[APFF Echoes] Reflection On Asia Pacific Feminist Forum: The Feminist Stories And Solidarity

_{By: WILMA TERO-MANGILAY
Midsalip Subanen Ministry Inc. (MSMI)
Subanen Tribe from Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao (Philippines)}
^{LILAK Community Partner}

First of all I would like to extend my warmest and deepest gratitude to all the organizers and it was a great privilege for me to participate in the APFF. The Asia Pacific Feminist Forum (APFF) serves as a powerful gathering for feminist activists and advocates across Asia-Pacific region. It is the venue where diverse voices, from grassroots movements to global organizations, to discuss the intersectional challenges which had been facing by women especially in the context of the Asia-Pacific region. Reflecting on the said forum, I have gained valuable insights into the unique gender dynamics, the strength and courage of women solidarity and the ongoing struggles for gender equality and justice. One of the most striking aspects of the forum is how to bring these diverse perspectives into a unified dialogue. One key take away from the APFF is the importance of intersectionality in feminist thought and practice. Intersectionality has become a central concept within feminist movements, acknowledging that the experiences of discrimination and oppression cannot be understood in isolation from factors such us race, class, ethnicity, sexuality and ability. At the forum, this concept was reinforced through discussions about the effects of multiple forms of marginalization. For instance, women from indigenous communities, migrant workers, and disabled individuals across the region face unique barriers that are often overlooked in mainstream feminist discourses. It was very encouraging and enlightening to hear stories of struggles and the success stories as well and strategies from activists working together on the ground. Another important takeaway I had, is that the role of grassroots movements in driving feminist change. It is always the local activists who are most attuned to the needs of their communities. APFF emphasized the need for global solidarity while also celebrating the power of local grassroots feminism. Many women in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in rural and marginalized sectors are directly impacted by environmental degradation. Women are not only fighting for rights but are also leading the way in advocating for sustainable solutions that consider both gender and ecological justices. The forum provided platform for these voices, highlighting how feminist values are intertwined with environmental activism, creating a more holistic approach to justice.

The APFF also highlighted the need for solidarity between feminist movements globally. The Asia-Pacific region is not an isolated context, and the struggles faced by women in this part of the world are closely linked to global systems of oppression such as capitalism, imperialism and colonialism. By working together, the women across the region can amplify their voices and able to create a more meaningful, more powerful and more unified movement.

To conclude APFF was an enlightening and empowering experienced. It deepened my understanding of the complexities of feminism in the Asia-Pacific region, where diverse culture, social, and political contexts converge to form the struggles for gender justice. The forum reaffirmed the importance of intersectionality, grassroots activism, and global solidarity in advancing feminist goals. Although this is not going to be easy because a lot of works remains to be done – the energy, resilience, and creativity displayed by the forum participants offer hope and a roadmap for a more just and equitable future for all. The APFF was not just a gathering, it was a reminder that the fight for gender justice, environmental justice, climate justice is global, interconnected and ongoing. To wrap it up, the women who are united, it will never be defeated.