GLOBAL FEMINIST FOURM 2024

On the occasion of the World Social Forum (15 to 19 Feb, 2024)  

“Resisting Systemic Biases” 

The Feminist Forum for Solidarity seeks to redress prevailing power imbalances responsible for class, caste, gender, sex, and race-based disparities. Feminists assert that these inequities can solely be rectified through autonomous feminist movements aimed at reshaping the power hierarchy. Historically, feminist movements have confronted systemic biases rooted in long-standing patriarchy associated with different social structures such as Feudalism, Capitalism, neoliberalism, fascism, and militarism. 

In the contemporary context, patriarchy, driven by Globalization, Fundamentalism, and Militarism (GFM), has intensified the exclusion of women of diversities. Government policies and laws frequently bolster GFM, resulting in repercussions like neo-colonialism and modern-day enslavement. Women, spanning various backgrounds, persistently encounter exploitation and the commodification of their bodies on a global scale. Capitalism diminishes the value of women's contributions and treats them as instruments for satisfying sexual desires, counting them as reproductive tool and free service provide to maintain their heirs.  

Dominant political structures which are primarily being operated with corporate interest in combo with Feudo capitalist patriarchal fundamentalist pushes women in corner even within political domain. Making Women's political participation disproportionately low and controlled by their decisions.  

Feminist, since centuries has tried to challenge such structures and made the differences. Feminist movements guided by Feminist values and principles believes in power of movement and solidarity. We have several evidences to prove that solidarity movement with commitment to make the different by analyzing the structures politically has made the difference. Feminist believes in another world much fairer world where rights of every citizen counted respected and protected. WOREC in collaboration with several other liked minded institutions and movements has been organizing feminist forums and social forums nationally and regionally. 

The Feminist Forum during world Social Forum 2024, is being organized to create a   political platform for feminist from local to Global spheres to come together analysis recent trends and tactics being operated by global capitalist neo liberal model of development and identify the key factor to address. We Invite all feminist to join hands by being part of the feminist forum to   and amplify voices, extend global solidarity, celebrate our achievements, and strategize to make another world possible.  

Objective: 

• The core objectives of the Global Feminist Forum (GFF) are to create a political arena for worldwide solidarity and showcase a global commitment to liberty, justice, and parity.  
• GFF serves as a platform for advocacy, empowerment, and collective action, aiming to dismantle oppressive systems and create a more equitable global landscape.
• The GFF strives to create a world where gender justice is not just an aspiration but a lived reality. By addressing systemic barriers, advocating for policy changes, and fostering global solidarity, it contributes to the progress of women’s rights and human dignity.  

Target participants: 

The Women Rehabilitation Centre (WOREC NEPAL), a feminist organization, will be hosting the Global Feminist Forum (GFF). Participants are invited from various sectors, including women's organizations, women human rights defenders, feminist leaders and activists, farmers, workers, organizations and movements led by women, trans, intersex, and non-binary individuals, indigenous women, women and people with disabilities, and other historically excluded groups. Additionally, youth and girl-led organizations, youth activists, and others are encouraged to join. The organizers are committed to ensuring diverse representation. The organizers will actively identify and engage stakeholders who share a commitment to the cause, fostering robust discussions and follow-up actions. The registration process for the Global Feminist Forum will be facilitated by the main organizer and co-organizer, working in collaboration with other partners and in coordination with the secretariat of WSF2024.

Program modality

The Global Feminist Forum will be a dynamic space where voices converge, ideas flourish, and collective action ignites change. Let us honor the legacy of the GFF by creating a forum that empowers women worldwide, transcending barriers and shaping a more just and equitable future.

Opening Assembly: “Together for Justice”

Power of struggles: Making another world possible through solidarity 

In this inaugural session of the Global Feminist Forum, with the main slogan of "Together for Justice," we gather with a profound acknowledgment of the power inherent in our collective struggles. At the heart of our endeavor lies a critical understanding: the intertwined forces of capitalism, neoliberalism, and patriarchy constitute formidable barriers to gender equality and justice worldwide. Capitalism, driven by profit and exploitation, perpetuates systems of inequality, while neoliberalism exacerbates these divisions through deregulation and privatization. Patriarchy, deeply ingrained in societal structures, reinforces gender norms and control over women's bodies and labor. Our fight for justice demands an unwavering commitment to dismantle these interconnected systems and forge a path towards a future where equality and liberation prevail. As we convene in this space, let us harness the power of our collective struggles to envision and enact transformative change, uniting in solidarity to confront and overcome the oppressive forces that seek to divide us. Together, we stand poised to challenge the status quo and build a world where justice is not just a distant ideal, but a lived reality for all.

The Global Feminist Forum features 13 thematic spaces, each dedicated to exploring various aspects of gender equality, women's rights, and related issues. Through these sessions, attendees have the opportunity to engage in discussions and learn from experts, fostering a comprehensive exploration of feminist ideas and initiatives.

1) Making a reality: Transformative feminist politics 

https://www.wsf2024nepal.org/organization/activity/49

In this thematic session, we unite four feminist leaders from diverse corners of the globe to dissect the imperative of transformative feminist politics. With a resounding call for alter-globalist, anti-capitalist, and feminist movements, we confront entrenched power structures head-on. Through grassroots mobilization and intersectional solidarity, we wield transformative feminist action as a potent tool for dismantling oppressive systems and subverting patriarchal norms. Together, we amplify the voices of those spearheading progressive change, igniting a collective fire for gender justice that burns bright across borders. Join us in this political discourse as we envision and enact a future where equity and liberation reign supreme.

2) Live Art , Open  film screening and photography exhibition

https://www.wsf2024nepal.org/organization/activity/39

The Global Feminist Forum seeks to amplify diverse voices and perspectives through an immersive experience encompassing live art performances, open film screenings, and a photography exhibition. Embracing the intersectionality of feminism, our event aims to break societal boundaries, empower women through visual narratives, unveil untold stories, and celebrate the richness of diversity within the global feminist movement. Through these mediums, we aspire to provoke thought, inspire action, and foster solidarity in the pursuit of gender equality and justice worldwide.

3) Young women’s forum

https://www.wsf2024nepal.org/activity/13

Five young women, each representing diverse intersections of identity, unite across continents to narrate their experiences as young feminists. They articulate their challenges and stand together in solidarity, contributing to the collective effort of building a global feminist movement.

4). Rainbow Planets

https://wsf2024nepal.org/organization/activity/69

Rainbow Planet stands as a formidable coalition uniting diverse progressive groups, including LGBTQ+ sex workers and People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). Our core mission is to forge a common platform, fostering solidarity among sexuality minorities while extending support to broader social movements. By joining forces, we amplify our voices, working relentlessly towards the shared goals of equality and justice, making a lasting impact on the global stage

5) Feminisms and Human Rights

https://www.wsf2024nepal.org/organization/activity/48

This thematic space is a dynamic convergence occur in dedicated to feminism and human rights. Delegates from diverse corners of the globe assemble to exchange perspectives, strategies, and challenges. This session become crucibles for forging a collective vision, where the pursuit of gender equality harmonizes intricately with the universal principles of human rights. Within this vibrant space, a tapestry of voices weaves together, contributing to the global discourse on justice, empowerment, and the intertwined narratives of feminism and human rights.

6) Challenging the patriarchy building lives 

https://wsf2024nepal.org/organization/activity/89

This panel will confront the pervasive influence of patriarchy on societal structures, emphasizing the urgent need to challenge patriarchal norms to create a more just and inclusive world. Speakers will delve into strategies for dismantling patriarchal systems and advancing gender equity, advocating for policy changes and amplifying marginalized voices. They will highlight the intersectionality of patriarchy with capitalism and globalization, exacerbating disparities faced by women globally.

7) Right to land and Housing

https://wsf2024nepal.org/organization/activity/75

Feminists from different continents will come together to advocate for policies that prioritize women's access and ownership of land and housing, ensure equitable distribution and protection against discrimination. The program will focus on addressing systemic barriers that impede women's rights to safe and dignified housing.

8) Navigating Feminist Struggles And Aspirations In Asia, Build back better: myth vs reality

Migrant women workers, health activists, youth advocates, women with disabilities, and sex workers will recount their narratives about the challenges associated with the "building back better" approach, exploring ways to transform this concept from a myth into a tangible reality through dismantling neoliberal policy.

9) "Breaking chain: Unraveling the Intersection of Law and State Control in Shaping Gender Identit, Sexuality and Bodily Autonomy" https://wsf2024nepal.org/organization/activity/74

Emphasizing bodily autonomy as a fundamental human right, the session will encourage dialogue on challenging societal norms and fostering environments that respect and empower individuals to make choices about their own bodies. By incorporating global perspectives and workplace inclusivity discussions, the session aims to create a comprehensive understanding that inspires positive change on a global scale.

10) Feminist vision for peace

https://wsf2024nepal.org/organization/activity/45

Conflict survivors, women from war zones, women from challenged democratic spaces, peace activists articulate their vision for peace. They raise critical inquiries about the global prevalence of wars and genocides composed by imperialist and capitalist forces and hare their vision for peace.

11) Young women’s forum (Youth-led to dismantling Child, Early, Forced Marriage, and Union (CEFMU)

https://wsf2024nepal.org/organization/activity/183

Five young women, each representing diverse intersections of identity, unite across continents to narrate their experiences as young feminists. They articulate their challenges and stand together in solidarity, contributing to the collective effort of building a global feminist movement. 

12) Co-creating a Future Feminist Food System: Fair Food For All

https://wsf2024nepal.org/organization/activity/30

Land rights activists, women farmers, climate justice activists, rights to food activist will be louder on the feminist food system through the perspective of ecological justice. Corporate attack on global food chain system is the fate to hunger and poverty. Additionally, women will operate diverse indigenous food stalls symbolizing food sovereignty. 

13). An Unheard Story: Ecological Justice and Identity

https://www.wsf2024nepal.org/organization/activity/132

Ecological justice underscores the need for fair and sustainable environmental practices, recognizing the interconnectedness of social and ecological systems. In the context of the Global Feminist Forum, it is crucial to emphasize the inclusion of indigenous women in discussions on ecological justice. Indigenous women often bear the brunt of environmental degradation and are key stewards of biodiversity. Ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes aligns with the principles of intersectional feminism and strengthens the pursuit of a more equitable and ecologically sustainable world.

We urge global feminists, network organizations, and social movement activists to unite in solidarity and engage in collective action on the Global Feminist Forum to resist systemic bias.