» Feminism among other debates
» Challenges for Feminist Encounters
» Goals for the 10th Encounter
» Diversity as an ideal and as a problem
» Feminism and movements of black, native, lesbian and young women
» A place for workshops and cultural activities
» A place for debate by organizations, networks, campaigns and work teams
» The 10th Encounter Location

Feminism among other debates

The goal for the 10th Encounter is for it to become a privileged space of debate on feminism. It is necessary to consider connecting the debate on feminism with other issues in Latin America, the Caribbean and the world. As we consider feminism, we consider the world, which means we think about the challenges that arise in the social and political areas. Therefore, discussing feminism means that we choose it as the starting point for the construction of political analysis, instead of remaining indifferent to what is happening in the region and in the whole world.

Even though, in various debates, we have observed an improvement in feminist political activity, feminist critical political analysis has not taken into account the challenges of such activity. We need to make a great effort in order to feedback our feminist analysis.

Challenges for Feminist Encounters

The first Latin American and Caribbean Feminist Encounter was held in the city of Bogotá, in 1981. These feminist meetings have continued during the last 24 years. Which strategies and processes should be produced so that these encounters may become a space for discussion of political analysis and feminist political activity in the region?

Feminist groups in the region, both locally and nationally, as well as regionally and inter-regionally, have worked through political networks (campaigns, workshops, organizations, etc.). How can we promote these encounters in Latin America so that they strengthen and create networks to increase regional organization and solidarity?

The political, economic and social context in which feminist groups have developed throughout the region has changed significantly. Globalization, economic models, and transitions to democracy are some examples of such change. How can the 10th LACFE become a space for both debate and creation of new for feminist analysis, from a new point of view with emphasis on the radicalization of democracy?

Different opinions and lines of thought regarding feminist activity are expressed in Latin America and the Caribbean and some of them, although not all, are seen as exclusive. How should we work towards the organization of the 10th LACFE so that it becomes a space of debate regarding the diverse opinions, visions, emphases, and strategies used by the several lines of feminist thought in the region?

Spaces where feminist groups stand, debate and create proposals are very diversified. Which should be the LACFE specifics? How should this space, which is ours, be filled by us?

Proposal for the 10th Encounter

To combine suggestions of the Organizing Committee with expectations expressed by Brazilian feminists and other representatives of feminists in the region, such as members of the National Advisory Committee and the Southern Cone Advisory Committee, as well as by feminists from networks and organizations.

Good results from previous Encounters have created high expectations and the drive to participate in another event prevails, in spite of the wear and tear of past events. Challenge: How do we change the type of thematic discussion logic currently used in feminist events?

Diversity as an ideal and a problem

Women’s movements in the Latin American and Caribbean context are multiple and diverse. This diversity in actions, interests and emphases imposes equally diverse challenges. In many places of the region, diversity is seen as fragmentation. How can we, in this 10th encounter, relate to diversity as an ideal and as a problem as well?

Feminism and movements of black, native, lesbian and young women

Debates on lines of discussion and methodology at the 10th Encounter should focus on the need to give special emphasis to the planning of a discussion of feminism in relation with race/ethnic origin, sexuality, age and social class.

A Place for Workshops and Cultural Activities

In the elaboration of a methodological proposal for the 10th Encounter, consideration should be given to a space for the creation of and the infrastructure for activities originated by participants themselves. It will be suggested that workshops and cultural activities be organized by the organizations, groups and networks at the local, national and regional levels..

A Place for debate by organizations, networks, campaigns and work teams

A space will be reserved for meetings by organizations, networks, campaigns, etc. as part of the program in the 10th Encounter in order to strengthen solidarity and collaborative activities in the region.

The 10th Encounter Location

The 10th Latin American and Caribbean Feminist Encounter will be held in the city of Serra Negra, Sao Paulo, from October 9 to 12, 2005. The events will take place at the Vale Do Sol Hotel, a beautiful place offering the necessary infrastructure to the 1,500 participants that will attend. The hotel has a large auditorium, chalets and apartments, four restaurants and 16 meeting rooms. It also has communication systems such as computers, Internet and sound systems, as well as entertainment activities for free time.

For more details on the location see: http://www.valedosol.com.br/