Workplace Racism and Women of Colour: An Exploration of Impacts and Coping Strategies

Abstract

Women of colour in North America often face workplace racism, which significantly impacts their overall mental health and wellbeing. Racial disparities in mental health and physical health are widely recognized by researchers as a matter of serious concern. However, despite the traumatic impact that workplace racism has on the overall wellbeing of women of colour, their incredible resiliency is demonstrated in the positive coping strategies they employ to manage race-based stress. In this literature review, I explore these strategies while also providing suggestions for counsellors, health care systems, and government officials who service women of colour to ensure they are providing ethically sound and safe care. Strengths and limitations of the presented literature are also discussed to identify further research areas.