First Online Discussion: To be or not to be a feminist? That is the question!
What is it?
The GBV Prevention Network’s 1st online discussion full of thought provoking conversation! Meet colleagues, friends and other activists on the internet to discuss the feelings, the fears, fantasies and frustrations behind the F-word: FEMINISM!
When is it?
14th to 18th June 2010.
Where is it?
This is a virtual discussion via email – you can discuss with members all over the region right from the comfort of your office, home, hotel, or local café!
Who can participate?
Everyone is warmly welcome! –We encourage all embers, friends and strategic allies of the Network from the Horn, East, Southern Africa to join us!
How do I join?
Joining the group is easy! Just click here to sign up. (Note: it is not necessary to have a Yahoo! email address or to use your existing Yahoo! account to join this group. You may use any other email account you have to join the group). Please read the terms and conditions for joining online discussions here.
How does it work?
After joining the GBV Prevention Network group hosted by Yahoo you will receive emails from, and be able to post emails, to everyone on the list. Because the internet can be slow for many of us in the region, the discussion is email-based (you will receive discussion messages in your email address). A moderator will guide, encourage, support and focus our discussion. You can share your own experience, ask questions, explore your own and others thoughts about feminism in this virtual space. We will also post the discussions daily up on the GBV Prevention Network website at www.preventgbvafrica.org.
Having trouble signing up?
Write to Jean at info@preventgbvafrica.org for help!
What are you waiting for?
Sign up now!
Questions
Day 1: What does feminism mean to you?
Day 2: Have you ever feared to be called a feminist? Why was this?
Day 3: Can men be feminists?
Day 4: How can we bring our feminist beliefs into our organizations?
Day 5: Do you identify as a feminist? Why of why not?
Reading Material for this discussion: Interview with renowned feminist activist Dr. Hilda Tadria, the co-founder of the African Women’s Development Fund and current board Chairperson. Download the interview here.
GBV Prevention Network First on line discussion-Day one 14th June 2010
Today’s question was; what does feminism mean to you?
The discussion on day one started on a good note with 23 interesting posts. It drew participants from Uganda, Kenya, Mauritius and Somali. People candidly shared their thoughts on feminism at professional and personal levels with many agreeing that women and men are equal and the social discrimination that places women in a lower position than men is injustice. Find more details here.
GBV Prevention Network on line discussion-Day Two 15th June 2010
Today’s question was; have you ever feared to be called a feminist? Why was this?
Feminism often draws negative reactions from people and many of us who openly identify as feminists do notice and are affected by it -- varying degrees. On the second day of the discussion participants reflected on some of the times and circumstances in which they feared identifying as feminists. Find more details here.
GBV Prevention Network on line discussion-Day 3 and 4
Discussion question; what are some of the challenges and opportunities around men supporting the feminist movement?
For some time now of the issues that have been under debate within the feminist movement has focused on the presence and involvement of men. Namely, to what extent can and should men get involved, and once involved, how do they stay accountable to the women’s movement. Some in the movement fear that we will be imprisoning ourselves in our own homes if we let men into our movement. While others believe more support the better – but that the support must be genuine, sincere and accountable. Participants deliberated on these issues and expressed their views, find details here.
GBV Prevention Network on line discussion-Day 5
Discussion question; how can we bring our feminist beliefs into our organizations?
Central to feminist beliefs are principles of equality, fair treatment, accountability, non-violence etc. Within the feminist movement organizations, groups, individuals there is often discussion about often ‘cleaning house’ – meaning, starting with ourselves and our own issues first. We have thought about how we move from to living these principles, including fostering these values within our organizations. On the last day of the discussion participants deliberated and provided suggestions for moving forward on this issue. Read details here.