ONE-DAY WORKSHOP

The Research Initiative on International Activism, in conjunction with the 8th Women in Asia Conference, presents a one-day workshop:

WOMEN ORGANISING
Don't mention the 'F' word!

WHEN: 11am-5pm, Sunday, 25 September 2005
WHERE: Room 51, Level 5, Building 6, Harris Street, University of Technology, Sydney (near the corner of Harris St and Broadway)
COST: FREE! But please register before-hand, and consider giving a donation.

WHY THIS WORKSHOP?

Across Asia and in Australia, women are bearing the brunt of poverty and damaging government policies. Women's health, work and livelihoods are made increasingly precarious by neo-liberal economic policies, while the rise of socially conservative politics in our region has meant renewed attacks on women's choices in reproduction, sexuality and family life. Meanwhile, 'border panics' and the new security agendas of nation-states entrench prejudices against asylum seekers and 'veiled' Muslim women.

As power passes to the social conservatives, how are women organising for change in Asia and Australia? What are their visions? Is feminist inspiration the driving force? If not, why? Where are the women's movements today, and what are the key agendas for action?

These are some of the questions to be raised at this workshop, designed as an open forum for debate about women's and feminist organising, drawing on experiences from Asia and Australia. The purpose of the conference is to initiate as wide as possible debate and participation in developing strategy for the hard times ahead.

The day will be organised into 3 main sessions:

1. STORIES: organising experiences
2. POLITICS: inspiration for organising
3. ACTION: proposals & possibilities

Facilitators / speakers:

Carla Bianpoen, freelance journalist, Indonesia.
Ellene A. Sana, Center for Migrant Advocacy - Philippines, and various socialist and feminist organizations, Philippines
Chilla Bulbeck, Foundation Chair in Women's Studies at the University of Adelaide.
Monica Mazzone, womens refuge movement
Soraya Kassim, Fairfield community worker
Qi Fen Huang, Asian Women at Work, Sydney
Angela Budai, Finance Sector Union and Jews Against the Occupation
Karen Iles, Australian Services Union NSW
Alison Aggarwal. Community Legal Centres

Following this workshop there will be an Amnesty International 'Stop Violence Against Women' event at the 'Henry Henry cafe/bar in Henry Deane Plaza between the Railway Sq bus interchange and the Devonshire St. tunnel. ALL WELCOME. Entry by donation. For more information contact nswwomensteam@amnesty.org.au

A number of the participants are speaking at the 'Women in Asia' conference THAT opens on the 26th September at UTS. See Women in Asia conference: 26-28th September, University of Technology www.wia2005.net