Reflecting on Organizing the One-day Feminist Conference (OFC) 2024

By Aagya Shrestha

Reflections on Organizing the One-Day Feminist Conference 2024

As I sit down to reflect on the journey of organizing the One-Day Feminist Conference (OFC) 2024, I am filled with a mix of pride, gratitude, and a deep sense of accomplishment. This year’s conference, themed “The Feminist Agenda: Tools and Strategies for Change,” was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful testament to the strength of collective action and the importance of intersectional feminist discourse.

The Challenges and Triumphs of Organizing OFC 2024

When we first began planning this year’s OFC, the organizing team, all women for the first time, faced a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anxiety, and a little skepticism. Could we really pull this off? Would we be able to create a space that not only convenes but also empowers??

The theme for this year was chosen deliberately, aiming to delve into the practical, actionable aspects of feminism. We wanted the conference to not just inspire but to equip attendees with concrete tools and strategies they could implement in their communities and organizations. But as we brainstormed and planned, doubts occasionally crept in. Could we really create a space that would resonate with such a diverse group of individuals? The power of Allyship and Collaboration entered amidst our skepticism.?

The Power of Allyship and Collaboration

One of the most significant turning points in our planning process was the decision to partner with eight other organizations—Accountability Lab, Dalit Lives Matter, Dignity Initiatives, Governance Lab, Harin Nepal, Nagarik Aawaz, Tewa, and Yuwalaya. This collective effort transformed the conference from a single organization's vision into a shared mission to advance gender equity and inclusion.

The support and collaboration we received from these partner organizations were nothing short of inspiring. Each organization brought its own unique perspective and expertise to the table, enriching the conference in ways we could not have anticipated. This year, for the first time, OFC became a truly inclusive and intersectional space, co-created by a diverse community committed to dismantling systems of oppression.

The Day of the Conference: A Space for Feminist Voices

As the day of the conference arrived, the reality of our work began to set in. Watching people from various backgrounds, identities, and experiences come together to engage in meaningful dialogue was incredibly moving. However, it wasn’t without its challenges. One moment that particularly stood out to me was when a participant who identified as a man remarked, "Today, we will be the minority here," acknowledging the fact that few men attend feminist events. While this comment highlighted a persistent challenge in the feminist movement, it also underscored the importance of the space we had created—a space where women and voices from the communities that have been marginalized were finally at the forefront.

As the sessions progressed, my heart grew heavy with the realization of how little has changed over the years. We were still grappling with the same issues, still talking about the need for an intersectional feminist lens in most of the discussions. This stark reminder of the slow pace of progress was both disheartening and a call to action.

Feminist organizing like this is of utmost importance as we continue to witness violence against women being perpetuated in gruesome ways, all around us. When such incidents occur, our collective rage flares up, but it often feels temporary. Many fail to see or support initiatives like this conference, where we actively work to dismantle misogyny and create safe, equal spaces for individuals who identify as women.

Until people begin to recognize subtle misogyny as a significant issue and start questioning it—until we collectively enhance our understanding of these issues and acknowledge our privileges—our outrage against something as horrific as rape or murder will eventually be silenced. It will fade away in a few days, or at best, a few months, without resulting in meaningful change.

Looking Ahead: The Impact and the Journey Forward

As the day came to a close, and I reflected on the journey we had taken, it became clear that the One-Day Feminist Conference 2024 was more than just an event—it was a movement in itself. The discussions, connections, and strategies developed during the conference will undoubtedly ripple out into the communities and organizations represented by the attendees.

The success of OFC 2024 reaffirmed my belief in the power of collective organizing and the importance of providing platforms for young feminists to lead. The challenges we faced along the way only made our triumphs sweeter, and the sense of community we built with our partner organizations has set a new precedent for future conferences.

As we move forward, I am excited to see how the tools and strategies discussed at OFC 2024 will be implemented and how they will contribute to advancing the feminist agenda across various levels of society. The journey of organizing this conference has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who made it possible.

OFC 2024 has reminded us that when we come together, share our voices, and support one another, we can create real, lasting change. Here's to the future of feminist organizing, and to the many more conferences, discussions, and actions that will follow.