The Collectiva Shamila experience demonstrated the power of intersectional, cross-border collaboration to advance social change.
I had the privilege of joining Collectiva Shamila 2022–2023, a feminist initiative that brought together women and non-binary people from various countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Through virtual training sessions, we learned about content curation, capacity building, and raising awareness. We also collaborated to create an online library of feminist content from our region.
The Collectiva Shamila experience demonstrated the power of intersectional, cross-border collaboration to advance social change. By sharing our knowledge and combining our skills, we could achieve more together than individually. Despite our varied backgrounds, we found a common purpose in addressing social taboos and promoting gender equality through art, storytelling, and journalism. Our web-based platform will help spread feminist ideas and perspectives from the MENA region to a broader global audience, transcending the physical limitations of space and geography.
My participation in Collectiva Shamila enriched my personal and professional growth. I developed new skills, new relationships, and a profound appreciation for diverse feminist traditions. The collective model is particularly compelling in an era of increased global connectivity. By harnessing links across various networks, we can build momentum around important causes and a shared vision of justice. I encourage others seeking to create change to explore this approach. When we work and learn together, we can amplify marginalized voices, enrich our understanding, and accelerate progress toward a fairer and more equal world for all.
My experience with Collectiva Shamila transformed my understanding of what grassroots movements can achieve through multilingual and multicultural partnerships. It has inspired me to continue advocating for feminist issues and to collaborate across borders with others seeking to promote social justice. I hope our tiny seeds of transformation will blossom into a more beautiful, just, and sustainable world for future generations. With solidarity and collective action, a more equitable and just future is within our reach.
