Born: 1946 (Bronx, New York)
Biography:
Yolanda Bako is an American feminist and activist against domestic violence. Born in the Bronx in 1946, she was the daughter of Hungarian parents. Her father worked as a bouncer at a bar, and her upbringing in the Bronx greatly influenced her perspective on the world.
Bako had a keen interest in the arts and worked as a secretary at the Guggenheim Museum during her youth. However, it was her passion for addressing violence in the family that led her to a career as an activist. She became the coordinator of the Center for the Elimination of Violence in the Family, where she dedicated herself to helping victims of domestic violence.
In 1977, Bako co-founded Women’s Survival Space in Brooklyn, which became the first state-funded shelter for battered women in the city. The shelter provided a safe haven for women fleeing abusive relationships and was a significant step forward in the fight against domestic violence.
Not only did Bako work directly with survivors of domestic violence, but she also served as a rape prevention educator at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She was a founding member of the Mayor’s Task Force on Rape and played a crucial role in raising awareness about sexual assault and advocating for survivor support.
Actively involved in various organizations, Bako was a member of the New York City chapter of the National Organization for Women and worked closely with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Her dedication to the cause led her to coordinate the 1976 Women’s Walk Against Rape in Central Park, where she passionately stated, We have the right to use the world at night to emphasize women’s right to safety.
Bako’s impact was not limited to local activism. In 1978, she testified at Congressional hearings on domestic violence and sexual assault, drawing attention to the urgent need for policy changes and increased support for survivors. Her testimony played a crucial role in shaping legislation to address these issues.
As an author, Bako published How to Start a County-Wide Task Force on Family Violence in 1980. This publication, a booklet for the American Friends Service Committee, provided a guide for communities looking to establish comprehensive support systems for victims of domestic violence.
In the 1980s, Bako worked as a mental health therapy aide at the Bronx State Psychiatric Hospital, further contributing to the field of mental health and raising awareness of the intersection between mental health and domestic violence. Her dedication to advocacy continued even in the later years of her life. In 1995, she attended the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to international efforts to combat gender-based violence.
In 2017, Bako spoke at a reunion of second-wave feminists held by the Veteran Feminists of America in New York. Her presence at the event showcased her enduring influence and recognized her contributions to the feminist movement.
Yolanda Bako was an inspiring figure in the feminist movement, known for her tall stature and striking presence. Her tireless work and commitment to ending domestic violence left a lasting impact on society. Bako’s papers can now be found in the prestigious Schlesinger Library at Harvard, ensuring that her legacy is preserved for future generations.