Feminist world is a joyous world
For Ivy Josiah, a women's rights activist and former President and Executive Director of Malaysia's Women's Aid Organisation, a feminist world is a joyous world for all, where no one will be left behind, in the real sense (and not just as a tagline).
"If feminists lead the world and we adopt feminist policies I truly believe there will be a peaceful world. War is a choice, and so is peace. Feminist policies and action plans would be inclusive - there will be consent from the people. Women (and other gender diverse people) as feminists know that, because we have been discriminated ourselves. So, we understand what it is like to be left behind. So, because of that personal political experience, we will bring in inclusiveness if we are in-charge of the world. When we run the world, I know that it will be a more joyous and inclusive world and I hope that comes true soon," she said.
And as Ivy rightly remarks "Men and other people from gender diverse communities, can be feminists too!" In fact, anyone can be a feminist irrespective of their gender or sexual orientation or identity (if they firmly believe in development justice). Feminism is about having a different ideology (development justice) based on solidarity and care."
A feminist world will be anti-capitalism
Maximisation of profits for a tiny number of people is what drives capitalism while it forces a vast majority of our population (and our planet) to face unbridled exploitation and human rights and environmental violations.
"That is why, a feminist world will be anti-capitalism. It will not benefit just the few rich people, but will be shared equitably. The current neoliberal policies thrive on exploitation of the poor people. This shameless exploitation of people - robbing people of their lands, of their resources - will be stopped if feminists run the world," says Ivy.
Shrinking spaces for civil society
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