Most criminological theories, research, and analysis have focused on the study of crime committed by males. When race, ethnicity, and class are discussed, issues of crime, racism, and government power are usually analyzed as they pertain to black and Hispanic males. Gender is often missing as an issue or is considered a tangential variable in which the effects of sex are assumed to pertain to all females. The literature also omits discussions of women's historical heritages, how women might vary within their racial and ethnic groups, and the complexity of justice issues women experience daily. However, the failure to consider and make vocal the voices of silenced women can profoundly affect criminal justice outcomes. In addition, stereotypes of minority women have made invisible their impact in the shaping of their cultural societies. What is needed is an open inquiry about the collective experiences of women and recognition of the community of differences that need to be celebrated, uncovered, legitimated, taught, understood, respected, and embraced. 7 references