This is a call to acknowledge the diversity and wealth within women’s organizations and movements and to share our hard-won experiences, our knowledge and our best practices. We are seeking essays and case studies from all regions of the world. Those that are selected will receive an honorarium of $1000 USD to be used towards organizational strengthening activities. Selected contributions will also be published by AWID and highlighted at the 10th International AWID Forum on Women’s Rights in Development, October 27-30, 2005, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Two ways to participate

a. SUBMIT AN ESSAY: Send us an essay on a particular issue related to movement building and/ or strengthening women’s organizations. Essays should critically evaluate past efforts and focus on new ways of thinking and organization around these issues.

b. SEND US A CASE STUDY: A case study would describe and analyse a specific example of how women’s organizations and movements are carrying out initiatives to promote organizational strengthening and build women’s movements. We are seeking cases that illustrate how the results were achieved and what important lessons were learned, and that make strategic suggestions for future action by women’s groups globally. Both essays and case studies should focus on one or more of the following issues: Power dynamics and leadership in organizations and movements; Broadening participation / mechanisms of inclusion; Overcoming fragmentation in the movements; Re-politicizing the work and movements; Re-politicizing the work and movements; Feminist principles in action regarding relationships among people and organizations and within the organizations and movements; Fundraising, resource mobilization and sustainability; Sustaining the work of women’s organizations and movements in conflict situations; and Building alliances and partnerships with other organizations or movements.

Who can participate? Participation is open to individuals, women’s groups, organizations or networks that are part of women’s movements or define themselves as feminist, whether or not they are members of AWID. We encourage participation by people from diverse backgrounds, of different ages, areas of work, sexualities, identities, ethnicities, religions, regions, etc. We particularly encourage active participation of women from the Global South and Eastern and Central Europe.

How to participate? Contributions will be accepted in English, Spanish or French only. Essays should be no longer than 15-18 DOUBLESPACED pages, Times New Roman, 12 point. Case studies should be no longer than 10-15 DOUBLE-SPACED pages, Times New Roman, 12 point. Case studies should also include general information about the group / organization / network / collective / coalition / etc., that the Case Study refers to, including its name, specific location, date established, number of members or staff, its reach (local, national, regional, international) and finally its intended beneficiaries. The case study should also explain who were the main players/actors that led, facilitated and were involved in the process described.

All contributions must include a completed summary page form (ATTACHED). Send relevant background information, if you wish, such as relevant dissemination materials, publications, videos, etc.Contributions should be sent no later than January 31st, 2005 to AWID by email to femo-call@awid.org or by postal mail to the following address: Feminist Movements and Organizations (FEMO) Programme, Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) Córdoba 234, Int. 7 Colonia Roma Sur México DF, CP 06700 MEXICO

For more information, please visit the Association for Women's Rights in Development website containing the full text of this call for contributions.