Voices from the Margins: Amplifying South Asian Feminists at the AWID International Forum

By: Saeda Bani

A Platform for the Silenced

The Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) International Forum is a global gathering of feminist movements advocating for gender justice and intersectional equity. Held in Bangkok in December 2024, the 15th Forum emphasized amplifying the voices of those often structurally silenced. For the South Asia region, this meant ensuring the participation of activists from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, supported by CREA and funded by Feminist Opportunities Now.

A Diverse Delegation

Ten activists representing diverse feminist movements were selected through a rigorous application process. The chosen participants work across a range of issues, from LGBTIQ rights and disability justice to sex worker advocacy and climate action. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences ensured that the delegation reflected the rich tapestry of South Asian feminisms.

Key Themes and Takeaways

The Forum provided a space for participants to engage with critical issues, including:

• Intersectionality and Justice: Participants explored how intersecting identities shape experiences of marginalization, emphasizing the need for inclusive advocacy strategies.
• Movement Building and Solidarity: The Forum highlighted the power of collective action and cross-movement collaboration, showcasing examples of successful grassroots organizing.
• Creative Advocacy and Storytelling: Participants learned how art, storytelling, and cultural traditions can amplify marginalized voices and challenge dominant narratives.
• Feminist Funding and Resource Mobilization: Discussions focused on the need for trust-based funding models that prioritize grassroots empowerment and long-term partnerships.
• Gender and Climate Justice: Participants examined the gendered impacts of climate change and explored feminist approaches to environmental justice.

A Transformative Experience

For many participants, the Forum was a transformative experience. Rabeya Sultana, an activist from Bangladesh, shared: “The Forum reminded me how important storytelling is and how it can be incorporated into work and movements.”

Challenges and Recommendations

While the Forum offered invaluable opportunities, participants also encountered challenges such as overlapping sessions and language barriers. The report recommends enhancing accessibility, ensuring inclusive representation, and facilitating sustained collaboration to maximize the impact of future forums.

The participation of South Asian feminists in the AWID International Forum was a testament to the power of amplifying marginalized voices. By sharing their stories, strategies, and visions for change, these activists contributed to a global movement striving for a more just and equitable world.

Read the full report here

Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) Project

FON contributes to the eradication of gender-based violence worldwide through flexible funding. The Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) project aims to strengthen feminist movements by providing grants, particularly to small, unregistered organizations. With a budget of 7 million euros, FON also offers long-term mentoring and tailored training. Additionally, the project includes an action-research component to ensure the expansion and sustainability of these approaches.