High-Risk Feminism in Colombia: Women's Mobilization in Violent Contexts

High-Risk Feminism in Colombia explores how women's experiences with violence catalyze them to mobilize and resist as feminists, even in the face of danger. It challenges traditional gender norms and exposes women to retributive punishment, providing evidence of how women can surmount barriers to mobilization when they frame their actions in terms of resistance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

High-Risk Feminism in Colombia: Empowering Grassroots Women's Organizations
High-Risk Feminism in Colombia is a groundbreaking book that sheds light on the experiences of grassroots women's organizations that united to demand gender justice during and in the aftermath of Colombia's armed conflict. It challenges the traditional narrative that focuses on women's roles as mothers, peacemakers, or revolutionaries and instead highlights the gendered underpinnings of feminist mobilization. The book follows four women's organizations that break with traditional gender norms and defy armed groups' social and territorial control, exposing them to retributive punishment. Through rich evidence, the book demonstrates how women are able to surmount the barriers to mobilization when they frame their actions in terms of resistance rather than fear.

One of the key themes of High-Risk Feminism in Colombia is the impact of violence on women's lives. The book highlights the ways in which women's experiences with violence catalyze them to mobilize and resist as feminists. Women who have experienced violence are often more aware of the social and political injustices that exist in their communities and are more likely to take action to address them. However, engaging in feminist mobilization can be risky, as women face high levels of risk, including physical harm, sexual violence, and social exclusion.

The book explores the various strategies that women's organizations use to mobilize and resist. These strategies include organizing protests, lobbying government officials, and providing support to victims of violence. Women's organizations also work to challenge the social and cultural norms that perpetuate gender inequality and violence. For example, some organizations work to promote gender equality in education, while others work to address the root causes of violence, such as poverty and inequality.

Despite the challenges that women's organizations face, High-Risk Feminism in Colombia shows that they can be successful in achieving their goals. The book provides examples of women's organizations that have successfully challenged the social and political status quo and have made significant contributions to the development of Colombia's society. For example, the National Women's Organization of Colombia (ONAM) has been a leading advocate for women's rights for over 30 years and has played a key role in the implementation of the country's gender equality laws.

However, the book also highlights the challenges that women's organizations face in Colombia. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of resources and support. Women's organizations often face financial constraints, which make it difficult to carry out their work. They also face discrimination and violence from armed groups and other social actors.

To address these challenges, the book calls for increased support for women's organizations. This support can come in the form of financial assistance, training, and political support. Governments can also play a key role in promoting gender equality and protecting women's rights.

In addition to its academic significance, High-Risk Feminism in Colombia has important implications for the broader society. The book shows that women's experiences with violence can be a powerful catalyst for social change. By mobilizing and resisting, women can help to create a more just and equitable society.

However, the book also raises important questions about the role of men in feminist mobilization. While women's organizations are often led by women, men can also play a significant role in supporting and promoting feminist causes. The book highlights the importance of men's involvement in feminist mobilization and suggests that men can be allies in the fight for gender justice.

In conclusion, High-Risk Feminism in Colombia is a groundbreaking book that sheds light on the experiences of grassroots women's organizations that united to demand gender justice during and in the aftermath of Colombia's armed conflict. It challenges the traditional narrative that focuses on women's roles as mothers, peacemakers, or revolutionaries and instead highlights the gendered underpinnings of feminist mobilization. The book provides rich evidence to document how women are able to surmount the barriers to mobilization when they frame their actions in terms of resistance rather than fear. By increasing support for women's organizations and promoting gender equality, we can help to create a more just and equitable society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978827097