BY
Editorial by Dana Zhang
“Wines and foods gone bad are rotting, people are frozen to death at the wayside.”
This ancient idiom from Du Fu’s poetry, written 13 centuries ago, poignantly reflected the devastating gap between rich and poor. Unfortunately, this disparity persists today, with inequalities increasing among countries and individuals. Despite advances in information technologies, humanity remains isolated and divided. Crafted by our members and allies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, this editorial captures this harsh reality through in-field observations and calls for feminist collective action to respond to our fragmented world.
Governments and global businesses have been captivated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its promising future since 2023. However, feminist concerns about data exploitation, algorithms, and software development have been largely overlooked. Dana Zhang from Taiwan, where the most advanced AI chips are made, highlighted AI’s multifaceted negative impacts on the environment. Meanwhile, women and girls worldwide, still grappling with longstanding challenges, have yet to benefit equally from technological advancements. Marwa Tageldin from Sudan shares the “One Million Sustainable Pads” campaign, which aims to provide access to safe menstrual products and reproductive health education, even during displacement and conflicts.
Survival remains a pressing issue for many, often overlooked by those in power. Stephanie Maira from Kenya discussed the recent campaign against femicide and the massive backlash it faced. Mangia Macuacua from Mozambique penned a poem responding to the grim reality of femicide in her country and the ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Oriana López Uribe from Mexico reflects on how colonial logic contributes to these very issues and emphasizes our agency, resistance, and the world we aspire to — where people are nourished and connected by trust.
We do not merely highlight the brokenness of our world; we also share feminist strategies for resistance and change. Silvia Ernestina Dywili challenges societal expectations of women marrying by a certain age through her personal journey. Andrea Terceros Hans from Bolivia offers insights on strengthening feminist organizing by critiquing the concept of sisterhood and its potential to obscure intersections. Umutoni Uwase Elise’s first involvement in the 10th Africa Regional Forum demonstrates the power of meaningful youth participation, illustrating Andrea’s point.
Most importantly, we must find pleasure in resistance, as Sara Martinez from Mexico reminds us: “Pleasure is the only thing that allows us to continue resisting.” For inspiration, also read Sachini Perera’s photo essay of Sri Lanka’s Freedom Pride Parade 2024, featuring beautiful images of activists persevering through an economic crisis.
This edition does not seek to create more anxiety. It reminds you that a community stands with you as you struggle, resist, challenge the world, and seek answers.