Bury the Corpse of Colonialism: The Revolutionary Feminist Conference of 1949

The 1949 Asian Womens Conference in Beijing was a significant event that brought together revolutionary activists from Asia and influenced feminist anticolonialism worldwide. The conference developed a new political strategy that called for women from occupying colonial nations to contest imperialism with the same dedication as women in occupied countries. Bury the Corpse of Colonialism explores the conference's origins, experiences, and outcomes, as well as the delegates' struggles and their impact on internationalist solidarity for womens emancipation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

The 1949 Asian Women's Conference, a pivotal event in feminist anticolonialism, brought together revolutionary activists from Asia and their comrades from around the world. This conference marked a significant shift in political strategy, as women from occupied colonial nations were urged to unite against imperialism with the same determination as women in occupied countries. Bury the Corpse of Colonialism delves into the origins, experiences, and outcomes of this conference, highlighting the development of a revolutionary theory of anti-imperialist feminist internationalism.

The book explores two interconnected narratives. The first traces the journey of the conference, from its inception to its execution, and examines the impact it had on the participants. The second follows the delegates back to their home countries, shedding light on the movements they represented, the voices they carried, and the ways in which their struggles honed their praxis. By examining the lives of over a dozen AWC participants, the book uncovers the profound differences that shaped internationalist solidarity for women's emancipation in a world characterized by militarism, capitalism, patriarchy, and the seemingly insurmountable barriers to justice.

The 1949 Asian Women's Conference was a transformative moment in the history of feminist activism, as it challenged the dominant narratives of colonialism and imperialism and paved the way for a more inclusive and intersectional approach to women's liberation. The conference's call for women to unite against imperialism and its recognition of the interconnectedness of women's struggles across borders laid the foundation for future feminist movements and international collaborations.

Bury the Corpse of Colonialism offers a valuable contribution to the study of feminist anticolonialism and internationalism. Through its detailed examination of the 1949 Asian Women's Conference and the lives of its participants, the book sheds light on the complexities and challenges of building solidarity across diverse cultures and political contexts. It provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the historical and political forces that shaped feminist movements and the strategies that activists employed to challenge oppressive systems of power.

In conclusion, Bury the Corpse of Colonialism is a must-read for anyone interested in feminist anticolonialism, internationalism, and the history of women's activism. It offers a powerful and insightful analysis of a pivotal moment in the struggle for women's emancipation and provides valuable insights into the ongoing challenges and opportunities for building a more just and equitable world.

Weight: 244g
Dimension: 138 x 210 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520390911