What’s Up with White Women?

Unpacking Sexism and White Privilege in Pursuit of Racial Justice

by Ilsa Govan and Tilman Smith 

As a white woman, ask yourself: are you upholding or fighting racism?

What’s Up with White Women? is a practical guide for white women who are interested in becoming more effective in their cross-cultural, anti-racist practices.

Blending real-life stories, theory, and anti-racism practices from decades of on-the-ground work, the authors invite white women to understand their gendered role in systemic racism and their unique opportunity for action. Both frank and compassionate, coverage includes:

• Stories of white women’s experiences with sexism, racism, and white privilege
• How white women harm BIPOC and ourselves by colluding with systems of oppression
• Why and how white women often hijack race conversations
• A powerful six-stage identity development model for self-reflection and growth
• Guiding questions and practical actions for strengthening anti-racism practices
• Tools to cultivate genuine partnerships with BIPOC individuals and groups.

White women are positioned in a power hierarchy between white men and BIPOC. It is time for white women to step up and undertake deep reflection on their role in systemic racism and take concrete actions that support equity and justice for all people.

Paperback | 264 pages | New Society Publishers | 2021