2024-Feb-16
572
14:00PM – 15:30 PM Nepali Time
Exhibition Road, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, Nepal
Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall
Making a reality: Transformative feminist politics

Global Feminist Forum

                     “Thematic panel on Making a Reality: Transformative Feminist Politics”

2 pm to 3.30 pm, Feb 16, 2024

 

Background: There's a discernible shift towards embracing transformative feminist politics worldwide. The failure of traditional leadership approaches and the politics of imperialist, fundamental and fascist regime is proved to be the biggest cause of inequality. This paradigm advocates for an intersectional approach to questioning and dismantling all the inequalities and suppression around the world through transformative feminist politics and leadership. ,. The platform acknowledges that all forms of discrimination against women cannot be understood in isolation but intersects with other axes of identity such as race, class, and sexuality. A real world of gender justice can be envisioned through the power and practice of transformative feminist politics. Therefore, It emphasizes the importance of challenging ingrained norms and increasing representation of marginalized groups, particularly women, in leadership positions to transform the vision of just world in reality. Questioning intersectional disparities and confronting entrenched biases, the discourse on transformative feminist politics seeks to create a more just and equitable society for all.

  1. Objective:

The thematic panel at the Global Feminist Forum seeks to galvanize participants towards embracing and advocating for transformative feminist politics. By bringing together diverse voices and experiences, the panel aims to inspire collective action and foster solidarity in the fight against inequality.

  1. Program Modality

The panel discussion, spanning 90 minutes, is structured to facilitate robust engagement and dialogue. Each panelist will be allocated 7-8 minutes in the first round to present their insights and experiences, offering a concise yet comprehensive overview. This format ensures that diverse perspectives are heard while maintaining focus and clarity. Subsequently, a 20-minute open floor session will invite audience participation, questions, and comments, enabling interactive discourse. Panelists will then respond to audience interventions, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. The discussion will remain unrestricted, allowing panelists to freely share their knowledge and experiences. This interactive approach aims to energize and empower participants, fostering a deeper understanding of transformative feminist politics.

Speakers and Moderator

  1. Bimala Rai Paudel (PHD): A Feminist Political Activist from Nepal, Dr. Paudel brings extensive experience in advocating against inequality and women's rights in Nepal's political landscape. Her expertise lies in grassroots movement and empowering marginalized communities.
  2. Zin: A Feminist Activist from Myanmar, Zin has been at the forefront of the struggle for women's rights and democracy in Myanmar. She brings a unique perspective on feminist activism in a context of political transition.
  3. Rula Asad: Feminist Journalist and Activist from Syria, Rula has dedicated her life to amplifying the voices of women in conflict-affected areas. Her work highlights the intersection of gender, conflict, and activism in challenging environments.
  4. Patricia Fernandez Pacheco: UN Women Country Representative to Nepal and a prominent feminist. , Patricia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment at the international level. Her insights into global policy frameworks and initiatives will provide valuable perspectives on transformative feminist politics.
  5. Proscovia Nakaye: A Feminist Activist from Uganda, Proscovia has been a tireless advocate for women's rights and social justice in Uganda. Her grassroots activism and community organizing efforts have led to tangible improvements in the lives of women and marginalized communities.
  6. Moderator: Sunita Mainali: A Feminist Activist from Nepal, Sunita will moderate the panel discussion, guiding the conversation and ensuring all voices are heard. Her expertise in feminist organizing and advocacy will contribute to a lively and engaging discussion.

Methodology & Agenda: (2 pm to 3.30 pm) (90 Minutes)

  1. Opening Remarks (10 Minute) (Welcoming participants to the thematic panel, Brief introduction of the panel, Introduction of the panelists and moderator.
  2. Speakers Insights and Sharing (40 minutes)
  3. Interactive Dialogue with the Audience (20 minutes)
  4. Panelist Responses and Group Discussion (15 minutes)
  5. Call to Action and Closing (5 minutes)

 

  • Venue
    Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall
  • Cultural activity
    No
  • Duration
    90 Minutes
  • Get in touch
    Whatsapp and email
  • Modality
    physical and virtual
  • Language
    English
  • Other Language
    Nepali
  • Contact Whatsapp
    9841716682
  • Contact Email
    sulochana@worecnepal.org
  • Modality Link
    Click here
Organizer
Co Organizer
  • Name:
    LOOM
  • Name:
    SWASA
  • Name:
    WOFWON
  • Name:
    Change Action Nepal (CAN)
  • Name:
    CWAD
  • Name:
    Feminist Resource Center
  • Name:
    Rauta Samudaya Hit Kendra
  • Name:
    BBC
  • Name:
    CWF
  • Name:
    WOREC
  • Name:
    Tarangini Mahila Adhikar Prashikshen Kendra (Tarangini Foundation)
Themes
  • Social Movements, Civic Space and Future of World Social Forum
  • Gender, Sexuality, and Identities and Gender Based Violence
  • Democracy, Human Rights, Authoritarianism, Law, and Justice
Outcomes & Follow ups

World Social Forum -2024

Global Feminist Forum, 15-19 February, 2024 Square of Statement

Kathmandu Declaration

The Global Feminist Forum under the theme “Resisting Systemic Biases” convened ten thematic spaces and concluded that patriarchal structures driven by market led Neo-liberal policies, increasing Fundamentalism, militarization, and global corporate capture are primarily responsible for women’s and queer’s subjugation, control over bodies, violence and all areas affecting their lives. The politics of imperialist, fundamentalist and fascist regimes is proved to be the biggest cause of inequalities and wars which the world is witnessing now. War on West Bank of GAZA, UKRAINE, situation in MYANMAR, MANIPUR, AFGANISTHAN are some of the examples. In all kind of war, armed struggles, and military dictatorship, women suffer the most. We commit to strengthen community-led peace movements globally and demand a transformative feminist political system to encounter imperialist, fundamentalist and fascist regimes for a just world. More than 3000 Feminists from different movements all over the world demanded immediate ceasefire in Gaza and other countries and assert that these inequities can solely be rectified through autonomous feminist movements aimed at reshaping the power hierarchy.

We hereby declare the following statements.

  1. Global Feminist solidarity against structural inequalities is urgent. We commit ourselves to lead, participate and collaborate with different social movements and urge everyone’s solidarity.
  2. The union of capitalism, neo-liberalism, and patriarchy exploits women's labor at all levels in formal and informal sectors. Women’s and queer’s body has been part of global biopolitics which must end. This has affected sex workers, migrants, women working in different entertainment sectors the most. This can’t be addressed without reforming current exploitative neo liberal policies which have converted women’s work to care work and women’s bodies to a consumer profit making entity. The only path to replace this exploitative economic system is through transformative economic policies and redistributive justice system. This requires a social movement guided by feminist values. We commit ourselves to lead, participate and collaborate with different social movements and urge everyone’s solidarity for it.
  3. Food sovereignty is a right for global citizens. This can’t be fulfilled unless the present market led and for-profit food systems/mechanisms of production are dismantled; and restored by people centric food production and distribution mechanisms. We commit to build feminist food systems from community level and appeal for solidarity from all social movements.
  4. The global environmental degradation and ecological injustice is greatly impacting marginalized communities. We acknowledge the interconnectedness of gender, power, and environmental injustices. We demand for the urgent redesign of ecological justice to priorities feminist leadership, policy reform endorsing indigenous rights, addressing environmental racism and re-distribution of resources.
  1. Feminist knowledge is advanced through the analysis of intersecting issues, fostering the development of intergenerational leadership. To develop such leadership, young women and queer must scrutinize the intersections of capitalism, colonialism, and patriarchy, recognizing their impact on lives. We express our solidarity for building youth agency and movements to challenge and change oppressive systems through transformative feminist politics.
  2. Conflicts, intensified by militarization and capitalism, result in resource exploitation, violence, and inequality, with disproportionate impacts on women and children. Embracing a feminist peace perspective, we confront this nexus, prioritizing justice, equality, and human rights and demand for urgent ceasefire of the wars going around the world and a cap on arms production. We extend our global solidarity for dismantling oppression and cultivating a just, peaceful world. We demand proper reparation of all those who has been affected by all forms of violence during conflict, and war.
  3. Due to corporate centric economic policies and developmental paradigms, the poor, indigenous, landless and informal settlers, rural farmers are being evicted from their land and housing settlements. This is affecting women the most. We demand that this exploitation ends immediately. We commit ourselves to build the solidarity movement with women and other social movements to uphold and demand for people’s right to land and housing
  4. Discrimination based on caste, gender, religion, sexual orientation, language, disability, color of skin, migratory status, among others, are the worst form of Human Right Violations. Discrimination of any form should not be tolerated by anyone and anywhere. We demand that all forms of discriminatory policies, practices and values are dismantled immediately and ensured women’s and queer’s bodily autonomy. We commit ourselves to lead, be part of and extend our solidarity in all forms of anti-discrimination movements and appeal for solidarity from all movements.
  5. Market led economy compounded by unjust development and exportable policies, has converted people’s body into commodity leading to forced migration, refugee, trafficking and exploitation. We demand for the dignified and proper settlement of these issues and ensuring human rights of all refugees.
  6. In today’s digital world, as the artificial intelligence is becoming an everyday reality of humans, we recognize that different forms of crimes are being committed digitally and globally more than 92% of sexual harassment is faced by women through such crimes. We demand to end all forms of discriminatory policies, practices and values in any form of digital transmission. We commit ourselves to lobbying to promulgate laws and policies favorable to the marginalized communities, girls, women and LGBTQI community to combat digital crimes.
  7. We recognize that in all South Asian nation democracies are being eroded and people's basic freedoms like that of dissent, association, expression and movement are being suppressed, and media and judicial independence are being compromised. This is having a negative impact on the mobility of women, their right to meet families and other adverse impacts on family set ups. We demand to end all forms of discriminatory policies, practices and values in any form by the governments in South Asia and other regions which impact women. We commit ourselves to lobbying for favorable feminist policies in all countries.

Finally, we feminists around the globe are experiencing the Crisis of Democracy and shrinking civic space. These are thriving through manipulated electoral systems adopted by Authoritarian governments. The adherence to Human rights principles and the rule of law is no longer a priority for governments and thus Human Right Defenders are under attack (displaced, killed, humiliated, stigmatized). We acknowledge and observe that the UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) adopted 75 years ago requires an update to incorporate current challenges. We call upon every citizen to be a part of a people centered democracy movement anchored within human rights and feminist principles. We are committed to lead, be part of and in solidarity with all movements for the Democracy, human rights, Gender and ecological justice. Together we can make another world possible.

Signatories of GFF statement

 

To endorse the Global Feminist Forum's statement, please visit our website https://www.worecnepal.org/wsf.php

Or you can directly fill out the endorsement form below https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPKNSmLp6xhng9jviM6_r38R53bE6DaB_qgD7VeigkNXgSfA/viewform?usp=pp_url&entry.337733589=sjj. 

 

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