There is a somewhat dispiriting conversation which plagues feminism in the Caribbean. Are we transformational enough in our thinking and action? Are we so concentrated on a simplistic reading of gender equality (add numbers of women to the mix and stir) that we lose the script of other inequalities, failing to understand how dominant free market, neo-liberal economics diminishes the redistributive capacity of the state, reinforcing other inequalities. Is our analytical lens wide enough to take on the whole of governance deficits – corruption, exclusion, power capture?
But feminism as practiced has delivered some real change. Of course it has. Though no doubt we have made less of a dent to the surrounding political, economic , social and cultural environment than we hoped, thinking that working on gender equality would give an entry into disrupting and confronting other inequalities. “Gender as a suggestion” as Tracy has said somewhat enigmatically.
This March 8th, on Facebook, I came across this picture of Hazel Brown and Gabrielle Hosein. I kept looking at Hazel’s face, weary but determined because making change can take one a whole lifetime of work, and without any guarantee of victory.
In making change we seek companions across our diversities. Why am I posting this which I wrote in March and forgot? Because this last week I met someone from a Nepalese organization called Didi Bahini (Big sister little sister). And I remembered this image.
It is humbling, this gift of a life of effort. You wonder how social justice activists do not become cynical. Maybe they do from time to time. But for the warriors, their nature is to fight.
[…] led by IGDS, held a conference honouring the activism of Hazel Brown, about whom I have written here. Here is my reflection on Hazel and the significance of her […]
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Great insight as usual Roberta
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Roberta, the gender equality and empowerment of women movement very early linked patriarchy, violence domestically and globally, male dominated governance frameworks, the abuse of the environment and an exploitative economic system which treated humans as disposable commodities. Women the poor and minorities were recognised as particularly oppressed in this patriarchal framework. The transformative goal of the movement was always to build peaceful, just, equitable, productive and sustainable societies and world for all women, men and children. The environmental connection informed our active role in supporting the development of th Earth Charter. We also opposed structural adjustment and its neo liberal agenda. Corruption, power capture, exclusion are not compatible with these goals, which formed the foundation of the movement.
This broad transformative perspective is the reason that I have resisted narrowing the movement to a feminist label, which in my view, has the potentiality of narrowing the focus, understanding and impact of the work. My inspiration comes from seeing the spaces for young women open up and also less rigid spaces for men particularly in relation to children and family. I am also encouraged by the young men and women who positively engage and support the gender agenda. Inspiration also comes from seeing more resistance to abuse of the environment and questioning of the normalcy of poverty, corruption, violence and war.
The gender landscape in the Caribbean has been strengthened on many fronts and has suffered major reversals on others. In my view this gives inspiration for redoubling the efforts ,because once we recognise that the pieces are all interconnected, we may also wake up to the fact that business as usual is not an option and we will all sink or swim together.
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That was more than an image.
Every time I interact with Gabby I feel my work has not been In vain
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There is also an interesting new dimension to the feminist agenda in the Caribbean. We know that adding more women to the POLITICAL stew is not enough and as I have been saying lately ‘it has not necessarily worked for women’.
WE REALLY HAVE MADE SOME STRIDES WITH THE 2013 LOCAL GOVERNMENT NUMBERS, SO MUCH SO THAT THE PARTIES ARE NOw BOASTING HOW MANY WOMEN ARE ON THEIR SLATES. LET’S SEE HOW MANY OF THEM WIN or becpme Chairman or Mayor
And the struggle goes on
That new dimension is women in enterprise, the whole range from market vendors and hucksters to CEOs and Chairmen of State corporations with the theme of ‘equality means business’.
How you like that. Will share some more about that as we approach International Women’s day 2013.
Take care
Hazel Brown
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Like equality means business.although I do not like linking the instrumental to the right.
Whether equality is good for business or not, equality is the business that we want.
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Roberta, I believe that true social justice activists and advocates do not give up because they bring the authentic self to the process. They do not set out for fame or recognition, they do what they truly believe to be right and just. They work hard, and become cynical, and regroup, and work harder, and by doing all this, inspire others to do the same.
We will get past the “adding women to the mix”, but for now, it is necessary to add them, so that the mix thickens into success. To all the activists and advocates who started by “adding” I thank you for the work and the inspiration.
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I like the metaphor of thickening Jacqui
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