Feminism doesn't trickle down

Feminism and gender justice don't trickle down when we put women in senior positions in the state or capitalist structures. Liberia is a case in point which elected the first female President in Africa and, has awarded many senior positions to women in its post war era. Liberian women still struggle against sexual violence, poverty, health, injustice, patriarchal norms, etc. It shows what's also needed to bring change: independent grassroots feminism that will challenge the status quo.

I don't know how this phrase came into my mind but I've been thinking about posting thoughts on feminism and activism as March 8 approaches us. I'm happy to be back to my life here in Monrovia (although both the office and apartment locations have changed and I'm adjusting to the new spaces and tropical heat) but I miss Islamabad and the upcoming preparations for International Women's Day.

I met new Pakistani friends at dinner on Friday night (the Pakistani community here seems to be growing fast) and, pleased to meet a fellow feminist albeit she didn't want to say she is a feminist but spoke a thoroughly feminist language. I told her the silver lining of being in Islamabad the past 3 years was the chance to join the feminist movement and learn what it is all about. And, I was inspired by how women are challenging the state, norms, the patriarchy with all their might, their brains , their analysis. That it gives me hope by seeing "kis tarha woh aur hum muqabla kar rahain hain."

I've been following conversations regarding preparations back in Islamabad and keen to see what will be organised here.

I have been thinking about devoting energy to studying independent feminist organisations and activities in Monrovia and indeed rest of Africa after my experience in Pakistan.

Liberia is an interesting case because it enjoyed so much international attention in its post war era but more than that, there was a very strong amazing female-entered narrative: that strong, famous and ordinary women banded together to help stop the civil war and encourage peace talks. And, not only that, great women leaders led the way in the new reformed state that was going to usher in a new era of justice, accountability, peace and equal development. Many women were appointed in senior positions in the Ellen government and, many NGOs sprung up to angle for Western/UN money to work in women's empowerment. Despite all that, Liberian women still suffer and, we still have a vastly underdeveloped country where basic services are still not available and, we are far away from a feminist utopia.

Wealth doesn't trickle down. Neither does feminism!