The second webinar in the Feminist Circle Series, titled “Post-Pandemic Feminism: How Has the Pandemic Contributed to Transforming the Feminist Movement,” was held by the Asfari Institute on June 21, 2021. Organized in collaboration with Oxfam and Marsa, this series aims to engage feminist activists, international organizations, and scholars in dialogue around contemporary feminist issues and to explore feasible solutions. The webinar provided a platform for reflecting on the ways in which the pandemic has transformed feminist activism, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the feminist movement.

Impact of the Pandemic on Feminist Activism

The pandemic significantly altered the landscape of feminist activism, especially in regions like Algeria and Iraq. Frida Wahrania discussed how Algerian feminists, who had been part of a broader anti-government movement, shifted from street protests to virtual activism as the pandemic imposed both a health and political quarantine. Online platforms became crucial spaces for discussing women’s rights and family regulations, though challenges like limited internet access and unfavorable social media algorithms hindered their efforts.

In Iraq, Nadia Mahmood shared how the pandemic exacerbated violence against women and disrupted nascent feminist movements. Despite these challenges, social media became a vital tool for lobbying for legal protections and addressing broader issues like economic stability. The rise of online bullying was a significant concern, but new feminist groups emerged to combat these issues, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of feminist activism during the pandemic.

Role of Social Media as a Feminist Tool

Social media played a central role in maintaining feminist activism amid the pandemic. Alia Awada emphasized how Arab women used social media to share knowledge and collaborate on common issues, despite the new challenges posed by patriarchy in the digital space. Anonymity on social media allowed for discussions on taboo subjects, pushing the boundaries of feminist discourse. However, Alia also noted that the economic collapse in Lebanon meant that funding priorities shifted, leaving critical women’s issues underfunded.

Lessons Learned for Post-Pandemic Feminism

The pandemic highlighted the need for feminist movements to adapt and find common ground, particularly in involving men in the struggle for gender equality. Nadia Mahmood stressed the importance of continuing the fight for women’s security and economic independence, while Reem Traboulsi argued for the integration of these issues into broader feminist agendas. Alia Awada and Miriam both underscored that the pandemic revealed the inadequacy of state responses to women’s needs. They emphasized that post-pandemic feminism must reject the erasure and lack of representation of women’s issues, advocating for a more assertive stance in demanding rights and protections for women.

Engaging Youth in the Feminist Struggle

Reem Traboulsi highlighted the importance of involving youth in feminist discussions and movements. She pointed out that anger can be a powerful motivator for challenging the status quo and driving social change. Engaging young people in feminist discourse is crucial for sustaining the momentum of the movement and ensuring its relevance in the post-pandemic world.

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