Revolutionising Philanthropy is a feminist funding dialogue organised by the Asia and the Pacific chapter of Prospera - The International Network of Women's Funds.
Approximately 130 feminist activists, funders, and allies from 34 countries gathered in Bangkok in September 2019 for the first-ever event of its kind.
The gathering was a safe space for open dialogue and dynamic exchanges.
[Sound bite] “We are here to have these conversations to challenge one another because we’re all a part of the same ecosystem.”
What was the result?
A deeper understanding of what transformative feminist funding for movement building could look like.
[Sound bite] “...the strategy is organising and mobilising. Because the people’s power is the key to challenge the global balance of power.”
What we now resolve to work towards:
Address the power dynamics that put pressure on the feminist movement.
[Sound bite] “When it comes to who holds the power, it’s not the organisation like us.”
Broaden the scope of resources beyond money.
[Sound bite] “…supporting the movement is doing a lot of advocacy work…”
Use a framework of intersectionality to guide feminist work
[Sound bite] “We as a Urgent Action Fund Asia and the Pacific and the Fiji Women’s Fund, who went out to collect the data, it took time. Can you imagine what it’s like for grassroots women’s organisations to get the data, understand it, to then use it to push for a funding priority. It’s quite difficult.”
Review roles that funders need to play, shifting focus from project results to movement building.
[Sound bite] “So what we are saying is the power of what we should fund, who we should fund—shouldn’t be decided by us. It should be decided by the community that’s in need.”
A big thank you to all the participants who came together and the donors who made this event possible.
[Close with chanting at the end] “Tell me what a feminist looks like!” “This is what a feminist looks like!” “This is what a feminist looks like!” “People!” “Power!” “People!” “Power!” “Alright, thank you everyone!”
[Sounds of cheering as group shot dissolves into the Revolutionising Philanthropy and logos of Prospera Network, Fiji Women’s Fund, HER Fund, Korea Foundation for Women, Mongolian Women’s Fund, South Asia Women’s Foundation India, Tewa, Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights Asia & Pacific, and Women’s Fund Asia.]