.

In early May, New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio appointed Womankind to the newly created Nonprofit and Social Services Sector Advisory Council to shape the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am honored to serve alongside many key leaders on this Council, and I plan to bring Womankind's expertise working with Asian communities to ensure the city meets the needs of survivors of gender-based violence and immigrants—two groups we serve that have been greatly affected by this pandemic.

Womankind remains at the front lines—our staff is practicing self-care while still determined to live out our values each day. We continue to find creative ways to meet the critical needs of survivors and their children, and we're pivoting our service delivery to be nimble while continuing to advocate for policies to better support survivors. While we do not have all the answers—uncertainties regarding the duration and impact of our current situation is unknown—we remain focused on the needs of survivors in the short and long term.

At Womankind, we believe in the power of community, and we urge you to take action. Whether it's calling your loved ones to remind them they're not alone or reaching out to organizations like us to see how you can help, each individual effort matters to build a healthy and safe community. Together, we can rise above violence.

Niketa Sheth

CEO, Womankind