In the face of escalating attacks on women’s rights globally, what is it that feminists can learn from women’s struggles in South Asia?
2024 was a big year politically for Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan, with women’s movements in some cases contributing to major political change. At the same time, we are seeing a trend toward more authoritarian governance in countries across the world, with some of these changes having a global impact on gender research, activism and rights.
In these challenging contexts, how can feminists not just survive, but thrive?
This panel discussion with SuPWR researchers and struggle members from Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan explored stories of struggle and hope and to learn strategies to retain gains made against backlash.
Speakers:
- Jalila Haider, Hazara women’s movement, Pakistan
- Bhagavati Adhikari, Nepal Mahila Ekata Samaj (NMES), Nepal
- Pallavi Sobti-Rajpal, Utthan, India
- Nazia Jabeen, partner of Right Here Right Now (RHRN), Bangladesh
Discussants:
- Deepta Chopra, IDS Research Fellow and SuPWR Principal Investigator
- Sohela Nazneen, IDS Research Fellow
- Priya Raghavan, IDS Research Fellow
Moderator:
- Anuradha Joshi, IDS Director of Research
