AfWID: Bridging Movements: Lessons on Solidarity

Attending the AWID Forum was a transformative experience and a privilege to engage with a diverse and passionate global community. It was inspiring to hear voices from all corners of the world, speaking in different languages and representing generations of activism. This was more than an opportunity to listen to stories – it was a chance to learn directly from those on the frontlines of change, gaining unfiltered insights into their experiences.

My participation at AWID aligns with my advocacy for custody law reform in Algeria by providing a global feminist platform vast network; I connected with activists, legal experts, and policymakers who have successfully advocated for similar reforms, learning from their strategies to challenge discriminatory laws. Engaging in AWID’s discussions and resources allows me to highlight the gendered injustices related to my advocacy, and push for feminist legal interpretations that uphold women’s and children’s rights.

As an African Arab, I found it particularly eye opening to learn about the struggles of feminist movements in regions like South Korea and Central Asia—areas I had never followed closely. Hearing about the transformative work being done by women there made me realize how narrow my perspective had been, shaped by mainstream media and social media narratives. Their stories revealed the richness and diversity of feminist activism globally.

Equally impactful was witnessing the strength and unity of feminist movements in Latin America. Their resilience and solidarity were deeply inspiring, prompting me to reflect on the state of feminism in the MENA region. In contrast, feminist organizations in MENA lack cohesion and collaboration. Seeing the Latin American movements’ success reinforced the urgent need for us to build stronger networks, map existing organizations, and foster cross-border alliances. Our underrepresentation at global forums like AWID was disheartening, underscoring the need for North African feminists to claim more spaces in global advocacy.

The disconnection within MENA’s feminist movement became even clearer during the forum. Geopolitical barriers, unequal access to resources, and weak communication among groups have hindered progress. Bridging these gaps to create a unified, collective voice is critical. The forum also reinforced how deeply interconnected social justice issues are—gender justice, climate action, and human rights are all intertwined. Collaboration, not competition, is essential to amplify our collective power.

Through workshops and discussions, I gained practical strategies for advocacy, mobilization, and digital outreach. These tools will be instrumental in my work with Women of the South Speak Out (WOSSO), particularly as I expand my networks and integrate global perspectives into gender justice advocacy in the Global South.

One of the most moving aspects of the forum was hearing untold stories from marginalized women. Their resilience and hope reinforced the power of storytelling as a tool for empathy and change.

By Ikram Yassamine Mekidiche a WOSSO Fellow form Algeria.