FEMStride Project: Empowering Feminists and Survivors for a Just Future
A Multifaceted Approach to Empowerment
The FEMStride Project by PUKAPS is a multifaceted initiative designed to empower young feminists and survivors of gender-based violence through education, creative expression, and community-building. The project aims to create a safe and supportive environment where women and marginalized groups can explore their identities, build resilience, and become active agents of change in their communities.
Feminist Education and Creative Workshops
Through a combination of feminist education and creative workshops, FEMStride fosters critical thinking, self-awareness, and activism. The project specifically addresses the lack of gender-sensitive spaces for young feminists and survivors to heal, learn, and grow. By offering these spaces, FEMStride serves as a platform for personal and collective transformation, helping participants break the cycle of violence and discrimination while advocating for gender equality.
A Holistic Approach to Empowerment
FEMStride integrates two key programs: the FEMinist Class, which focuses on feminist education, and the Safer Space Workshop, which provides survivors a healing space through artistic collaboration. Together, these programs create a holistic approach to empowerment by combining knowledge with creative expression and support.
Challenging Norms and Creating Safe Spaces
The project also contributes to broader societal change by challenging patriarchal norms, advocating for gender equality, and promoting the importance of creating safe, inclusive environments for all. Through FEMStride, participants not only become more aware of their rights and potential but also gain practical skills to navigate and transform their social realities.
A Vision for an Equitable Future
FEMStride envisions a future where young feminists, survivors, and allies are equipped to lead the charge for a more equitable and inclusive world. This project is a critical component of PUKAPS’ mission to advance gender justice through innovative, community-based approaches.
FEMinist Class: In-Depth Feminist Education
The FEMinist Class is a core component of the FEMStride Project, designed to provide young feminists with an in-depth understanding of feminist theory, gender studies, and social justice movements. The class aims to fill the gap in formal education systems where discussions about gender, sexuality, and feminism are often neglected or stigmatized.
Topics Covered in FEMinist Class
Through a series of workshops and discussions, FEMinist Class covers a wide range of topics that are essential for understanding the systemic nature of gender-based violence, patriarchy, and inequality. Participants explore subjects such as:
- History of feminist movements
- Intersectionality and its significance
- Gender roles and their societal impact
- Body autonomy and reproductive rights
- Sexual orientation and gender identity
Fostering Self-Reflection and Critical Thinking
The class also addresses the personal development of participants by encouraging self-reflection and critical thinking. Through open dialogues, group discussions, and peer-to-peer learning, participants are given the tools to:
- Question societal norms
- Confront internalized oppression
- Develop their unique feminist perspectives
Building Future Feminist Leaders
One of the goals of FEMinist Class is to cultivate a generation of young feminists who are confident in their identities and equipped with the knowledge and skills to advocate for themselves and others. Graduates of the program are encouraged to take on leadership roles within their communities, spreading awareness of gender equality and challenging patriarchal structures through:
- Activism
- Education
- Advocacy
Safer Space Workshop: Healing Through Creative Expression
The Safer Space Workshop is an essential part of the FEMStride Project, offering a safe and healing environment for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) to express themselves through art and creative activities. This workshop provides a therapeutic outlet for participants, allowing them to process trauma, release stress, and rebuild their sense of self-worth in a supportive community.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Survivors of GBV often face isolation, stigma, and a lack of access to mental health resources. The Safer Space Workshop addresses these challenges by creating a non-judgmental, empowering space where participants can come together to:
- Share their experiences
- Express their emotions
- Connect with others who have gone through similar situations
Artistic Expression as Healing
Artistic expression plays a central role in the workshop, with activities ranging from painting and drawing to storytelling and performance art. These creative outlets provide survivors with a means to communicate their feelings and experiences in ways that words alone may not capture. The workshop is facilitated by experienced artists and mental health professionals who guide participants through the process, ensuring that the space remains safe, respectful, and inclusive.
Showcasing Art to Empower Survivors
One of the unique aspects of the Safer Space Workshop is that the artwork produced by participants is often showcased in public exhibitions, giving survivors the opportunity to reclaim their narratives and challenge societal perceptions of gender-based violence. The proceeds from these exhibitions are reinvested into the community, providing survivors with economic opportunities and further empowering them in their recovery journey.
A Vital Resource for Survivors
The Safer Space Workshop is a vital resource for survivors, offering them not only a path to healing but also a platform to advocate for change and raise awareness about the impact of GBV in their communities.