Changing Their World
Ten case studies that highlight the origins, structures, strategies, and impacts of various women's movements around the world.
Changing Their World: Concepts and practices of women’s movements
By Srilatha Batliwala, Scholar Associate, AWID-BFEMO
A summary and brief analysis of ten case studies that highlight the origins, structures, strategies, and impacts of various women's movements around the world. These case studies were documented between July 2007 and February 2008 and provide a rich and in-depth understanding of feminist movements in the current global context. The full case studies are available here.
Download PDF
Read Online:
Women within the Indigenous Peoples’ Movement of Mexico: New Routes for Transforming Power
By Marusia López Cruz
This case study presents the history and context of the National Coordinating Committee of Indigenous Women (Coordinadora Nacional de Mujeres Indígenas, CNMI) as a way of understanding and describing the construction, agenda, and strategies of the women within the indigenous movement in Mexico.
Download PDF
Against All Odds: The Building of a Women’s Movement in the Islamic Republic of Iran
By Homa Hoodfar
Two decades of decentralized, informal, and semi-formal activities aimed at mobilizing women and building a robust women’s movement in Iran are presented in this case study. It also provides an analysis of the efforts of women’s advocates in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Download PDF
The Dalit Women’s Movement in India: Dalit Mahila Samiti
By Jahnvi Andharia with the ANANDI Collective
The Dalit Mahila Samiti (DMS) organisation, located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, aims to challenge the oppressive caste system specifically those considered 'untouchable'. This case study provides an analysis of the goals, strategies, and achievements of DMS
Download PDF
Domestic Workers Organizing in the United States
By Andrea Cristina Mercado and Ai-jen Poo
Mujeres Unidas y Activas, Domestic Workers United, and the National Alliance of Domestic Workers are three organizations fighting for domestic worker rights in the United States. This case study highlights the impact these organizations have on improving the rights of immigrants and women of colour in the United States.
Download PDF
Challenges Were Many: The One in Nine Campaign, South Africa
By Jane Bennett
The South African One in Nine Campaign organization's mission is to ensure that the issue of the sexual rights of all women is addressed. This case study analyses the activities of this organization in the hisotrical and current social and political context of South Africa.
Download PDF
Mothers as Movers and Shakers: The Network of Mother Centres in the Czech Republic
By Suranjana Gupta
The Czech Mothers Network based in the Czech Republic has created a strong political voice used to influence public policy and give priority to women as both mothers and workers. This case study provides an analysis of this organization's process and experiences.
Download PDF
The Demobilization of Women’s Movements: The Case of Palestine
By Islah Jad
The Palestinian Federation of Women’s Action Committees (PFWAC) and The Women’s Centre for Legal Aid and Counseling (WCLAC) are presented to illustrate how the early mass-based women’s movement has changed into the phenomenon known as the NGO-ization in Palestine.
Download PDF
The Piquetera/o Movement of Argentina
By Andrea D’Atri and Celeste Escati
The Argentinan-based Piquetera/o Movement and its pioneering methods are provided in this case study to highlight the tradition of the working class stuggle, the student and other social movements in Argentina.
Download PDF
GROOTS Kenya
By Awino Okech
GROOTS in Kenya is described and defined as a women's movement rather than a network or NGO. Along with the history and the national political dynamics of Kenya, the objectives, structures, activities, successes and voice of GROOTS that have shaped and contributed to women’s rights work in Kenya are described in this case study.
Download PDF
The European Romani Women’s Movement – International Roma Women’s Network
By Rita Izsak
The International Romani Women’s Network (IRWN) is the first and only registered international umbrella organization representing Romani women of all Romani groups. It seeks to address the oppression, exploitation and discrimination faced by Romani women throughout Europe. This case study presents their efforts to promote women’s rights, and examines the connection between mainstream feminist movements and the Romani movement.
Download PDF