Feminism & Sisterhood By Maryam Darwich, Sierra Leone

What Does Feminism and Sisterhood mean to you?

Feminism to me is an ideology of living- one of inspiration, of opportunity, access, respect and an intricate pillar to my religion as a Muslim woman. Sisterhood is an example of the manifestation of that in everyday interaction. It is the binding relationship between women of all nationalities, colour, ages, backgrounds which overcomes all barriers of class, age, education, etc. It is the links based on common experiences and common goals. It is both backward looking and forward looking; one that enshrines principles as well as supports progress.

In what ways can women work together to bring change in their various communities?

Women need to be the biggest advocates of each other in their community. They need to support each other through offering listening ears as well as actively support each other in the achievement of bigger causes. Women have to decide in their respective communities what is their preferred way of achieving change and what is their desired change. These can only be achieved through an appreciation of commonality in cause, an understanding of the value of diversity in progress and in humility and perseverance in action.

How has Feminism and Sisterhood Impacted your Life?

 Feminism is an intricate lens which I use to see and live my religion through. I believe that power hungry people have hijacked the religion for their own interests subjugating women in the process, undermining all the beautiful things that were put in place to protect and help us grow. Only sisterhood can help us regain our religion and spread an understanding of it which reflects its beauty rather than the ugliness of the minority.

                             Maryam Darwich. Lead Consultant and MD at Afriqia HR Solutions, Sierra Leone.

Feminism & Sisterhood, Jemila Abdulai

What Does Feminism and Sisterhood mean to you?

Feminism means paying attention to human rights issues, particularly those affecting girls and women. Sisterhood means compassion, support, encouragement, truth; friendship and relationships that emanate from the simple fact that women have shared experiences and sometimes need a mirror to see clearly. 

In what ways can women work together to bring change in their various communities?

First, by being compassionate towards one another and recognizing that we're all in this together. Secondly, by supporting one another. Too often a woman's efforts are thwarted by another just out of mere spite. Where necessary, tell another woman the truth, but tell it gently. Finally, believing in ourselves and celebrating each other - we need to own our unique voices and have the courage to not only speak up, but also to show up.

How has Feminism and Sisterhood Impacted your Life?

I am so thankful for the many sisters I have. There are many things that the men in life - quite simply - cannot understand. I have often turned to my sisters to let my hair down, to share my vulnerabilities, to feel empowered, to ask questions, seek answers, to own my femininity, to be myself. They inspire me daily. 

Jemila Abdulai,  Tunis, Tunisia

Writer, Development and Media Professional

Feminism & Sisterhood by Tamara

What Does Feminism and Sisterhood mean to you?

Feminism means reaching a point where women are held to the same standards as men, no more, and certainly no less and as result can reap the same benefits for their hard work as men. Sisterhood means a sense of belonging with like-minded women.

In what ways can women work together to bring change in their various communities?

I believe women do work together do work together but one of the biggest ways we can do so more effectively is by celebrating our individual choices and not undermining each other. 

How has Feminism and Sisterhood Impacted your Life?

I was raised by a feminist who taught me to be strong and to believe in myself. Throughout my life I have been protected by the sisterhoods I've joined - they have served as my pillar of strength and have been my most dedicated fans on this journey called life.

Tamara Legal Officer

  

Feminism & Sisterhood by Ajara Bomah, Sierra Leone

What Does Feminism and Sisterhood mean to you?

  Feminism means equality and support for Women’s rights. Feminism is a way for us as women to advocate for fairness in the workplace, society, politics, economic empowerment, and a way for us to define ourselves as women. Sisterhood is supporting other women regardless of race, color, class, educational background, someone to laugh with and a shoulder to cry on, someone to agree and disagree with, the mentor, the friend, the one to direct you when you’re going wrong, a Sister.

In what ways can women work together to bring change in their various communities?

As women we need to support each other even when we don’t like each other. We need to put aside our difference and work together There is strength in unity and men know how to bring discord amongst us so we don’t achieve the bigger goals. We also need to be role models and mentors to younger women within our community. Lead by example and they shall follow.

How has Feminism and Sisterhood Impacted your Life?

I am a member of two major women organizations a sorority and Masonry. I have met sisters of all shades, colors, class and from all around the world. We do not always get along, but we all work towards achieving the same goals, supporting other women to reach greater heights of attainment.  By having a network of sisters that I can look up to, I have been able to reach higher heights and I still push to reach excellence. When I  fall, someone is there to encourage me to get up and try again. When I want to quiet, they remind me of the bigger picture, by following these examples and seeing women of color like myself  achieve greatness in life, I know that I too am a role models for the younger generation of women

Ajara Bomah, Events & Project Management Consultant 

Feminism & Sisterhood By Marianne Bevan New Zealand

What Does Feminism and Sisterhood mean to you?

To me, feminism is about asking questions; it's about seeking to understand how different people, relationships, institutions, ways of thinking and doing, are privileged over others because of their links with masculinity, and what this means for society. Feminism and sisterhood is a way of working together to make space for voices and ways of thinking that have been marginalized and devalued because they're seen as 'feminine', to be heard and lead in creating more just, inclusive, peaceful and creative communities.

In what ways can women work together to bring change in their various communities?

I've seen many women (and men) who genuinely want gender equality, but who go about trying to get it by critiquing what they see as deficiencies in other women ("they're not assertive enough, they're not motivated enough..."). But to create change, we always need to look deeper and see these things as products of the sexism, racism, homophobia etc that exists in all of our communities, and work from there. We can work together by recognizing difference, being empathetic, by arguing and challenging each other respectfully, by forgiving each other, by mentoring each other, and by recognizing that we're all imperfect but can be courageous in our own ways. 

How has Feminism and Sisterhood Impacted your Life?

 I was always shy and unsure of my opinions, often scared to speak up for fear of being wrong. Overtime, feminism has allowed me to see this less as a personal deficiency and more (or at least in part) as a symptom of the way I was socialized and brought up as a girl. This knowledge, along with the support and encouragement of female mentors and friends, has helped me to trust in my thoughts and opinions, and find ways to speak up in my own voice. 

Marianne Bevan, Feminist New Zealand