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

• · 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.
• · 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.
• · 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.
• · 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.
• · 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.
• · 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.
• · 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
• · 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.
• · 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.
• · 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.
• · 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.

World Social Forum

The World Social Forum (WSF) emerged in 2001 with its inaugural gathering in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Since then, it has fostered diverse global, regional, and national forums, spanning continents and addressing critical social and environmental concerns. This inclusive platform brought together movements, unions, academia, and various organizations to envision alternatives to prevailing systems.

In 2024, WSF2024Nepal will convene in Kathmandu, Nepal, amidst a world grappling with environmental crises, inequality, pandemics, and escalating global tensions. Under the banner of "Another world is possible," this forum stands as a beacon of hope, aiming to enact ideals centered on sustainability, dignity, and equality.

The WSF remains crucial amidst the evolving landscape of globalization. The current world witnesses mounting challenges—economic disparities, corporate dominance, and environmental degradation. Amidst these struggles, the WSF persists as an open space fostering dialogues, nurturing resistance, and facilitating strategic decision-making.

Nepal, with a commitment to democracy and socialism, hosts WSF2024. The event's structure, guided by the WSF charter of principles, involves various organizing bodies and sub-committees, ensuring a comprehensive and participatory approach.

Themes proposed for WSF2024 encompass economic justice, gender equality, climate justice, and more, inviting organizations and movements to engage, contribute, and shape discussions on these pressing issues.

The event's schedule, set from February 15th to 19th, 2024, includes thematic panels, self-organized activities, and assemblies aimed at fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaborative action. It culminates in a closing ceremony and cultural programs.

Global Feminist Forum

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

“Resisting Systemic Biases” 

The Global 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 tools and free service provided to maintain their heirs.  

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

Feminist, since centuries, have tried to challenge such structures and make the differences. Feminist movements guided by Feminist values and principles believe in power of movement and solidarity. We have several pieces of evidence to prove that the solidarity movement with commitment to make the difference 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 like-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 to analyze recent trends and  tactics being operated by the 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 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 the opening space, we will extend invitations to five influential feminist leaders representing diverse continents. They will be invited to impart insights on the strength derived from their struggles and to bolster solidarity, fostering collective imagination and collaborative efforts. The aim is to envision and promote actions that contribute to building a world of equality and justice. The sharing of struggles will be on worker's rights, resisting mega projects, My Body Mine, personal is political. 

Thematic Spaces: 

1) Making a reality: Transformative feminist politics 

Four Feminist leaders from different continents will share the global trend and need of transformative feminist politics and how the approach and transformative feminist action leads to change.  

2) 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. 

3) Food for all through the feminist food system 

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

4) Feminist vision for peace 

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 share their vision for peace. 

5) Young women’s forum  

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. 

6) Right to land and Housing:

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.

7) Gender Identity, sexuality, and bodily integrity

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

8). Ecological Justice and Identity

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, networks organizations, and social movement activists to unite in solidarity and engage in collective action on Global Feminist Forum to resist systemic bias.  

Focal Point: Sunita Mainali

Women Rehabilitation Centre (WOREC)

Whatsapp number: +977-9851216495

Email: ed@worecnepal.org

You can engage with World Social Forum 2024 Nepal and Global Feminist Forum 2024 by:

Registering Your Organization: Visit https://www.wsf2024nepal.org/register to be showcased on the official platform at https://wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf.

Contribute: Help sustain the organizing efforts by contributing a participation fee of 25 USD / 3300 NPR (mandatory for organizations).

Propose an Activity: Use your dashboard to create and submit an activity. Once approved, it will be publicly visible at https://wsf2024nepal.org/activities, allowing early engagement and better preparation for WSF2024Nepal.

Express Interest: Individuals keen on participating can register in proposed activities by clicking the "Individual" from "Member Type" button on this registration link: https://www.wsf2024nepal.org/register