Step into a transformative journey where WILPF and the Hidden Letters film unite to honour the indomitable spirit of marginaliszed communities. Throughout history, women, ethnic and racial minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals have created secret languages, defying oppressors, and exchanging ideas in the shadows. Together, through the powerful legacy of Nushu, a secret writing system crafted by Chinese women to navigate oppressive marriages, we want to amplify these hidden voices and ignite change through art.
Join us as we explore the intricate tapestry of hidden languages, challenge oppressive structures, and embrace the boundless potential of artistic expression. This is a campaign that celebrates the courage to speak up, the power of solidarity, and the enduring legacy of voices that refuse to be silenced.
Dive into the depths of history as we uncover forgotten traditions of hidden languages. Unveil the intricate tapestry woven by marginalised communities, where covert communication became a lifeline. Discover the resources that shed light on these secret linguistic codes, revealing the strength of those who dared to defy oppression.
Prepare to be captivated by untold stories that have been hidden in the shadows for far too long. Join us in giving voice to the silenced narratives of women, ethnic and racial minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals who forged paths of resistance through coded language. Immerse yourself in their struggles, triumphs, and unbreakable spirit.
Experience the transformative power of art as we showcase the creations that challenge norms and inspire change. Witness how artistic expression becomes a megaphone for the silenced and an instrument of empowerment. Discover the connection between artistic creation and the journey towards gender equality, peace, and a more just world.
Connect with like-minded individuals from around the world who share your passion for equality and peace. Expand your network, exchange ideas, and collaborate on a global scale.
Amplify your voice and contribute to meaningful conversations about hidden languages, empowerment, and breaking oppressive structures. Learn from diverse perspectives and enrich your understanding.
Use your voice to advocate for gender equality, justice, and the empowerment of marginalized communities. Be a catalyst for change through sharing stories, engaging in discussions, and promoting awareness.
Join hands with fellow campaigners to build a powerful force of solidarity. By engaging in this campaign, you stand alongside others in the pursuit of justice and the amplification of hidden voices.
Hidden Letters shares the untold stories of women who faced oppressive marriages and were forbidden from reading or writing for centuries. Nevertheless, these courageous women found a way to cope and resist, creating a secret language called Nushu, through which they shared poems and songs. These hidden letters became a powerful symbol of sisterhood, hope, and survival, uniting generations of Chinese women in a clandestine support system.
Step into the Hidden Gallery and submerge yourself in the raw authenticity of women’s artistic expressions. Each piece is a window into a world of emotions, stories, and journeys that often remain unseen or un. As you explore the hidden corners of this gallery, you’ll encounter the power of creative voices that dare to challenge the norm, to heal, and to transform.
Ready to breathe life into today’s hidden voices? Join us as we celebrate and give light to the indomitable spirit of marginalised communities. Contact communications@wilpf.org to explore collaboration ideas and recommendations for fellow WILPFers eager to participate.
Are you ready to be part of a transformative journey that celebrates resilience, amplifies silenced narratives, and ignites transformation? Join us in unleashing the hidden voices that have shaped history and continue to inspire change.
Complete the form to be a part of this remarkable movement. Your participation matters, whether you’re an artist, an advocate, a storyteller, or a fellow feminist who believes in the power of change. By joining hands with us, you contribute to a tapestry of voices that refuse to be silenced.
Seize this chance to make a difference. Let your voice be heard, your story be shared, and your presence be felt.
Matt Mahmoudi (he/him) is a lecturer, researcher, and organizer. He’s been leading the “Ban the Scan” campaign, Amnesty International’s research and advocacy efforts on banning facial recognition technologies and exposing their uses against racialized communities, from New York City to the occupied Palestinian territories.
Berit Aasen is a sociologist by training and has worked at the OsloMet Metropolitan University on Oslo. She has 40 years of experience in research and consultancy in development studies, including women, peace, and security, and in later years in asylum and refugee studies. Berit Aasen joined WILPF Norway five years ago. She is an alternate member of the National Board of WILPF Norway, and representing WILPF Norway in the UN Association of Norway, the Norwegian 1325 network and the Norwegian Women’s Lobby. Berit Aasen has been active in the WILPF European Liaison group and is committed to strengthening WILPF sections and membership both in Europe and relations across continents.
Your donation isn’t just a financial transaction; it’s a step toward a more compassionate and equitable world. With your support, we’re poised to achieve lasting change that echoes through generations. Thank you!
Prior to being elected Vice-President, Melissa Torres was the WILPF US International Board Member from 2015 to 2018. Melissa joined WILPF in 2011 when she was selected as a Delegate to the Commission on the Status of Women as part of the WILPF US’ Practicum in Advocacy Programme at the United Nations, which she later led. She holds a PhD in Social Work and is a professor and Global Health Scholar at Baylor College of Medicine and research lead at BCM Anti-Human Trafficking Program. Of Mexican descent and a native of the US/Mexico border, Melissa is mostly concerned with the protection of displaced Latinxs in the Americas. Her work includes training, research, and service provision with the American Red Cross, the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Centre, and refugee resettlement programs in the U.S. Some of her goals as Vice-President are to highlight intersectionality and increase diversity by fostering inclusive spaces for mentorship and leadership. She also contributes to WILPF’s emerging work on the topic of displacement and migration.
Jamila Afghani is the President of WILPF Afghanistan which she started in 2015. She is also an active member and founder of several organisations including the Noor Educational and Capacity Development Organisation (NECDO). Elected in 2018 as South Asia Regional Representative to WILPF’s International Board, WILPF benefits from Jamila’s work experience in education, migration, gender, including gender-based violence and democratic governance in post-conflict and transitional countries.
Sylvie Jacqueline NDONGMO is a human rights and peace leader with over 27 years experience including ten within WILPF. She has a multi-disciplinary background with a track record of multiple socio-economic development projects implemented to improve policies, practices and peace-oriented actions. Sylvie is the founder of WILPF Cameroon and was the Section’s president until 2022. She co-coordinated the African Working Group before her election as Africa Representative to WILPF’s International Board in 2018. A teacher by profession and an African Union Trainer in peace support operations, Sylvie has extensive experience advocating for the political and social rights of women in Africa and worldwide.
In response to the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban and its targeted attacks on civil society members, WILPF Afghanistan issued several statements calling on the international community to stand in solidarity with Afghan people and ensure that their rights be upheld, including access to aid. The Section also published 100 Untold Stories of War and Peace, a compilation of true stories that highlight the effects of war and militarisation on the region.
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WILPF uses feminist analysis to argue that militarisation is a counter-productive and ill-conceived response to establishing security in the world. The more society becomes militarised, the more violence and injustice are likely to grow locally and worldwide.
Sixteen states are believed to have supplied weapons to Afghanistan from 2001 to 2020 with the US supplying 74 % of weapons, followed by Russia. Much of this equipment was left behind by the US military and is being used to inflate Taliban’s arsenal. WILPF is calling for better oversight on arms movement, for compensating affected Afghan people and for an end to all militarised systems.
Mobilising men and boys around feminist peace has been one way of deconstructing and redefining masculinities. WILPF shares a feminist analysis on the links between militarism, masculinities, peace and security. We explore opportunities for strengthening activists’ action to build equal partnerships among women and men for gender equality.
WILPF has been working on challenging the prevailing notion of masculinity based on men’s physical and social superiority to, and dominance of, women in Afghanistan. It recognizes that these notions are not representative of all Afghan men, contrary to the publicly prevailing notion.
In WILPF’s view, any process towards establishing peace that has not been partly designed by women remains deficient. Beyond bringing perspectives that encapsulate the views of half of the society and unlike the men only designed processes, women’s true and meaningful participation allows the situation to improve.
In Afghanistan, WILPF has been demanding that women occupy the front seats at the negotiating tables. The experience of the past 20 has shown that women’s presence produces more sustainable solutions when they are empowered and enabled to play a role.
