Join the Feminist Forum on Migration and Displacement
in Bangkok, Thailand on November 30 and December 1!
The Feminist Forum on Migration & Displacement, an invitational event, will convene in Bangkok (just ahead of the AWID Forum) at a time of growing displacement due to economic, military, climate and other factors that are also contributing to forced migration over international borders. Anti-immigrant policies, the militarization of borders and the criminalization of migrants, increased xenophobia, and a rise of authoritarian regimes are further undermining human rights, mobility, and gender justice.
IMPORTANT NOTE: “The AWID International Forum is both a global community event and a space of radical personal transformation. A one-of-a-kind convening, the Forum brings together feminist, women’s rights, gender justice, LBTQI+ and allied movements, in all our diversity and humanity, to connect, heal and thrive.”
It will take place 2-5 December, in-person and with some virtual options. Early bird registration rates apply through 15 October.
Given the complex nature of migration and displacement, a holistic intersectional feminist approach to migration governance and policy is needed – an approach rooted in the lived experiences of those most affected, often the most marginalised within communities of colour and those facing discrimination based on race, caste, ethnicity, and sexuality, among other factors.
The Forum will build shared analysis and collaboration with feminists across sectors and regions to centre feminist values and reorient migration policy – from exploitation, violence, racism, and criminalisation – to inclusion, justice,
peace, and ecological sustainability, while debunking “false solutions.”
The Forum is just one step in an ongoing process to strengthen ties among women in migration, build cross-sectoral alliances and fortify feminist movements –contributing to a long-term strategy for action.
We are grateful to the support and participation of so many individuals and organizations in making this event possible.
Please go here to see the list of endorsers, donors and co-organizers.
Interested in participating and/or endorsing the Forum? Please read the Concept Note and click the button below to complete the form as soon as possible. We are accepting the Expression of Interest form on an ongoing basis, space permitting.
We strongly encourage you to submit right away!
Forum participation is by invitation only, and limited to about 125 participants.
A few details about the Forum:
Languages
Translation and interpretation in six languages, Arabic, English, French, Russian, Spanish, Thai. [We recognize the limitations of colonial languages for many, doing what’s possible regarding inclusion with limited resources.]
Forum location
The 2-day Feminist Forum on Migration and Displacement will take place at the Sofitel Sukhumvit Hotel in Bangkok.
Hotel
Please make your own hotel arrangements. A limited number of discounted hotel rooms are available at the Forum hotel site ONLY for those who have received an invitation to participate in the Forum. You may also consider reserving at an AWID Forum hotel (see AWID Registration).
Funding
The organisers are not able to pay for participation (travel, accomodations, per diem) in this pre-event or the AWID Forum. We anticipate that participants will be self-financed, and encourage all to seek sources of support from your organization, funders, etc.
Registration contribution
We want this event to be as inclusive as possible, and we have set a sliding scale for registration fees. A Fee Waiver request is available for local grassroots and migrant worker participants. However, we encourage a contribution of at least 50 euros to cover meeting costs (venue, interpretation, lunch, planning) if you are able to pay. If funders are supporting your participation in the AWID Forum and this pre-meeting, please include this in your travel budget. We also invite larger solidarity contributions to help offset the costs of the gathering. Observers for foundations, UN agencies, etc. are asked to pay a nominal registration fee.
Logistics
Participants will be responsible for their own travel arrangements, registration for the AWID Forum and the cost of participation. WIMN and AWID will provide logistics notes regarding navigating Bangkok prior to your arrival.
Visas
See the AWID website regarding visa support. AWID is working with TCEB (the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau) to help participants navigate the visa processes. When you register for the AWID Forum you will be given information about the visa process, as well as a contact email at AWID for visa support. Forum participants who require a visa to enter Thailand can apply for the visa starting in early June (six months before travel). Please add on the additional two days when seeking a visa.
Transportation from Hotel to Venue
While AWID will provide transportation from the hotel to the Forum venue during the Forum itself, you will need to use public transportation during the two-day pre-meeting. WIMN will provide transportation information prior to the event.
Participation in the Forum
We will be limited to about 125 participants, by invitation, so please let us know of your interest in participating! Click here to complete a form expressing your interest in participation and/or endorsement of the Forum.
We are aware that many participants may not be able to get visas or funding to participate. Depending on the response to this call, we may arrange one hybrid session to integrate their perspectives.
For more information:
Please email FemMigForum@womeninmigration.org with any questions.
Forum Organizers
Women in Migration Network, Global Alliance Against Trafficking in Women (GAATW), International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF), International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Migrant-Rights.org (GCC region), Solidarity Center, Trade Collective (South Africa), Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, and Wo-Mi Women Migrants (Denmark).
