Jovana Jenkins is on a mission to heal wounds and empower young Black girls. Her organization, G.I.R.L.S Can Inc., is tackling the often-overlooked issue of mother-daughter trauma in the Black community. Jenkins’ work is filling a crucial gap, offering support to girls who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
Breaking the Cycle of Generational Trauma
Jenkins knows firsthand the pain of a difficult mother-daughter relationship. “The motherhood wound is something that has allowed me to pour into this movement,” she told HelloBeautiful. This personal experience drives her passion to help others.
While there’s lots of talk about absent fathers, the topic of mother-daughter trauma is often taboo. Jenkins aims to change that. “We praise the Black mother, but we don’t really examine,” she explained. “That’s just not a conversation we have because it’s been swept under the rug.”
Creating Safe Spaces for Girls to Heal and Grow
G.I.R.L.S Can Inc. provides workshops, events, and programs across New York City. Jenkins recently hosted an event in Brownsville, one of Brooklyn’s most underserved areas. Her goal? To give girls a chance to see themselves in others who’ve faced similar challenges.
“You can have your parent in the household, present physically, but not present emotionally,” Jenkins said. These situations can impact how girls relate to others later in life. G.I.R.L.S Can offers a safe place for girls to spot and address these issues early on.
Addressing the Complex Mother-Daughter Dynamic
Jenkins doesn’t aim to blame mothers. She recognizes that many moms may be dealing with their own traumas. “She may be experiencing her own trauma,” Jenkins said, “That then spills over into the relationship of a mother-daughter, which is already complex.”
Social media adds another layer of complexity. Girls today can easily compare their lives to others, often feeling inadequate as a result. G.I.R.L.S Can provides a space where girls can ask questions and express themselves freely.
From Survival Mode to Thriving: A Personal Journey
Jenkins’ own path wasn’t easy. “I definitely was raised on survival, and it really didn’t resonate with me until years later,” she shared. This insight helps her connect with the girls she serves, many of whom may be stuck in similar patterns.
“I’m always functioning in survival mode, and that’s something that I just really unpacked,” Jenkins added. By sharing her experiences, she shows girls that healing and growth are possible.
