We are thrilled to share the success of the NGOCSW69 Parallel Event co-organized by 勵馨基金會 The Garden of Hope Foundation and the Asian Network of Women’s Shelters (ANWS): “Strengthening Women’s Movement Through Cross-Generational Unity.”
This forum featured 6 speakers from six different organizations and countries which are divided into 3 groups. To facilitate the cross-generational communication, there are 1 young activist and 1 experienced activist both fighting for female or LGBTQA+ issues in each group.
From Personal Experiences to Advocacy: The Growth and Persistence of Cross-Generation Women Advocates
Speaker:
Regina Ghartimagar, Nepalese Girl Activist, Nepal
Matcha Phornin, Founder of The Sangsan Anakot Yawachon Foundation, Thailand
Regina initiated the “Girls’ Empowerment Program (GEP)” which aims to empower girls by pairing them with mentors to help them develop their careers or shine in fields they are passionate about. Macha shared her efforts in nurturing young Indigenous female activists to speak out for their community and advocate against violence. She also provides a safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals to organize outdoor activities and advocates externally for the fight against inequality.
During the discussion, the speakers shared their motivations for becoming women’s rights advocates. Regina mentioned the severe gender discrimination in her hometown and the skeptical voices during her promotion of gender equality. Macha responded by sharing her experience with domestic violence in her childhood drove her to become an activist. She believes that if girls receive higher education, they will have more power to speak up for themselves.
From Individual Support to Policy Change: Expanding the Impact of Social Movement
Speakers:
Tandin Wangmo, Bhutanese Girl Activist, Bhutan
Yueh-Hao Wang, CEO at the Garden of Hope Foundation, Taiwan
Tandin initiated the “Ripples of Growth Program”, which focuses on mental health issues among college students. Through a simple survey, the program explored the reasons why students may not seek help from school counseling resources. Using methods she learned from participating in the Asian Girls Empowerment Program (AGC), she created a safe space for participants to express themselves, helping to raise awareness about the importance of mental health. Wang Yueh-Hao, CEO of GOH, reflected on the 1993 Anti-Child Prostitution Movement, which shifted the issue of child sexual exploitation from a public security concern to a children’s rights advocacy. The movement also changed the traditional approach of protests by organizing a jogging event, which expanded participation and, in turn, increased government attention to the issue.
During the discussion session, Tandin asked Yue-Hou about the motivation behind her commitment to social movements. Yue-Hou responded that social movements can influence government policies and legislation, thereby benefiting more people. Tandin also pointed out that during the execution of a program, cultural and language barriers might arise, making it a significant challenge to get participants to open up and share their thoughts. However, these challenges have ultimately strengthened her ability to communicate and collaborate more effectively.
From Community Action to Systemic Change: A Dialogue on Diverse Advocacy Approaches
Speakers:
Zainab Binte Imran, Pakistani Girl Activist, Pakistan
Undariya Tumursukh, Advisor to MONFEMENT National Network and The Mongolian Women’s Fund, Mongolia
Zeinab initiated the Reaching the Unreached program, which focuses on the issues of child marriage and forced marriage. She personally goes into villages to reach those girls who need help and encourages them to continue their education. In terms of advocacy, she uses community activities and collaborates with relevant government departments and schools to secure resources and engage in grassroots advocacy. Undariya shared that at the end of 2007, the Mongolian Parliament suddenly canceled the reserved seats for women in elections. Her organization, along with female lawmakers, other organizations, and male and female community partners, held public hearings, made presentations domestically and internationally, and organized press conferences to submit opinions to Parliament. Although Parliament ultimately went ahead with canceling the reserved seats for women, the movement still succeeded in raising public awareness about women’s rights and democracy.
During the discussion session, Both Zainab and Undariya agreed that during the advocacy process, many difficulties and obstacles are encountered, and the outcomes may not always be as expected. However, when everyone is willing to face and overcome these challenges one by one, it is possible to make an impact and bring about change.
Cross-Generational Collaboration: Merging Experience and Innovation to Advance Women’s Movements
During the general panel discussion session, the host asked the speakers how to promote cross-generational collaboration among female activists and how to create more effective change. Summarizing the speakers’ responses, senior activists bring rich experience, while the younger generation has the ability to innovate and use digital tools. If communication between the two groups can be increased, the results are likely to be more fruitful. Specific actions include ensuring a high level of youth participation in activities, maintaining an open mindset, understanding and embracing each other’s differences, and nurturing the younger generation in a positive way. The CEO of the GOH mentioned that the Asian Girls Empowerment Program (AGC) is an example of nurturing the younger generation.
The forum focused on sharing experiences and insights into strengthening women’s movement through cross-generational unity. Despite the tight schedule, our audience remained highly engaged and expressed gratitude towards GOH and ANWS for co-hosting this insightful discussion. Special thanks to all the speakers and organizations who dedicated their support for the survivors and contributed to this incredible conversation!
Did you miss the live session? You can catch the replay on YouTube: Video Link
Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this important dialogue. Let’s continue working together to create a world free from violence!
#NGOCSW69 #WomenEmpowerment #GOH #ANWS
Asian Network of Women's Shelters 