For decades, CSW has been a key space for feminist advocacy. But year after year, it remains out of reach for many, especially feminists from the Global Majority. CSW69 happened with visa denials, soaring costs, and a hostile political climate in the US, on top of devastating funding cuts on gender justice work, and making one thing clear: we must rethink where and how feminist advocacy happens, and reimagine the future of global aid.
We must ask why one of the world’s largest women’s rights gatherings takes place in a space that excludes so many, and how do we build a truly global feminist movement that isn’t held hostage by Western-controlled spaces and aid.
What are we gathering for?
Decolonising feminist advocacy and shifting power: We refuse to let powerful institutions dictate where and how feminist organising happens, while excluding those most affected by injustice. We’re not here for symbolic inclusion. We’re here to demand decision-making spaces that centre the voices and leadership of feminists from the Global Majority.
Funding feminist resistance and work: We will not be dependent on governments and donors who undermine our work. We’re strategising for feminist-led, community-driven, and sustainable funding models.
Building collective power: Feminist movements are strongest when we stand together. We’re here to create radical solidarity, strengthen alliances, and push back against shrinking civic spaces.
Join this urgent conversation. Activists, movements, and organisations, as we come together, name the barriers, share our frustrations, and lay out concrete strategies for action.
Date: 27th March 2025
Venue: Zoom
Time: 11:00AM GMT - 12:30PM GMT
Who Should Attend?
Feminist activists, organisers, non-profits, researchers, and advocates.
Anyone frustrated by the inaccessibility and limitations of CSW69, funding cuts, and pushback on gender justice.
Organisations and allies seeking to support the decolonisation of feminist convenings and shifting and building collective power for gender justice.
Session format:
Introductions and welcome.
Presentation, Q&A, and moderated discussion: The US Humanitarian aid freeze, funding cuts & pushbacks on gender justice and CSW69, decolonising feminist advocacy.
Call to Action: Next steps for a more accessible & decolonised feminist advocacy & aid system. (Closing reflections, commitments, and concrete actions).
We cannot continue to negotiate for inclusion, we must resist, rethink and reclaim.