In time for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25) and 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence (November 25 – December 10), WoMin proudly unveils a critical resource for women and communities facing violence in frontline struggles – Building Activists’ Power to Keep Safe – A Risk and Safety Handbook.
Through a series of consultations in trauma healing circles, activist workshops, feminist political education schools and other movement building spaces, it became clear that violence is pervasive in communities where mining and mega development initiatives are proposed or taking place—from threats and intimidation to beatings, imprisonment, rape and torture, especially against communities resisting these projects. Women activists expressed a need for tools and methodologies to support them and others who face heavy repression.
The handbook offers practical support for women and communities to strategise, reflect and plan to prevent or minimise violence. Rooted in local resources and practice, the handbook places an emphasis on methodologies for collective protection for communities as they fight for justice and to shape their development futures.
