Intersectional feminism is for the whole community – and that certainly includes everyone at Neighborhood Feminists! But who is Neighborhood Feminists, exactly? This month, you get a peek behind the scenes at Neighborhood Feminists as we put some of the lovely people who make it all happen in the spotlight. Every week this month, we will add another Neighborhood Feminist to our ‘spotlight’, so keep your eye on this post!
Photos by Nadine van der Wielen @snap.me.pretty
Francesca, 22 // she/her
“I was looking for ways to be more involved in fighting for equality and spreading awareness for topics that I’m passionate about. I found out about Neighborhood Feminists by chance and knew right away that it was the right organization to join. The Neighborhood Feminists organization and people behind it inspired me right away and offered a space for growing, learning and teaching that I had been yearning for. The lack of equity in our world often feels overwhelming, but the burden feels lighter when you’re involved in doing something about it. I’m glad to have found a place where I can help spread awareness and continue to grow. From the big things to the little things, our efforts fuel the movement.”
Lizzie, 28 // she/her
“I came to Amsterdam from London mid-pandemic, which is obviously a pretty strange time to move to a new city! Before I came, I knew that I wanted to find a group of like-minded people who shared my values and were making a direct impact in the community I was joining.
I knew that Neighbourhood Feminists saw the links between dismantling the patriarchy, white supremacy, and economic inequality. It has become somewhere that I can use my skills in a productive way, but also keep learning and doing the necessary work to be able to call myself an intersectional feminist.
I’ve been thinking a lot recently about what it means to be a citizen and a member of a community. It’s not always easy to feel you have power to change the inequalities you see, but I get so inspired by all the incredible people and organisations doing the hands-on, grassroots work necessary for change.”
Madhavi, 25 // she/her
“As a woman of color from an immigrant household, I realised that each generation coming before me truly made a sacrifice for me to be able to grow up in western society, where I can speak my mind and be who I am. At a young age, I dedicated myself to doing this. Only later did I understand that it was not my voice that needed to be heard but the voices of those who did not get a turn to speak at all. Ever since, I have tried to create a space where everybody could raise their voice freely. For those who can’t, it is I who will echo them. One of the conditions for women to be, to live and speak is basic menstrual sanitation. This is a political issue, and as long as policy does not allow access to these necessities for all women, we have a state that enables inequality between men and women. Until we see the needed policy changes, I will be part of a team which believes in and actively works for basic human rights.”
Nicole, 29 // she/her
“Over the past year I realized that calling myself a feminist and personally committing to intersectionality was no longer enough for me. I needed to find a way to turn that drive into direct action. When I was searching for places where I could possibly work, however, I found that in an overwhelming amount of feminist spaces, intersectionality was there (at best) in name only. I was happy to stumble upon Neighborhood Feminists and find that my values, including intersectionality, are reflected in their work. Now I’m a part of the team and am able to make the contributions I was hoping for!”
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In 2021, it still takes a village. By becoming a monthly donor, you help us provide period products for those who can’t afford them. We look forward to welcoming you to the Neighborhood Feminists family!
