BY SuRooh
Disclaimer: The reflection points in this document are drawn from my own experience working in a grassroots organization and engaging with like-minded organizations for more than 6 years.
As a young woman actively engaged in a non-profit organization within the vibrant landscape of India, the nuanced complexities of the feminist funding ecosystem have become a focal point of both introspection and action. The invitation to creatively tackle and reflect upon the dynamics of this landscape within the context of South Asian realities prompts an exploration of what is working, what is not, the ongoing experimentation, the imperative for structural shifts, and the crucial need for collective political education.
What is working for me:
One of the remarkable aspects of my journey within the feminist movement in India is the palpable sense of community and solidarity. The shared narratives and experiences among Indian feminists form a powerful tapestry that weaves our collective struggles and triumphs. This unity, rooted in diverse cultures, has proven to be an empowering force. It not only provides emotional support but also serves as a foundation for building critical analyses of the challenges we face. The strength derived from this unity amplifies our voices and positions us strategically within feminist funding.
What is not working:
However, a critical analysis of the feminist funding landscape in India reveals a series of challenges that demand immediate attention. The existing structures and processes may not adequately align with the unique needs and contexts of India. Bureaucratic complexities, cultural nuances, and systemic gaps hinder the fluidity of our collective efforts. Here are some examples:
Bureaucratic Complexities: In India, obtaining government grants or accessing funds from international organizations often involves navigating through layers of bureaucratic procedures.
In a grassroots women’s organization like the organization I work with, seeking funding for a project promoting gender equality encounters delays due to lengthy paperwork requirements and multiple levels of approval. These complexities have often slowed down the process of accessing essential funds, hindering the organization’s ability to implement timely interventions. Moreover, the additional challenge of obtaining FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) approval every time further exacerbates bureaucratic hurdles, especially for organizations working to bridge the gender gap or create change in typical Indian culture. This requirement adds an extra layer of administrative burden and uncertainty, impacting the organization’s capacity to effectively address gender disparities and advance women’s rights.
Cultural Nuances: Cultural nuances play a significant role in shaping the dynamics of feminist funding in India. For example, we have experienced that the traditional divide between gender roles and societal norms influences funding priorities and decision-making processes. Funding initiatives focused on women’s empowerment face resistance from conservative communities, impacting the implementation and sustainability of work.
Systemic Gaps: Systemic gaps within the feminist funding landscape in India manifest in various ways, including limited access to funding for marginalized communities and insufficient support for grassroots initiatives. Women from marginalized castes or tribal communities face barriers in accessing funding due to systemic discrimination and lack of representation within funding institutions. Funding allocation prioritizes mainstream organizations over grassroots initiatives, perpetuating inequalities and limiting the impact of interventions aimed at addressing structural barriers to gender equality.
Barriers exist, ranging from limited accessibility to financial resources to discrepancies in representation. The current framework may inadvertently perpetuate inequalities within the movement itself.
Moreover, bureaucratic obstacles and stringent funding criteria frequently disadvantage smaller grassroots organizations, constraining their ability to make a meaningful impact despite their pivotal role in addressing community issues. The disparity between funding frameworks and grassroots realities compounds challenges for those directly engaged in on-the-ground work. For instance, a national-level funding initiative prioritizes large-scale projects led by well-established organizations, overlooking the visibility and formal organizational structures of grassroots entities. This disconnect often stems from a lack of awareness or understanding of the ground-level challenges and dynamics faced by grassroots organizations.
Recognizing these obstacles is not merely an acknowledgment but a call to action. Addressing and overcoming these challenges is essential for cultivating a more inclusive, dynamic, and effective feminist movement in India. It requires collaborative efforts to advocate for policy changes, engage with funders to adapt their criteria, and bridge the gaps that hinder the full potential of our collective impact.
What I am experimenting with:
In navigating this intricate terrain, experimentation becomes a vital component of our journey. As a young woman, I’m actively exploring novel approaches like participatory engagement with community members, empowering them in decision-making, employing storytelling circles, community consultations, and focus group discussions. These experiments go beyond conventional methods, aiming to unearth innovative solutions for structural shifts within the feminist movement in India. Our readiness to adapt and innovate underscores the dynamic essence of our pursuit for equality.
Structural shifts and changes needed:
Envisioning the future requires a critical examination of the existing structures and a commitment to advocating for significant shifts. It is evident that the feminist funding ecosystem in India needs more than superficial adjustments; it requires a re-imagining. A deeper understanding of how financial resources move to and within feminist movements is paramount. This understanding is not only about accessing funds but also about reshaping the very structures that determine resource allocation. Advocating for policies that are reflective of our region’s unique challenges and goals is essential. Collaborative efforts with policymakers, philanthropic organizations, and grassroots activists are needed to bring about tangible and lasting changes in the feminist funding landscape.
As a young woman navigating this landscape, I am committed to actively participating in these advocacy efforts. It is a call to action to contribute to the dialogue surrounding the structural changes needed, ensuring that the feminist movement in India is not only sustained but thrives with increased relevance and impact.
Collective political education:
Realizing these structural shifts requires a well-informed and politically educated collective. Therefore, the next crucial step is to establish spaces and platforms for comprehensive political education. These spaces should serve as hubs for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and skill-building related to the sources, flows, and processes of how money is moved within feminist movements.
Education, in this context, goes beyond traditional academic boundaries. It is about empowerment, agency, and the ability to shape our own narratives. It involves understanding the power dynamics that influence funding decisions, deciphering the bureaucratic intricacies, and strategically positioning ourselves to influence change. This collective political education is an ongoing process that empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of financial mechanisms and actively contribute to the feminist movement.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this reflective journey prompts a thorough exploration of what works, what doesn’t, and the urgency for experimentation, structural shifts, and collective political education within India’s feminist funding landscape. As a dedicated young woman in this endeavor, I am motivated to continue learning, embracing mistakes, pushing boundaries, and advocating for necessary changes, fostering a human chain effect with fellow young women. My commitment lies in shaping a responsive feminist funding ecosystem tailored to our Indian context, catalyzing transformative change for women across the region. Through solidarity, innovation, and education, I envision a future where India’s feminist movement stands as a beacon of progress and equality.