Jakara Sikh Womens’ Survey Results

August 24th, 2006 by admin

Vaheguru ji ka khalsa,
Vaheguru ji ki fatheh!

The famous (or infamous) Jakara Movement, organizers of the annual Jakara conference, have released the results of their Sikh Womens’ online survey. The accuracy of online surveys is disputed, because the data collection is not foolproof as participants are not required to show themselves as being valid qualifiers for the study. In addition, the methodology is not scientific and the results can be skewed, as there are potential flaws in technology and communication through the medium of the internet. That said, it does not seem that the margin of error is so great with this survey, as the results almost completely prove our expectations of the situation with a typical woman from a Sikh family in North America. Or do they? What do you think? Please share your thoughts - leave a comment.

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First Quantitative Study Looking at Gender Inequalities amongst Sikh Americans

From February 17th to June 5th, 2006, the Jakara Movement, a California-based Sikh youth organization, conducted an online survey to identify various social problems faced by the Sikh women, living in the United States between the ages of 18-35. Although the results are alarming, they should not be met with skepticism, but rather understood as a challenge to Sikh men and women to make a change and create the society that our Gurus envisioned.

Over five hundred years ago, Guru Nanak proclaimed, “without woman, there is nothing.” However all too often, women are treated as if they are nothing. From female foeticide, to double standards, to abuse within our relationships and homes, the data collected over the course survey confirmed many of our worst fears. Over 285 women completed the survey, with the majority being single (56.5%) and between the ages of 18-23 (51.3%). Those taking the survey tended to come from upper middle-class families (52.9% reported family incomes above $70,000) with parents having professional degrees.

Despite the laments one often hears about Sikh women in the United States, our sisters and daughters are connected to their culture and heritage. Fulfilling Panjabi Sikh cultural responsibilities was a high belief of (80%) of the respondents, as well as getting married (77.5%) to a Sikh man (77.9%) and having a successful career (95.8%). Many women had a high belief as a confident Sikh woman (84.2%) and as independent Sikh woman (77.6%). However, the Sikh women overwhelmingly had a high belief that Panjabi Sikh cultural traditions favor males (69.7%).

Of critical concern are social problems and injustices found within our community. One out of four respondents (25.6%) of respondents affirmed that they had been the victim of sexual abuse. More than half of the Sikh women taking the survey said that they knew someone who had been the victim of sexual abuse (55.4%). Along with sexual abuse that is often perpetrated by male members of the family (often fathers, chachas, thayas, and mamay) is the epidemic problem of domestic abuse (both physical and emotional) have been experienced and seen by 61.4% of respondents, with 78.9% saying that they know someone that has been the victim of such abuse. With such double standards and no community outlets for these injustices, it may be of little wonder that 59.3% of the Sikh women respondents affirmed that they had suffered from bouts of depression.

No doubt there are limitations to this survey, such as the number and integrity of respondents, the lack of questions, and homogeneity of the sample; however, the study can be used to debunk certain misconceptions. The problems of sexual abuse and domestic violence are not ‘pindu’ problems, but are widespread throughout the community regardless of income and education levels. The hope is that this study is not dismissed because of its limitations, but rather seen as a tool for Sikhs to wake up to the epidemic problems taking place in the community. Regardless of the exact figures, the study is suggestive of the scale of the epidemic we are facing as a community. It is of critical importance that dialogues be initiated and solutions be found and implemented in our Gurdwaras and homes.

It is time for the ‘next generation of Sikhs’ to make a change. It is time for the men to heal our women, to be real to our women; it is time for the women to love themselves, to empower themselves just as our Gurus desired. The Jakara Movement will further their efforts with an activist development program (J.Kharkhoos) from September 2nd-3rd in Fremont, CA, a youth program promoting equality with a celebration of Mata Khivi throughout California (Bay Area, Bakersfield, Fresno, Livingston, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Turlock, and Yuba City), and a memorial of Mai Bhago in the spring. For more information visit www.jakara.org or get involved in your local community to address these issues so that our Gurus can be proud of our community for living up to the principles for which they developed, practices, and laid down their lives.

Background of Sikh Women Respondents (N=285):
Single (56.5%)
Between the Ages of 18-23 (51.3%)
Born in the United States (47.3%)
Family Income of $70,000 and Above (52.90%)
Mothers (33.7%) and Fathers (46.7%) have Professional Degrees

Epidemic Problems:
Experienced Sexual Abuse i.e. had to do/or had anything done to you that you did not want done (25.6%)
Have you ever experienced/seen domestic abuse (i.e. physical or emotional)? (61.4%)
Experienced Bouts of Depression (59.3%)

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