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August 10, 2005

2005 AWID Forum on Women's Right and Development-Mary Anthony Subia

Change is not only possible, it is inevitable

At a time of unprecedented global conflict and corporate power, devastations
wrought by ecological disasters and pandemics, and conservatisms and
extremisms on the rise, women's movements around the world find themselves
facing some of the most daunting challenges in recent memory.
Powerful political and economic forces are mobilizing not only to block further gains
for women, but to erode the rights already secured.
We are at a crossroads, embattled on all sides.

And yet, even in these difficult times, the world continues to witness
remarkable acts of defiance.
From Nigerian women occupying an airstrip to hold a powerful,
multinational oil company accountable to their villages,
to Asian Comfort Women waging a decades-long battle to force governments to
atone for their war crimes, women around the world are seizing opportunities
for change in moments of crisis.
And they are doing so with the clarity that
the world belongs not to the wealthy and the powerful, but to them -
the millions struggling for a different kind of world,
one built on economic justice, clean environments,
and the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and girls.

How do we harness these moments of defiance into a strong and coordinated
transnational women's movement?
What are the success stories we need to hear, and what can we learn from them?
Where have we failed, both individually and collectively,
and what can we learn from these failures?
What other urgent work remains to be done, and who is going to do that work?
How can we strengthen our fledgling alliances, and where do we go from here?

Join us for the 10th AWID International Forum on Women's Rights and
Development: How does change happen?
Learn about how others are making real change in their regions,
and share with others the changes you have made in yours.
Analyze your successes and failures, and participate in what many are
calling the most important global agenda-setting meeting for the women's
movement this year.
Be stimulated, be provoked, be inspired.
Become involved and be transformed.
Because the AWID Forum is not just another conference ...

Be stimulated, be provoked, be inspired

From October 27-30, up to two thousand activists, academics, policy makers,
funders, students, researchers and practitioners working for women's rights
and gender-sensitive development will converge upon Bangkok in an
unprecedented global meeting to discuss the urgent question,
How does change happen?

What is AWID?
The Association for Women's Rights in Development is an
international membership organization that connects, informs, and mobilizes
people and institutions committed to achieving gender equality, sustainable
development, and women's human rights.

What is the AWID Forum?
The AWID International Forum on Women's Rights and Development
is both a conference and a call to action.
The largest recurring
event of its kind, the AWID Forum brings together women's rights leaders and
activists from around the world every three years to strategize, network,
celebrate, and learn in a highly charged atmosphere that fosters deep
discussions, sustained personal and professional growth, and unprecedented
opportunities for alliance-building and global networking.

Delegates to the Forum participate in four days of plenaries, interactive
sessions, workshops, debates, and creative sessions geared to powerful
thinking on gender equality and women's human rights.
These sessions delve deeply into the issues affecting women today
- from HIV/AIDS and trafficking to reproductive rights and poverty
- in order to deepen analysis and develop
solutions that not only work, but are realistic and sustainable.

Who can participate?
Participation in the AWID Forum is open to anyone who has an interest
in women's rights, international development, and social justice.
AWID particularly welcomes women and men from the global south,
young and emerging women leaders, and marginalized groups and organizations
that have had difficulty getting their agenda heard on an international
stage.

What can I expect from the Forum?
As a delegate to the AWID Forum, you can expect to be enlightened,
provoked and inspired by an exceptional group of
thoughtful, forward-looking and fiercely committed women and men. You can
expect to move beyond simply talking, to getting involved in global action
plans and campaigns that will emerge out of the Forum, but will last well
beyond it. You can expect to gain an abundance of new skills, information,
tools, experiences and ideas. And finally, you can expect to be welcomed,
nurtured, fortified and challenged by a group of like-minded activists,
academics, practitioners and allies.

Not just big names, but big ideas

The AWID Forum is anchored by daily plenary sessions with big ideas to
provoke, stimulate, challenge, enlighten and inspire. Each plenary offers
new visions and strategies from some of the most dynamic and innovative
leaders in the global women's movement today, in dialogue with each other
and with a vibrant group of emerging leaders, supporters and their allies.

Plenary Sessions

Day 1: What have we changed and how? The Forum will open with a plenary that
takes stock of what we, as women's movements and feminist activists, have
achieved so far through our work and our activism. Speakers will reflect not
only on the successes we've had, but they will also probe our key failures
and some of the unintended consequences of our work. The best strategies
will be highlighted and explored, and mistakes and challenges will be
examined with an eye to avoiding the same mistakes and pitfalls in the
future.

Day 2: What is the change around us? Most of us are so occupied with
day-to-day challenges that we are ill-prepared to face the future. The
second plenary will begin with a screening of AWID's "future trends"
documentary, which will open participants' minds to some of the biggest and
most daunting challenges we will face together in the future. The screening
will be followed by a wide-ranging discussion that spans everything from the
emergence of new global governance regimes to the problems of climate change
and its fallout.

Day 3: How should we change? While celebrating our achievements is
important, analyzing our challenges and shortcomings is even more critical.
This plenary will focus specifically on the sustainability of our movements,
with an emphasis on financial sustainability and leadership. During this
plenary, AWID will launch its new "Where's the Money?" campaign, followed up
with a frank and thoughtful critique of our current leadership capacities,
intergenerational challenges, and organizational development needs.

Day 4: How does change happen: wrap-up. What have we learned at the Forum?
What were the big ideas that emerged, and what was everyone talking about in
the hallways? AWID will have "trackers" working throughout the Forum, noting
and analyzing the big conversations, ideas, meetings, and events. These
trackers will close the Forum with their insights and findings, so that
everyone leaves with not only their own experiences, but the fullness of
having been a participant in a collective learning and growing process.

Breakout Sessions + Workshops

In addition to the plenary sessions, the AWID Forum also hosts over a
hundred different breakout sessions and workshops on provocative and urgent
issues for women's rights and development. Some examples of sessions
include:

General Sessions on Change: Examples *

a.. Theories of change: what theories of change are most useful for our
practice, and how does feminism fit in?
b.. Histories of change: how have different regions and organizations
created change, and what can we learn from their successes and their
failures?
c.. Strategies for change: how can we translate the gains we've made on
paper into tangible gains in women's everyday lives?
d.. Alliances for change: how do we use our alliances with men and other
social movement to further our work?
e.. Building a movement for change: what critical elements do women's
movements need to succeed in the future?
f.. Examining the changing future: what new forces, structures, and
technologies will have an impact on women's rights work in the future?
Issue-based Sessions: Examples *

a.. Law and policy reform: using the courts and other international
institutions, instruments and conventions to further women's rights.
b.. Religion, extremisms and secularisms: engaging religion to further our
work, resisting extremisms and conservatisms, (re)secularizing the state.
c.. Labour rights: home based workers, migrant workers, garment workers
working for change.
d.. Trafficking: evaluating strategies, debating theories, speaking about
successes and failures, moving forward.
e.. HIV/AIDS: strategies for change, using microbicides, AIDS and
economics, young women and HIV/AIDS around the globe.
f.. Gender mainstreaming: moving beyond the pitfalls of mainstreaming to
new, cutting-edge tools for institutional change.
g.. Fundraising: changing attitudes, gaining skills, and mobilizing new
resources.
h.. Sexuality: debating lesbian/gay/bi/trans/intersex rights within the
women's movement, examining sexuality- based violence.
i.. Poverty: strategies for alleviating poverty, from microcredit and
social entrepreneurship to grassroots capacity-building programs.
j.. Sexual and reproductive rights: women's health, sex selection, the
right to decide, abortion.
k.. Economics and trade: the gendered impact of trade policies,
understanding economic theory, the impact of international financial
institutions.
l.. Media and public outreach: using the media, doing public relations,
successful outreach strategies.
m.. Rural women: new strategies for empowerment, successful pilot
programs, case studies from around the globe.
Regional Session: Examples *

a.. New revolutions, old sexisms: Learning from the experiences of Central
and Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States.
b.. Changes in Afghan women's rights: Before, after, and during the
Taliban.
c.. The politics of abortion and the right to decide in Latin America.
d.. Feminist leadership in Africa: established and emerging leaders share
stories and strategies.
e.. Transforming religion, tradition and culture in Muslim societies.
f.. Understanding femicide across the Americas.
g.. The politics of tsunami disaster relief in Southeast Asia.
h.. The women's movement in the North: where has it gone?
* Sessions are subject to change without notice.

Food for thought, sustenance for the spirit

The AWID Forum also features a wide range of activities and sessions
designed not just to feed the mind, but to inspire the spirit and
re-energize the whole person. Whether you're looking for an early morning
yoga session or an opportunity to network with others in your region, the
AWID Forum has dozens of events to you leave you energized, connected, and
inspired.

Artistic and Cultural Events: Inspire others with your creativity! A range
of artistic and cultural events held throughout the Forum will give
delegates opportunities to let their politics and passions mix in inspiring
and imaginative ways.

Book Launches and Receptions: Meet some of the most innovative authors and
publishers in the world of women's rights and development at several major
book launches and receptions that will take place during the Forum.

Dance and Lounge: Sit back with a drink with other Forum delegates, or let
loose on the Shangri-La dance floor! The Forum will host spirited evening
events that will allow delegates to relax and reenergize in an atmosphere
that is geared as much towards fun and celebration as it is towards
networking and alliance-building.

Exhibit Hall and Marketplace: From publications and products to handicrafts
and textiles, the Marketplace has something for everyone. Shop around and
peruse the latest publications, tools and resources from publishers and
funders, or stock up on one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted treasures from
women-owned businesses and collectives in the region.

Feminist Yoga: Early-morning yoga sessions will offer opportunities for
delegates to get some physical exercise and mental calm for the long, full
day ahead.

Film Festival: Take in some of the best new videos and films on women's
rights from around the world at AWID's mini-film festival, featuring
everything from high-energy dramas with legendary heroines to documentaries
that highlight the challenges and successes of social movements around the
world.

Gala Dinner: Be wined and dined at the AWID gala dinner, where Forum
participants will gather to eat, drink, network, and celebrate in a relaxed
atmosphere geared to networking and alliancebuilding.

Installations, Posters and Visual Essays: Hallways and other public spaces
will be adorned with posters, visual essays, artwork and installations on
everything from female condoms and globalization to ecology and the politics
of abortion.

Internet Corner: Stay connected with those you left behind! The Forum
"Internet Corner" will be open all day and evening to provide free internet
and email access to Forum delegates who need to keep in touch with work, or
who just want to say hello to loved ones back home.

Members' Meeting: An opportunity for AWID members to meet each other and
AWID staff, to contribute to discussions on AWID's work, and to participate
in discussions that will determine AWID's organizational direction in the
years ahead.

Orientation: A pre-Forum orientation session will help veterans and new
delegates alike find their way around the Forum and get the most out of it.
The Forum orientation will be scheduled for the afternoon or evening of
Wednesday, October 26th.

Roadside Consulting: This is an opportunity not to be missed. Expert
consultants in everything from fundraising to organizational development
will be on hand for one-on-one, private consultations with AWID Forum
participants.

Playcare: Forum participants traveling with children will be able to leave
them at the AWID Forum Playcare, where they will be cared for by qualified
staff and volunteers.

Wellness Centre: Bring us your tired, your huddled masses! An onsite
"Wellness Centre" will be available for participants to visit throughout the
day for a quick neck, foot, or hand massage to reinvigorate the body and
calm the mind.

Funding your participation

AWID recognizes that the cost of attending international events like the
AWID Forum poses a considerable financial challenge for many participants To
help, AWID will be posting funding information and contacts to our website
leading up to the Forum, with information on creative ways to fundraise to
attend the Forum.

Cost to Attend the Forum: Flights to Thailand are frequent from anywhere in
the world, but ticket fares vary widely, from $500-$1,000 USD in Asia,
$1,000- $2,500 USD in North America and Europe, and $1,500- $3,000 USD in
Latin America and Africa. Other Forum costs include: Tourist Visa $25;
Airport Transfers $20; Meals (on average) $2-$5; Hotel (per night, based on
the hotels AWID has blocked for the Forum) $13-$91.

Fundraising Ideas: Contact your organization's donors and ask if they have
funds for conferences or professional development. Make sure you inquire
about your participation as soon as you can, as funds are often allocated
well in advance. If you work for an international NGO or donor agency, ask
for money to be set aside for your participation in the AWID Forum as an
important component of your professional development. If you work for a
local or regional NGO, ask your donors' regional offices for discretionary
travel funding to attend the Forum. Ask your friends and colleagues about
ways they have found funding for international conferences. Follow their
suggestions. Finally, consider raising money for your participation through
a personal fundraising effort using your personal and professional networks.

Tools on the AWID Website: Basic information on how to put a funding
proposal together; A comprehensive list of funders and their contact
information; Sample budgets to help you more accurately estimate attendance
expenses; Volunteer registration application form, for those willing to
volunteer during the Forum in exchange for a reduced registration rate;
Internet roommate message board to help you find someone to share your
accommodations.

Funding from AWID: Given the number of requests, AWID is unable to provide
funding for all Forum participants. Partial assistance from AWID will be
available to a limited number of presenters whose proposals have been
selected for the Forum.

Thai Participation: A limited number of free registrations (100) will be
available to participants from Thailand. If you are living in Thailand and
are interested in attending the Forum, contact awidforum@awid.org for more
information and to obtain an application form.

Registering for the Forum

BEFORE AUG. 15/05 AFTER AUG. 15/05
Member Rate
$330 USD $390 USD
Institutional Member Rate
*
$280 USD $360 USD
Non-member Rate
$400 USD $450 USD
Student Rate
$160 USD $180 USD
Volunteer Rate
$100 USD $100 USD
Companion Rate
$125 USD $125 USD

* Institutional members may send up to four members at the discounted rate.

We encourage all participants to register online using our easy, online
registration system at www.awid.org/forum . Participants have the option of
registering and paying by credit card online, or registering online and
paying later by wire transfer.

If you are interested in registering as a volunteer, please note that you
must submit an application and be approved before you register. An online
application form is available at
: http://www.awid.org/forum/about_the_forum.htm

You may also request a registration form at
awidforum@awid.org .

For more information

AWID Forum website: http://www.awid.org/forum/about_the_forum.htm
Email inquiries: awidforum@awid.org
Telephone inquiries: +1.416.594.3773
Fax inquiries: +1.416.594.0330
Inquiries by Post: AWID, 215 Spadina Ave., Suite 150
Toronto, Ontario M5T 2C7 CANADA

The Association for Women's Rights in development is an international
membership organization committed to achieving gender equality, sustainable
development and women's human rights.

Posted by jicafriends at August 10, 2005 08:06 PM

Comments

Posted by: KenMarshall at April 26, 2007 01:10 AM

Posted by: Doresta J. Byamungu at June 19, 2008 10:43 PM

Posted by: peerworkada at December 9, 2008 11:54 PM

Posted by: Sliceintagneld at December 10, 2008 10:18 PM

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