Bridging Borders:
A Collective Journey in Women’s Rights Across Asia
On September 26 and 27, I had the privilege of attending the face-to-face meeting organized by the Asia Feminist Coalition (AFC). This opportunity came as part of my role as an Oxfam Young Leader Fellow 2024, thanks to the gender justice team at Oxfam in Asia. The AFC is a regional network of feminist organizations dedicated to advancing gender justice and equality across Asia. Formed in 2022, it consists of 24 member organizations from 11 countries, working on three main thematic areas: unpaid and paid care work, climate and environmental justice, and gender-responsive budgeting.
The AFC primarily focuses on uniting efforts to engage in collective policy advocacy. One of its key publications includes a policy brief on the Feminist Intersections of Just Energy Transition (JET). This meeting was part of their regular annual gathering, where they come together to review progress, plan for the future, and evaluate their collaborative efforts. During this session, AFC shared its accomplishments, and each thematic working group presented their focus areas. Discussions revolved around strengthening the coalition’s collective impact, enhancing its digital presence, and laying out a roadmap for the coming years. They also finalized updates to the Terms of Reference for the Secretariat and Steering Committee.
Expectations
As a regional collaboration on feminist issues, I had expected the AFC to address a broader range of agendas related to women’s rights across Asia. I anticipated a document that would outline key feminist issues throughout the region, providing a unified direction for feminist advocacy. However, I later learned that the coalition is currently focused on three specific areas: unpaid and paid care work, climate and environmental justice, and gender-responsive budgeting. While these areas are critical, they are narrower than I had initially expected.
Valuable Conversations and Insights
One of the most valuable aspects of the meeting was the chance to engage in personal discussions with participants from different countries. I had enlightening conversations about women’s rights with almost every attendee.
A particularly encouraging conversation was with a Pakistani leader with extensive experience in political activism. She shared her perspective on political movements and the role of politics in societal transformation. She pointed out that the parliamentary system, which Nepal also follows, does not effectively serve the lower-class and marginalized populations. We discussed how elite and capitalist interests have captured the political system, preventing it from addressing the needs of the most vulnerable.
I also spoke with a women’s rights activist from Pakistan, discussing regional dynamics and South Asian geopolitical issues. These conversations helped me gain a comparative perspective and a deeper understanding of the challenges women face in Pakistan, such as the Talak system and the Aurat March (Women’s March).
Another memorable discussion was with a young Pakistani woman who shared my belief that true societal transformation can only happen through political change. Our shared experiences in political movements fostered a deep connection, and we left the conversation with hopes of meeting again.
Broader Regional Perspectives
I was also inspired by individuals from Malaysia and Bangladesh who are working on gender and environmental issues. Learning about the diverse efforts for social change across different fields was motivating. Conversations with participants from Sri Lanka and Indonesia, focused on Gender-Responsive Budgeting and Just Energy Transition, provided new insights and enriched my understanding.
While I have kept myself informed about South Asia, I didn’t know much about Southeast Asia. However, discussions with Southeast Asian participants allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of their region. For example, I learned that one friend from Cambodia had a Nepali-sounding name, and she shared a humorous story of being mistaken for a Nepali during her visit to Nepal. It was also fascinating to learn about the presence of Hindu temples and the use of Sanskrit in Cambodia and Laos.
I also spoke to a leader from the Philippines, who heads a working-class feminist political party. Her extensive political experience and travel to different countries gave me new insights into political and social issues, particularly regarding women’s rights in the Philippines.
Key Takeaways
This two-day meeting provided me with a unique opportunity to learn about the ongoing efforts to advance women’s rights across different countries. The experience greatly expanded my regional knowledge and strengthened my motivation to advocate for social change.
One of the most significant lessons I took away was the importance of regional collaboration. When countries work together, their collective voices can amplify the impact on global platforms. I also realized that the strength of a regional movement, cooperation, and ongoing discussions can put pressure on governments to address critical issues. The publications and knowledge-sharing from these coalitions are essential for all sectors working on similar issues, as a unified voice holds much more power for driving meaningful change.
Another valuable realization was the lack of strong regional platforms for Asian women, which weakens our collective presence on the global stage. Particularly in South Asia, there are few regional organizations with a meaningful impact. This experience highlighted the need for regional unity and collaboration to empower our voices and foster regional development. I was pleased to learn that Oxfam is helping to form such a regional movement, which I believe is crucial for the future of women’s rights advocacy in Asia.
