FEMINIST NGO LEADERS, COMMUNITY ACTIVIST- WE COLLECTIVELY SAY SHIFT THE POWER
Jul 26, 2024
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Seeking
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Busayo Obisakin
Nigeria
Feb 22
Joined Feb 19, 2009
Photo Credit: We can share this picture
Organization leaders joining hands together at WIDC
They are feeling it, they are experiencing it and right in middle of it. Most of the Feminist Grassroots organizations in Nigeria work free of charge, fund their organizations with money they should be using to feed themselves and their families to help humanity. They are short of fund, yet they hear of exorbitant fund entering into the country. Shift in power to me means letting the money get to the hand of those who are working, the organizations that are working directly with the people the grant is meant to empower, organizations that are where the help are needed. The organizations that knows the needs of the people and designing what is best to them. They may not have the grammar, but they know how to do the work, they may not have the tight requirements but they know how to maximize the fund, they may not have the big annual income requirement but they understand the needs of their people.
Listen to some of the Executive Directors of women led organizations as they share their mind on what shift in power means to them:
Shift in power means that resources and power to make more effective decisions will be in the hands of grassroots feminist organizations who understand the issues in the communities thus addressing historical inequalities and prioritizing the most marginalized voices. (ED, FB)
To me, this means removal of barrier limiting grassroots organizations access to funding opportunities. (ED, MT)
It means diversification of empowerment to appropriate quarters for effective management with results-oriented activities. (ED, AO)
It means redirecting funding opportunities to feminist organizations addressing the eradication of harmful traditional social norms and policies at the grassroot level. (ED, TA)
It means empowering marginalized communities by directing resources to grassroots initiatives and organizations led by women (ED, OO)
lt means women issues are brought to the front burner, especially at the grassroots. Women now have better opportunities to get to leadership for engagement towards sustainable development. (ED, MO)
Shift in power as regards funding of feminist organisations means considering women organisations for opportunities to access funding with little or no stress. (ED, VA)
Shift in Power to fund feminist organizations means working to help grassroots organizations to increase equality, expanding human choice, eliminating gender stratification, and ending sexual violence. (ED, CO)
Women Inspiration Development Center Confident Girls Ambassadors who are our community activist were not left behind. Hear their voices on what shift in power means to them:
Daniel Joy Beloved: A shift in power as regards funding of feminist organization signifies innovation that recognizes the importance of gender equality. Additionally, in societies where women are marginalized (treated as insignificant) funding of feminist organization or groups will provide the women resources and support for them to thrive.
Oluwaseun Ogunjobi : A shift in power regarding funding for feminist organizations is a change in who controls and makes decisions about the resources and money that support feminist organizations. This shift in power will make feminist organizations gain more control over their own funding and decision-making processes, which will allow them to prioritize their own needs and goals.
Folasade Ademilola (CGA): A shift in Power as regards Funding of Feminist Organization is an excellent strategy to birth gender equality in our Society. In a Society where woman have great untapped potentials simply because a larger percentage still believes that they(women) are meant not to be seen and their impacts not heard or felt, Funding of these Organizations are tools to develop women and increase their capacity to function optimally and contribute in their areas of expertise.
Ayenimobola Omolade: The shift in power regarding funding for feminist organizations signifies a pivotal change in resource allocation and influence. This shift is not just about financial backing, but it will also bring about validation to diverse perspectives that advocate for gender equality and social justice. It represents a significant step towards reshaping power dynamics, ensuring that feminist agendas are not only heard but also actively supported in shaping policies and cultural norms.
Fagbule Victoria: A shift in power regarding funding of feminist organizations signifies a crucial redistribution of resources towards promoting gender equality and women's rights. It represents a recognition of the importance of feminist movements in addressing systemic inequalities and empowering marginalized communities. This change can amplify advocacy efforts, support grassroots initiatives, and foster inclusive policies, ultimately advancing social justice and creating a more equitable society.
Ogunjobi Ayomide: The shift in power regarding the funding of feminist organizations signifies a strategic movement towards achieving gender equality in our society. Historically, feminist movements have often been underfunded reflecting broader societal inequalities. However, with a change in funding patterns, it will bring about a space where grassroots feminist organizations can gain greater financial stability, autonomy, and influence.
Aramide Charity: My understanding of a shift in power as regards funding of feminist organizations is in two dimensions: Increased frequency of funding to feminist organizations which in turn lead to a shift in power (this shift in power is based on the feminist premise that society is very imbalanced and tilted towards men than to women). When feminist organizations are given more funding, it allows them the financial freedom to carry out their advocacy activities.
Olayinka Onipede: Shifting power in regard to funding for feminist organizations means transferring decision-making authority and resources from external donors to the organizations and communities they serve. Feminist organizations can set their own priorities and make decisions without external influence or conditionality. Shifting power means that feminist organizations can truly lead their own work, free from the strings of external donors. This autonomy enables them to respond to the genuine needs of their communities rather than being driven by donor agendas.
Ademola Olakiitan: The phrase "shift in power as regards funding of feminist organizations" means a change in who has the authority, influence, or control over the financial resources that support feminist organizations. Here are some key aspects: A shift from traditional funding sources (like government grants or large foundations) to more diverse or grassroots sources (like crowdfunding, individual donations, or community-based funding). Changes in who decides how funds are allocated. This could involve more participatory grant-making processes where feminist organizations and activists have a greater say in how funds are distributed and used.
Oriowo Rebecca Mobolaji: A shift in power regarding funding for feminist organization refers to changes in who controls the resources, decision making and influence over the direction and goal of the organization. A shift in power means community -led; they are able to control resources and decision-making. It also means grassroot empowerment supporting local initiative.
Motola CGA: The shift in power as regards funding of feminist organizations means a shift in authority in women's world, giving opportunity to new leadership to work with their own intuition and team to achieve their agendas. Also, contributing to the resources needed to achieve their goals.
In conclusion, the time is now to shift the power on funding if we are serious in ending poverty, suffering round the world and inequities that continue to plaque us