Revealing ‘Eha: A Qualitative Project on Historical Trauma Experiences Among Wāhine

Historical trauma has been established as a determinant of health among all Hawaiians, but limited research exists on how Wāhine (Native Hawaiian women) uniquely experience historical trauma. A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted to primarily understand how historical trauma, trauma response, and the transmission and modes of intergenerational trauma intersect with sexism and patriarchy among contemporary Wāhine, as described in the Historical Trauma Conceptual Model. With partnership and approval of the Waimānalo Pono Research Hui, interviews were conducted with 13 Wāhine from various generations in Hawai'i. The structural, institutional, interpersonal, and internal levels of 'Eha (loosely translated as hurt/suffering/to inflict pain/cause hurt or suffering) were generated as prominent themes from the data. Findings from this project communicate the urgency for change to heal Wāhine with radical aloha and to support them in reimagining a world that is inclusive of their needs.