Meet the ‘Walkie-Talkies’: 6 feminist champions!
Walking the Talk consortium is proudly introducing six exceptional feminists from all over the world – aka our team of ‘Walkie-Talkies’. These experts bring unique perspectives and invaluable experience to our mission of promoting Feminist Foreign policies, practices, and funding in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the European Union.
The ‘Walkie-Talkies’ are feminists with expertise and lived experiences in gender equality policies and practices. They come from diverse backgrounds and regions, bringing intersectional perspectives on issues such as climate justice funding, SRHR, gender-based violence, and feminist technology. They are committed to sharing lessons, driving positive change, and actively participating in strategic activities within the consortium.
The Walkie-Talkie Accountability Mechanism
The support of Dinorah Arceta (Mexico), Jara Henar (Spain), Souwaiba Ibrahim (Niger), Kirthi Jayakumar (India), Chido Nyaruwata (Zimbabwe), and Foteini Papagioti (USA) strengthens our program’s quality and enhances the visibility of our advocacy. They have two key roles :
1. Shaping our research, advocacy, and communications strategy by identifying topics, strengthening messaging, and sharing knowledge on FFP and intersectional gender equality.
2. Amplifying our messages and providing a reality check on policy implementation versus ground realities, helping us engage with stakeholders.
Lucky you: you are only one click away from getting to know them!
Click on their pictures to read their interviews and immerse yourself in their feminist aspirations and commitment to inclusive feminist foreign policies. ⤵️ and Learn More About Walking The Talk Here
Walkie-Talkie #2 : Jara Henar
Meet Jara Henar, Barcelona-based advocate for women’s and migrant rights!
Walking the Talk consortium is proudly working with six exceptional feminists from all over the world – aka our team of ‘Walkie-Talkies’. These experts bring unique perspectives and invaluable experience to our mission of promoting Feminist Foreign policies, practices, and funding in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the European Union.
- How would you introduce yourself?
I am Jara, from Barcelona. I have always been working and studying around topics that passionate me, such as women’s rights, and migrant and refugee people rights.
It took me a while to understand that some changes won’t happen in my lifetime, but I now believe that there is still lot of agency and power when deciding what you stand for and what you are ready to keep fighting despite changes not being immediate.
- Could you share with us a fun fact or something surprising about you ?
I love riddles and jokes. I can spend hours reading bad jokes or memes and enjoying it immensely. I try to play with words in different languages, but am not always successful…(nevertheless, I keep trying!)
- What personal experiences shaped your feminist beliefs? In what way?
I had the privilege to grow up with a feminist mother. I had feminist children’s books with feminist roles to be inspired by, which came together with a particular sensibility towards justice and the fight against inequalities.
Now I am more cautious towards the concept than I used to be when I was younger. I believe that if it is not inclusive, if it is not antiracist, if it is not intersectional, then it is not feminism. I know it is not the same for everyone, so as a white person from the minority world, I am not always comfortable identifying myself as a feminist.
- How would you explain Feminist Foreign Policy concept to someone who has never heard of it?
It is a strategy to reverse historically unequal relations between the minority world and the majority world. In order to challenge patriarchy, colonialism and institutional racism, and to center those relations around recognition, reparations, care and rights of individuals and peoples.
- Can you remember your first encounter with the FFP approach? What did you think then?
It was through the analysis of the Spanish and EU foreign Migration strategy, looking at how blind these policies are to gender equality, women’s rights and women’s agency.
This leads the way to start considering how a FFP could challenge this, and change a colonial, patriarchal and racist perspective guiding countries’ external action in the minority world.
Must read: Discover 5 more Walkie-Talkies’ portraits!
- What does FFP mean in your community?
It means the opportunity for the minority world to repair and amend and move beyond colonial paradigms, putting responsibility and care at the center.
- In your opinion, what role can young people play in making a feminist foreign policy successful?
Young people are crucial in this process. Not long ago, I was in a conference organized by of a group of so-called feminist organisations, composed in its majority by middle-aged white women. They were wondering how the feminist movement can include the LGBTQIA+ community but to me it was more of a superficial thought than a real strategic thinking.
It’s not the same everywhere of course, but I brought this because the youth movements and organisations I (myself being a white middle-aged woman) am working with are not organizing seminars about it: they are already doing it, understanding that social cohesion can only be achieved by addressing discrimination towards joint work and cross pollination between movements driven by different agendas.
Besides, they are much more capable to be flexible, to connect local and global aspects of their realities, to engage, mobilise and shake. So, young people are crucial in paving the way towards the foundations of a feminist foreign policy approach, looking both at their internal and external aspects and the coherence needed between them.
- If you had a magic wand: what would you change in your country or region?
The lack of acknowledgement towards the role played in past and current colonialism and epistemicide. And the discriminations, in particular institutional and legal racism.
- A favourite feminist song ? ♫
I have always been a huge fan of the `80s, and “Girls just want to have fun” is one of my favorite songs. It’s a song defying patriarchy with an easily understandable language. I love the references to sorority and celebration, and also how the name has been transformed into something very powerful: “Girls just want to have fundamental human rights”!
Walkie-Talkie #1 : Chido Nyaruwata
Meet Chido Nyaruwata, African Feminist based in Zimbabwe!
Walking the Talk consortium is proudly working with six exceptional feminists from all over the world – aka our team of ‘Walkie-Talkies’. These experts bring unique perspectives and invaluable experience to our mission of promoting Feminist Foreign policies, practices, and funding in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the European Union.
- How would you introduce yourself?
I’m an African Feminist based in Harare, Zimbabwe. Driven by a burning desire to amplify African girls’ and women’s voices, I weave stories through research, photography, and digital storytelling. I’ve unpacked the gendered impacts of extractivism, championed girls’ education, documented the resilience of young feminist collectives in Zimbabwe, and collaborated with Urgent Action Fund Africa to secure critical funding for women’s rights organisations and young feminist collectives across the continent. My current multimedia research project “This Land”, documents the struggles and joy of Zimbabwean women farmers battling drought brought on by climate change, their stories revealing the need for equitable climate solutions. My advocacy is driven by the desire to see girls and women in all their diversities thrive and lead the fight for a just and equitable future.
- Could you share with us a fun fact or something surprising about you ?
I have a major sweet tooth and absolutely love baked goods! In my book, the ultimate brownie must be chocolate—fudgy in the centre and crunchy on the outside.
- What personal experiences shaped your feminist beliefs? In what way?
At seventeen, one of the most pivotal moments of my feminist consciousness was an encounter with a book. Nervous Conditions by Zimbabwean author, Tsitsi Dangarembga to be exact. I had never felt so seen by a book before. I was in awe with the stories of Tambu and Lucia’s fight for freedom in a patriarchal conservative society bonded by restrictive cultural norms. I contended with these norms daily at home, school, church and family events. I knew something was wrong but didn’t know how to express my frustration. Nervous Conditions and other feminist texts, particularly those written by African women made me realise that the discrimination and othering I felt in my own life was replicated across different households and communities in multiple locations and over time. I needed to find community with others driven to create an alternative reality. The systematic oppression of women and girls in their diversities had to be stopped. This moment still shapes my feminist beliefs and activism.
- How would you explain FFP to someone who has never heard of it?
The current system of international relations often feels like a closed-door meeting where half the world isn’t invited. Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) throws the doors wide open, prioritising gender equality and empowering marginalised groups to build a more just world. Unlike traditional approaches fixated on power and profit, FFP recognizes the interconnectedness of issues. It understands that climate injustice disproportionately impacts women, and that peace can’t be built without women at the peace table. An ideal FFP demands that feminism and gender equality cut across all aspects of foreign policy.
- Can you remember your first encounter with the FFP approach? What did you think then?
The first time I heard about the FFP approach was in one of my postgraduate foreign policy and diplomacy classes. My lecturer mentioned it briefly, describing it as a fringe approach compared to the “serious” strategies states usually use in international politics. At first, I was taken aback by the idea that states could identify as feminists, especially since they traditionally operate within a male-dominated political structure. Hearing the example of Sweden’s feminist foreign policy at that time was refreshing and to a certain extent, inspiring. I thought that by adopting the label and values of feminism, they would push for shifting how states interact, support a more equitable international system and centre the voices and experiences of women in their home and partner states.
- What does FFP mean in your community?
Whilst FFP as a term may not be well known the impact of it is felt. It becomes tangible when we view it through the 4 R framework: rights for girls and women, resources for gender equality work, equal representation of all genders, and ‘reality check’. It means that there are countries that, through their foreign policy support women’s rights organisations and feminist movements’ advocacy for women’s rights and provide resources to support the advocacy in development partner countries. These are countries that women’s rights and feminist movements can view as key donors for their critical work of gender transformation in Zimbabwe.
- Can you please describe your dream FFP?
I view Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) as essential for achieving feminist futures. Envisioning these futures is crucial to creating an alternative to the current global system, sustained by patriarchal, capitalist, racist, and colonial power structures. These structures shape daily life and create global inequalities. My understanding of feminist futures is grounded in three principles: freedom, climate justice, and radical care and well-being. My dream FFP is transformative and disruptive. Countries adopting FFP must recognize diverse approaches to knowledge, diplomacy, and cultures. Instead of imposing perspectives, they should practice partnership and co-learning. They must adopt an intersectional approach, acknowledging how systems of power enable their dominance. Cooperation is key, valuing feminist activists, organizations, researchers, and funders as essential actors, and asking them, “Where do you need support?” FFP countries should also increase financial and material resources for gender-focused work.
- In your opinion, what role can young people play in making a feminist foreign policy successful?
Globally, young people are craving a more just world order. In a society shaped by dominance and hierarchy, I believe that we’re longing for a new reality where there aren’t winners and losers – the powerful and marginalised. In seeking a more gender and climate-just world, Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) offers a roadmap to achieve this. Its success hinges on young people’s collective action. Young people must understand the concept and how it manifests in our different contexts. We’re not inventing the wheel. Global South Feminisms have a history of building transnational relationships to shift power relations between states and push for self-determination. Learning from these movements and using the many tools at our disposal, we can create spaces to allow knowledge sharing, collaboration on campaigns, and building solidarity with feminist movements worldwide.
- If you had a magic wand/could make one wish: what would you change in your country or region?
Make youth unemployment disappear! We have an extremely high youth unemployment rate in Zimbabwe. Those who are “employed” are often underemployed. I wish to create opportunities for young people to earn liveable wages, dream endlessly and enjoy life fully.
- A favourite feminist song ? ♫
Solange Knowles: Don’t touch my hair. The message is powerful – it speaks to black women demanding their right to express their autonomy without being policed.
Walkie-Talkie #3 : Foteini Papagioti
Meet Foteini Papagioti, Greek feminist based in the US, working to promote global gender equality!
Walking the Talk consortium is proudly working with six exceptional feminists from all over the world – aka our team of ‘Walkie-Talkies’. These experts bring unique perspectives and invaluable experience to our mission of promoting Feminist Foreign policies, practices, and funding in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the European Union.
- How would you introduce yourself?
My name is Foteini – it’s Greek and means bright, light or enlightened. I’m a Greek but have lived in the US for about 15 years. I’m a feminist working to promote gender equality globally and in the US with the International Center for Research on Women. I’m a mother of three, who keep my conflict resolution, mediation, and negotiation skills sharp for my engagement with the United Nations and its intergovernmental processes. I am an avid reader (latest book I loved: Crooked Plow by Itamar Vieira Junior), and an intermittent fitness enthusiast.
- What personal experiences shaped your feminist beliefs? In what way?
I usually jokingly say that I was radicalized when I was listed as my husband’s “dependent” on US immigration forms, but the truth is that growing up, I couldn’t help noticing every day acts of injustice and misogyny against the women in my family, my friends and myself. From their limited education opportunities, to their relationships and marriages, to economic dependence and insecurity later in life, the older women in my family – all smart and hard-working – were just not able to reach their full potential. While things certainly improved for my generation (aka geriatric millennials), it is concerning to see that our progress has been so fragile and our daughters are facing some of the same challenges, only now amplified by new means of inflicting the same harms.
Must read: Discover 5 more Walkie-Talkies’ portraits!
- How would you explain Feminist Foreign Policy concept to someone who has never heard of it?
I would describe it as the actions of a small number of governments to improve the situation of women and girls in the countries they engage with, because they understand that this engagement can be an opportunity to promote change for gender equality.
- Can you remember your first encounter with the FFP approach? What did you think then?
It was back in 2018 when I was doing my Master’s in Global Affairs at NYU. I thought it was an interesting framing that had great potential, and started thinking about how it could be expanded to develop a transformative vision not just for gender equality, but also for peace, social justice, environmental integrity and economic justice. That first encounter led to me developing the FFP Index as my thesis, which I then further expanded and published with ICRW.
- What does FFP mean in your community?
In my feminist advocacy community, FFP is a novel framing for achieving gender equality and envisioning a different world.
- Can you please describe your dream FFP?
My dream FFP framework dares to imagine this different world, drawing inspiration from global social movements, current and historic. It starts with introspection, questioning its own position and how it wields power. It is outspoken and critical of all forms of injustice and inequality. It identifies and promotes promising new approaches to the challenges of our times. It sets ambitious goals and reports on progress. It builds networks and opens up spaces for co-creation.
- In your opinion, what role can young people play in making a feminist foreign policy successful?
You people keep pushing for more, they keep challenging the status quo!
- If you could make one wish: what would you change in your country or region?
I would eliminate gender-based violence in my country.
- A favourite feminist song ? ♫
Not a feminist song per se, but I love Kate Bush’s Running up that hill.
Walkie-Talkie #4 : Dinorah Arceta
Meet Dinorah Arceta, social justice advocate from Mexico dedicated to promoting gender equality!
Walking the Talk consortium is proudly working with six exceptional feminists from all over the world – aka our team of ‘Walkie-Talkies’. These experts bring unique perspectives and invaluable experience to our mission of promoting Feminist Foreign policies, practices, and funding in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the European Union.
- How would you introduce yourself?
My name is Dinorah (she/her) and I am from Mexico. I studied social justice and global studies and dedicated my professional life to promoting gender equality and human rights.
- Could you share with us a fun fact or something surprising about you ?
I was one of the more than 12 million Mexicans who lived abroad for a while (thanks to scholarships, and support from my parents, I lived in Kyoto and Den Haag).
- What personal experiences shaped your feminist beliefs? In what way?
My family comes from rural and semi-urban areas of Mexico (Iguala and Coyuca, Guerrero) where violence against women is around 70% according to national surveys. Therefore I saw injustice against women in the community regularly. However, surprisingly enough I was introduced to feminist literature by my father who gifted me with the book Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg in preparation for college. Later on, I experienced sexism as an intern at the Senate of the Republic and a university mentor recommended me to read Rita Segato, the rest is history.
- How would you explain Feminist Foreign Policy concept to someone who has never heard of it?
Feminist Foreign Policy comprises political strategies that certain countries use to promote women’s rights abroad.
- Can you remember your first encounter with the FFP approach? What did you think then?
I became interested in when Mexico announced the adoption of its FFP. To be honest, I was skeptical that a policy could be feminist. Since Mexico has a long-standing tradition of not maintaining coherence between domestic and foreign policy, I thought it was disrespectful. However, listening to feminist activists from Global North countries, I learned that it can help advance gender standards in specific foreign policy issues such as ODA.
Must read: Discover 5 more Walkie-Talkies’ portraits!
- What does FFP mean in your community?
In my gender activist community (definitely not among policymakers or diplomats), Feminist Foreign Policy means disrupting the unfair and historical hierarchies of the international system, so that there is no capitalism, patriarchy, heteronormativity, colonialism, or racism.
- Can you please describe your dream FFP?
My dream Feminist Foreign Policy definition is a set of strategies to achieve diversity and inclusion within the Ministries of Foreign Affairs. It would mean that critical feminist organizations are key political actors in the design of foreign policies. It would also mean to ensure that feminist values of accountability and care are present in all areas (including consular policy).
- In your opinion, what role can young people play in making a feminist foreign policy successful?
Young people are the largest demographic group globally according to UNFPA. They are key political actors in addressing global issues. Young feminists should be at the frontline of decision-making processes and implementation of FFP.
- If you could make one wish come true: what would you change in your country or region?
I wish that in Mexico we could have an effective General Attorney Office where crimes would be investigated according to all available protocols. Meaning the end of current 99% rate of impunity.
- A favourite feminist song ? ♫
Mujeres by Julieta Venegas!
Walkie-Talkie #5 : Kirthi Jayakumar
Meet Kirthi Jayakumar, feminist advocate from India!
Walking the Talk consortium is proudly working with six exceptional feminists from all over the world – aka our team of ‘Walkie-Talkies’. These experts bring unique perspectives and invaluable experience to our mission of promoting Feminist Foreign policies, practices, and funding in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the European Union.
- How would you introduce yourself?
My name is Kirthi Jayakumar. I work in the fields of Women, Peace, Security, Feminist Foreign Policy, and Conflict Transformation. I run the gender security project and civitas resolutions. I am also an astronomical artist.
- Could you share with us a fun fact or something surprising about you ?
I am studying astronomy and astrophysics with dreams of joining the field one day.
- What personal experiences shaped your feminist beliefs? In what way?
I think shaping my feminist beliefs is an ongoing journey. If you’d met me when I was 15, I might have told you I didn’t believe feminism mattered to me, and that was purely because I simply had no idea. If you met me at 25, I might have told you I was beginning to learn – especially concepts like intersectionality and structural violence. Now, at 36, I can easily say that I am STILL learning.
In recent times, I’ve come to learn about decolonial feminism, multidimensionality, collective care and organising, feminist solidarity, and so much more. Every interaction with a feminist leaves me with enough to reflect on, and I thrive on every opportunity to do so.
- How would you explain FFP to someone who has never heard of it?
A feminist foreign policy is a feminist way of doing foreign policy. It is not the feminist way, but rather has space for multiple feminisms within it. To me, this means non-extractive, anti-colonial, anti-racist, anti-capitalistic, and meaningfully inclusive approaches to dismantling the systemic and structural violence inherent in the institutions of international relations and its allied institutions.
I don’t believe foreign policies are feminist if they are made by a small group of people in the name of a large group of people, no matter how representative the positionalities of the small group may be.
A feminist foreign policy is feminist only if it was made and shaped in feminist ways – meaning, with wholesome representation of every voice that needs to have a seat at that table, with a dedicated commitment to accountability, and with a sharp focus on dismantling systemic violence. In that sense, I think the activity of shaping FFP is a form of peacebuilding in itself – it is confronting a long-existing site of violence in feminist ways.
Must read: Discover 5 more Walkie-Talkies’ portraits!
- Can you remember your first encounter with the FFP approach? What did you think then?
I was on Twitter when Sweden’s announcement came up in my feed as a news item. I was intrigued beyond words and excited – it felt like a new potential had been unlocked! I spent time observing events around the world after, and was quickly disappointed by how the transformative potential of feminist foreign policy was neither named nor pursued.
- What does FFP mean in your community?
If you mean my community of feminists who think like me, then I’d say it’s very closely similar to what I named in my fourth answer. If you mean a broader subset of women with whom I may share particular identities, then our ideas may include a lot of different perceptions and views because we have multiple feminisms within these spaces and there can’t be a single implication / understanding of FFP.
- Can you please describe your dream FFP?
My dream FFP is one that’s led by feminist civil society and reimagines the world order away from patriarchal oppression in any of its forms.
Discover : Kirthi’s poem My Ancestors dreams are dancing
- In your opinion, what role can young people play in making a feminist foreign policy successful?
Young people must be part of feminist civil society and pay attention to our collective histories. They can learn from feminist efforts and movements across the majority world and draw ways to come together to create a feminist future.
- If you had a magic wand: what would you change in your country or region?
Oh that’s too much power! I’d rather redistribute that power to people from marginalized sections of society to define what change would best support them and then leave it to them to wave that wand.
- A favourite feminist song ? ♫
I love Rebel Woman, by Chiwoniso. It introduced me to the idea of multiple feminisms and made me realize that feminism cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach.
Walkie-Talkie #6 : Souwaiba Ibrahim
Meet Souwaiba Ibrahim, lawyer and intersectional feminist from Niger!
Walking the Talk consortium is proudly working with six exceptional feminists from all over the world – aka our team of ‘Walkie-Talkies’. These experts bring unique perspectives and invaluable experience to our mission of promoting Feminist Foreign policies, practices, and funding in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the European Union.
- How would you introduce yourself?
Souwaiba Ibrahim, criminal lawyer, part-time lecturer at the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences, intersectional feminist, President of the Ligue Nigérienne des Droits des Femmes, co-founder of “Voix Féministes d’Afrique Francophone”, focal point of the Odas Center for safe abortion in Niger and member of the Pananetugri Fund Evaluation Committee.
- What personal experiences shaped your feminist beliefs? In what way?
I was born and raised in an activist environment, so I’ve always been immersed in defending just causes. My grandfather was a political prisoner and lost his life in prison. He was against the one-party system at the time and campaigned for a multi-party system. Since then, it’s been a tradition, from generation to generation, to militate for a cause. When I grew up, I became a feminist activist.
- How would you explain Feminist Foreign Policy concept to someone who has never heard of it?
It’s an approach to international relations that emphasizes gender equality and women’s rights. A feminist foreign policy integrates gender equality into every aspect of foreign policy, from trade negotiations to peacekeeping missions and development aid. It strives to ensure that women are fairly represented in international decision-making processes. This includes diplomacy, international organizations and global forums where important decisions are taken.
Feminist foreign policy supports initiatives that combat gender-based violence, improve access to education and healthcare for women, and encourage their political and economic participation.
It recognizes that women are not a homogeneous group, and that other factors such as race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation and gender identity can influence their experiences and needs. A feminist foreign policy therefore takes into account these multiple facets to develop inclusive and just policies. It addresses structural inequalities and supports local feminist movements.
- Can you remember your first encounter with the FFP approach? What did you think then?
I encountered several situations that I found problematic in the way Western chancelleries were operating in Africa. I heard the FFP expression for the first time with Canada and found the concept and its content very progressive. Since then, I’ve been doing more research and thinking along these lines, and I believe that the feminist approach is necessary in diplomacy, otherwise people will get bogged down in their approach, and the solutions proposed will not be sustainable.
- What does FFP mean in your community?
In a Black African feminist community, feminist foreign policy can take on special significance due to unique historical, cultural and social contexts. It should aim to decolonize international relations by challenging colonial-era power structures that continue to affect African countries. This includes revising trade policies, international aid practices and humanitarian interventions to make them fairer and more respectful of national sovereignty.
It should highlight local knowledge and perspectives, valuing the contributions of Black African women to international debates on human rights, social justice and sustainable development. This should include promoting positive cultural practices and integrating African perspectives into global discussions.
It can actively support local feminist movements in Africa, by providing resources, amplifying their voices on the international stage, and facilitating partnerships with international organizations. This would strengthen the capacity of African women to defend their rights and lead initiatives for social change.
A feminist foreign policy must promote peace and security by integrating women’s perspectives into conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction processes, ensuring that their needs and rights are central to peace efforts.
Finally, it will seek to promote economic justice for Black African women by supporting policies that foster their economic empowerment. This includes access to education, financing, land ownership and equitable economic opportunities.
Must read: Discover 5 more Walkie-Talkies’ portraits!
- In your opinion, what role can young people play in making a feminist foreign policy successful?
Young people are dynamic and essential players in the promotion and implementation of a feminist foreign policy, especially as they make up the majority of the population in Africa. Their energy, creativity and commitment make a significant contribution to the advancement of gender equality on the international stage.
Young people represent a diversity of experiences and perspectives. Their inclusion in decision-making processes can enrich policies and make them more inclusive and representative of the needs of all women, especially those from marginalized communities.
Young people have the ability to mobilize quickly and effectively around the causes they care about. Using social networks and other digital platforms, they have an incredible capacity to mobilize. What’s more, they often bring new perspectives, innovative ideas and creative solutions to complex challenges. Young people also play an educational role for their peers, and are a considerable force for change.
They create and strengthen support networks between feminist movements around the world. By collaborating with other young activists and organizations, they share resources, strategies and experiences to promote a better world.
Finally, young people play an important role in monitoring governments’ commitments and actions with regard to feminist foreign policy. By using monitoring tools and demanding accountability, they ensure that announced policies are effectively implemented and respect gender equality principles.
- If you had a magic wand: what would you change in your country or region?
I’d kick military coup plotters off the political scene in the Sahel!
The militarization of political power, particularly visible in the Sahel where military coups have overthrown elected presidents, poses grave dangers to the region’s political stability and diplomacy, and challenges established rights.
Military coups undermine democratic institutions and the electoral process, leading to a loss of confidence in the political system. Fear and repression deter citizens from participating in political life, limiting public debate and constructive discussion. Frequent changes of power lead to discontinuity in policies and programs, disrupting economic and social development.
Military regimes use repression to maintain power, which can lead to violations of human rights. Marginalized groups, including women and people of diverse genders, are particularly disadvantaged under military regimes, exacerbating existing inequalities. Moreover, the militarization of power encourages similar behavior in neighboring countries, creating a domino effect and increasing instability throughout the region. This has been seen in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
- A favourite feminist song ? ♫
Debout les femmes, the anthem of the Women’s Liberation Movement (MLF) in France, because the lyrics are particularly touching for me.
