VSU Bandana Project

This semester CAMP (College Assistance Migrant Program) students led VSU students in participating in Migrant Workers Awareness Week. One of the events included the Bandana Project. While at the College of Education and Human Services this week I was able to snap a few shots of the artwork before they took down the display. This is a justice for migrant women project started in 2017.

As you can see, students created visual depictions of the migrant women experience on bandanas. Some referenced the #metoo movement in their illustrations. Farmworkers, like other immigrant or migrant victims of sexual assault are less likely to report their assault in fear of losing their jobs or being reported to immigration authorities.

This bandana with sunflowers includes the words, valuable and powerful, a reminder of the worth of all people especially migrant women. Female farmworkers, like the one depicted below, cover their faces while working to detract from their physical and feminine appearance in an attempt to avoid unwanted attention from male coworkers.

In an attempt to stop the violence, this bandana encourages onlookers to speak up about sexual assault. Once a taboo topic, projects such as this one are making the subject more acceptable to talk about.

This last bandana pays homage to Ben Day dots, often used in comics. A brightly colored, "NO!" emphasizes the important issue of consent. Consent is an issue that we all need to talk about, whether we are in institutions of higher education, the fields, or a board room.

I am so proud of the VSU students that participated and learned more about sexual assault among migrant workers. Have you heard of the Bandana Project before? Would you consider sharing the topic with your students during Farmworkers Awareness Week next year or any time?

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