“The connections between and among women are the most feared, the most problematic, and the most potentially transforming force on the planet.”

Says Adrienne Rich and I agree with her.

To answer how it was being part of a global level Reproductive justice conference?

I’d say, it was like entering a room full of people that still had space for me. It was an enriching experience, uniting over 300 individuals from more than sixty countries worldwide. It was like getting to be everywhere all at once. 

This conference was an act of courage and love. 

Artists, activists, academicians, hailing from different backgrounds and corners of the globe, shared their experiences. Together we acknowledged how far we have come and how far we have yet to go. 

Social movements have historically played a critical role in questioning the status quo. Engaging in meaningful conversation, incorporating diverse perspectives, are essential to strengthen these movements led by individuals within their communities. Such dialogues help one develop better understanding, empathy and motivation to keep moving forward. 

Creating a space for intergenerational and intersectional sharing is crucial. Participants, whether seasoned with experience or just starting, contributed to mapping effective strategies and approaches. Reproductive justice, at its core, revolves around intersectionality. Contextual understanding on how it affects an individual or a community is very important. Thus, coming together to share and learn becomes imperative.

This was what the conference was to me, a space where grief and suffering was not isolating because it could be expressed and it was heard. Where rage was not questioned, gaslighted or diminished to some trivial act of disobedience. Where we addressed issues but equally emphasized on the solutions and where we classified ourselves as “witches” and giggled. 

It was safe, warm, brave and a sweet space.

The work we engage in is exciting and so we dance and whistle and jump at each other to hug and cheer, the small wins and the big ones. It is undeniably tiring, it takes so much away and for that I pat your back and I urge you to eat well and take care of yourself. It is challenging, and in those moments, I offer my hand, emphasizing that we walk together, even if miles apart..

I once read, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” This conference served as a powerful reminder of our collective strength. We came together to celebrate, witness, and reiterate that the revolution will persist until we achieve our goals – united in solidarity.

In the hope that our paths cross again!

This blog is written by ASAP Communication and Network Officer, Mahak Agrawal.