FON and Partners at AWID

The 15th AWID International Forum is scheduled to take place from December 2–5, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand, with additional online participation options. The theme for this year’s forum is “Rising Together”, an invitation for feminists worldwide to connect deeply, heal collectively, strive together, and strategize bravely to address contemporary challenges.

In alignment with this theme, Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) is supporting partners from Bangladesh, Colombia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Niger, Sri Lanka, and Burkina Faso to attend the forum. This initiative aims to amplify the voices of feminist civil society organizations (CSOs) from the Global South, enhancing their capacities and expanding their networks on this prominent international stage.

By facilitating the engagement of feminist CSOs in this high-impact international space, FON aims to amplify their advocacy efforts. Feminist movements require sustained, flexible funding and stronger institutional support—a message that FON’s partners are bringing to AWID 2024.

Key Advocacy Messages from FON Partners

Guinea | ONG Femmes, Développement et Droits Humains en Guinée (F2DHG)
“Moins il y a du financement, plus il y a de vies perdues, de rêves brisés. C’est un frein à la lutte contre les violences faites aux femmes et aux enfants.”
Supporting feminist organizations means supporting life, freedom, and empowerment. Every step forward is a victory for a more just world.

Niger | Ligue Nigérienne des Droits des Femmes
“Les financements féministes ne doivent pas être interrompus à cause des crises politiques. Les féministes ne sont pas responsables de ces crises.”
Feminist funding must remain stable despite political crises. Donors should also invest in organizational development, mental health, and activist security, which are essential for long-term impact.

Burkina Faso | Soeurs Pour Soeurs/TLT
“Alléger les conditions d’accès aux financements, c’est offrir aux mouvements féministes d’Afrique francophone les moyens d’agir efficacement face aux réalités locales et accélérer la transformation sociale.”
Simplifying access to funding will empower Francophone African feminist movements to respond effectively to local challenges and accelerate social transformation.

Côte d’Ivoire | ONG Espace Confiance
“Les bailleurs devraient orienter les financements vers des interventions qui mettent en lumière les succès et impacts des initiatives féministes.”
Strategic funding should increase the visibility and recognition of feminist initiatives. Greater visibility attracts more support and resources, inspiring further action for gender equality.

AWID 2024 is a unique moment to push for sustained feminist funding, institutional strengthening, and the prioritization of mental health and activist security. By standing together, feminist movements can drive meaningful change and ensure that feminist organizations, especially in the Global South, have the resources they need to thrive.