RESPONDING TO FEMINIST MOVEMENTS DURING COVID-19
Key learnings, reflections, and recommendations from the Asia and Pacific chapter of the Prospera International Network of Women’s Funds
Authors: Leaine Robinson and Iris Low with contributions from members of the Asia and Pacific Chapter
Illustration and design: Kruthika NS (@theworkplacedoodler)
ABOUT THIS REPORT
This report documents the learnings and experiences of eight women’s funds in grant management and resource mobilisation with its myriad of grantee partners to address the impact of COVID-19. The eight women’s funds are from the Prospera International Network of Women’s Funds, Asia, and the Pacific regional chapter. The learnings and experiences captured in this report affirm the key role of women’s funds, which is to mobilise and distribute resources to feminist, and women’s rights movements. Based on a learning circle methodology, this report explores how women’s funds moved quickly and collectively, adapting to a rapidly changing context to ensure support reached those who need it most. The eight women’s funds aim to demonstrate through this report that women’s funds are, and remain strategic partners during, and beyond the COVID-19 response because they facilitate vital resources to diverse groups and communities, particularly those often disadvantaged by mainstream assistance; and women’s funds work is close to the ground, supporting local and sustainable solutions.
Eight Women’s Funds are:
Women’s Fund Fiji (formerly Fiji Women’s Fund)
South Asia Women Foundation India (SAWF IN)
Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights, Asia, and Pacific