For many Africans who come as a refugees or to study or to settle in Austria, it is often a shock to realize that far from being issues of the past, racism and sexism are still very much current realities. They soon realize the vast difference between espoused values of equality and the lived realities of inequality in spite of the monumental achievements of the Human rights Organisation and the Africa- Austria women’s movement. For many Africans who are trying to make a living, the cost of racism is very high. It entails putting up with much subtle and covert racism; and not talking about it because their positions are not secure. The shock of racism and its attendant marginalization in Austria are unparalleled, because they are not expecting it. Since 1993 "Many African immigrants have experienced social and political turbulence in their countries as a result move for re-settle in Austria and other part of the World .while In Austria ,Most have experienced social and class discrimination, but many had experienced overt racial discrimination" Consequently, they are taken unawares and do not have the skills to deal with it constructively and the perpetrators get away with the offense at the expense of the victims.

The intention of this report is to highlight some of the marginalizing experiences of Africans in relation to others The rationale for this report is that "change is possible and people can help bring about that change .Therefore, it aims to evoke a change in attitude and motivation to work toward overcoming marginalization and developing more inclusive attitudes toward other people considered different from a particular racial or sexual point of reference. While this work is intended to benefit all people of goodwill, it is particularly hoped that it would serve African women who interact closely with White people in a variety of settings in Europe, Africa . To this effect, the first part of the report articulates the nature and effects of marginalization resulting from racism and briefly highlights the psychological roots of racism and sexism as well as their similarities. The second part suggests some responses to marginalization with a focus on African women

The term marginalization derives from the word margin, which in turn is to be on the edge, at the limit and on the fringes and so on Margin is related, conversely, to space and freedom, in terms of scope, franchise and self-determination; in the sense of being unlimited, unconditional and so on .Therefore, to be marginalized is to be limited in scope, space, freedom of operation and the right to self-determination. In the lived experience, marginalization often involves exclusion, discrimination as well as rejection, omission and isolation.

Sexism, as used in this report , is "discrimination or oppression based on gender". On the other hand, racism refers to "any action or attitude, conscious or unconscious, that subordinates an individual or group based on skin colour or race. This subordination can be enacted individually or institutionally" Subordination, in turn, consists in "being placed in or occupying a lower class, rank or position". In this report , the paradigm, marginalization serves to express the experience of subordination in the lives of women and Africans. Thus, as entailed in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, colonialism and the apartheid policy in Africa, racism has been a subordinating experience for Africans in relation to Europe and other apart. Since these historical realities have officially ended, there is a tendency to underestimate their long lasting effects.

Slavery and the apartheid policy which have led to the internalization of racism in all peoples, whether as members of a dominant race or as members of a subordinated race. As such, racism is a worldwide phenomenon, embedded in the human psyche and in the total personality. That is to say, no one is free from the effects of racism, irrespective of their place of origin., therefore,racism is a sickness, which has infected all. Since racism is so deeply entrenched, it is literally so close to the skin that it is hard to see. Thus, contrary to impressions that racism is now a thing of the past in many Countries, for instance, racism has continued to manifest. The only difference is that it has become more subtle than ever in the many and varied experiences of many people with darker skin in their daily contacts with White people.

Moreover, one often gets the impression that one is not free to discuss it or to use the word racism. The myth about racism is that the word applies only to extremist hate groups and "an insignificant section of the population" This view is, comfortably, held by people who deny racism, or who through their privileged social positions are shielded from suffering the stringent effects of past and current racism. Perhaps, they have never tried to find an apartment in a racist society. Yet, the experience of many people with a darker skin who continue to suffer the marginalizing effects of racism is that racism is alive, active and pervasive. Especially, In Austria where the law does not forbids open discrimination or where there is no (pack)law against discrimination, racism goes not underground and becomes more subtle. Since people are not afraid to be accused and prosecuted, racist attitudes and behaviors become more covert and intangible, though no less damaging.

Too often,in Austria courts and police procession , the experiences of people with darker skin(Africans) are denied, discounted and trivialized, leading to a sense of frustration and powerlessness. Consequently, :The notion by some whites that . whites, because of their skin colour and ‘culture’, are superior to other peoples, and on that basis, should also be able to exercise power and control over them, is a colonial inheritance. It has been passed implicitly from generation to generation. Feelings of superiority are included so naturally in the socialization of some whites, in their upbringing, their education, the media, politics - in short, in the entire organization and functioning of society- that many whites do not recognize the racism in their attitudes and behaviour toward blacks Everyday racism refers not only to the prejudice and discriminatory treatment actually experienced [in ordinary encounters with some Whites on a daily basis], but also to the stress caused by the threat of racism. the fear of being hurt suddenly and unexpectedly" .

From our Organisation observation, The marginalizing experiences range from exclusion from activities involving use of voice, prejudicially termed "accent", to difficulty finding apartments,. Some of the experiences include being belittled, being restricted to service type jobs rather than intellectually and socially stimulating ones; and in relation to education, low expectations from and discouragement from pursuing higher educational credentials. Those who are assertive risk being punished with low grades.

[B]eing both women and black, they meet with different forms of sexism than do white women, or the same kinds but to a greater extent. Since they are not only black but, also women, they encounter different forms of racism than do black men. And in their relationships with white men, the racism they are confronted with can be closely tied with sexism .

Thus, just as our point of contact with the reality of marginalization is through experiences of racism, so also, my entry point into discussions of racism is through everyday racism. "Everyday racism is . racism from the point of view of those who experience it" It "refers not only to the prejudice and discriminatory treatment actually experienced (in ordinary encounters with Whites on a daily basis), but also to the stress caused by the threat of racism. the fear of being hurt suddenly and unexpectedly" consciously or unconsciously, to make life so uncomfortable, so frustrated as to want to leave and go away from the Country.

NB: If you need the complete report please write to

the anti-racism and marginalization officer

AHDA-Association for human Rights and Democracy in Africa

Dietrichsteingasse 5/10

1090 Vienna Austria

email:    ahda@chello.at