Asha Kowtal
The swift changes in the political landscape and the challenges faced by women human rights defenders often pushes us Dalit women into a vortex of greater insecurity, fear and anxiety. The severe pushback by both state and non-state actors has increased the complexity within Dalit women’s movement building and caste-gender research domains.
Interrogating caste/gender privileges and attempting to construct independent spaces is predominantly a lonely and difficult battle for Dalit women. Often times, the complexity of the issues at hand become so overwhelming that, we wished we could seek counsel, unpack the layers of intersections, develop greater clarity and respond with strength. A gathering of Dalit women seems to be the need of the hour!
The #dalitwomenspeakout event in Pune, is a two-day conference aimed at bringing in approximately 250 Dalit women activists, professionals, practitioners, students and leaders together. The conference will make an attempt to weave the diversity of our voices towards constructing new approaches to transformative politics.
This two-day conference will open out spaces for critical discussions amongst Dalit women, facilitated by Dalit women. It will provide a unique opportunity to remain unguarded, reflect on our strengths and weaknesses and collectively build resilient trajectory for the future.
The programme is designed in a way to provide each delegate with a chance to participate, learn new skills and appreciate the true sense of sisterhood within the community collective.
A series of moderated workshops will be held on important topics pertaining to Dalit women. In addition, digital hubs will provide much-needed tech support for women who are navigating internet space for activism. Filmmaking, photography workshops with exhibition space will be created. Relevant film screenings along with discussions with filmmakers will be held. A community self-care hub will provide needed inputs on caring for oneself.
Cultural events, ancestral food stalls, market space for women entrepreneurs etc will add to the joy and celebration of knowing that we are all together in this struggle for social justice!
Jai Bhim!
E-mail us on dalitwomenspeak@gmail.com for further information;
Watch the website for more details- http://dalitwomenspeakout.com/
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Asha Kowtal is General Secretary of All India Dalit Mahila Adhikar Manch (AIDMAM).
