The journey of a grantee partner at FRIDA is one that we value the most, especially as it is so varied and forms its own path as the years go by. From orientation and onboarding, regular/ongoing communications, to capacity development and exchange opportunities that manifests itself in FRIDA’s funding plus model, ongoing learning, monitoring and evaluation to an exit and transition process, this journey encompasses a variety of opportunities and represents complex, multi-layered experience. Typically, FRIDA prioritises young, emerging and newly formed collectives and groups and we aim to support them for a period of 3-5 years. This is a significant time period for a feminist collective to learn, grow and become sustainable and we are committed to creating an exit and transition process that encourages the self-sustainability and continued inclusion of groups in the FRIDA community. A grantee partner remains a part of the FRIDA universe long after it has transitioned out, as we believe that their journeys have been a learning and memorable process for all of us.
Feminist WorKShop,
Ukraine
Feminist Workshop, based in Lviv, Ukraine joined FRIDA community in 2014. During the course of their journey with FRIDA, they have grown from an informal group to registered organization, changed their name from ‘Women’s Workshop’ to ‘Feminist Workshop’, and built strong connections with the local community in doing so.
Despite the unstable working conditions and the constant rotation of activists, the organization was able to
“We are truly happy to be partners with FRIDA as she really supported in strengthening local, grassroot feminist networks in our country. We understand how solidarity networks are beingbuilt via collaborative initiatives and regional convenings through FRIDA’s support."
Chouf, Tunisia
Chouf is an organization based in Tunis, Tunisia that joined FRIDA in 2015. Throughout their journey with FRIDA, Chouf has grown to become one of the most influential women groups in Tunis through their unique approach in using art to advance women and girls rights and more specifically LBT rights. Ever since it started, Chouf kept expanding its activities and has opened several spaces for women, girls and trans* youth and created several learning opportunities and workshops such as self defense classes and gender and sexuality workshops. In 2015, Chouf launched CHOUFTOUHONNA - Tunis International Feminist Art Festival that has become a yearly international event in Tunis, bringing together women, girls and trans artists from all over the world to perform, exhibit and create art. The festival is free and open to everyone to attend. Since 2015, they have been part of numerous partnerships, local and regional, that have contributed in advancing LGBT rights, women’s and girls’ rights as well as individual liberties. In 2018, Chouf collaborated with Fearless Collective to create a mural in downtown Tunis. The mural is a constant reminder of the importance of opening up more feminist spaces to fight patriarchy in men dominated spaces.
Girls United for HuMan RiGhts, PaKisTan
Girls United for Human Rights joined FRIDA community in 2014 with the aim to end forced girl marriage. A,
girl - led group based in Khyber PakhtunKhwa Province in Pakistan emerged as a result of personal experience and witness of injustice. Started by Hadiqa (founder) when she was 13 years old, the group has now grown into members, with teenage girls between the ages of nine and 18 working together.
For the past five years, group members worked very closely with local communities, particularly with girls, families, religious leaders, local legislators to bring attitudinal change towards early marriage and eliminate this practice. Their work with legislators and civil society members have not only amplified the concerns of girls on a local level, but also across the nation. This advocacy work has also led to increased political will to ensure that national legislation protects girls and young women from forced marriage. FRIDA was the first funder for this newly emerged group and since then, the group has expanded their reach and visibility despite constant pressure and harassment from civil society..
During their grantee partner journey with FRIDA, they have had access to diverse opportunities such as capacity development grant and special grants, and were able to secure additional funding from other donor (With and For Girls Collective). With this, they have represented their work at multiple key strategic events, which also contributed to strengthening their connections with other collectives across the globe.
“We are young women who cannot be silenced for long. The momentum is stirring within our bright eyed and hopeful young selves. The future generations of Pakistan are successful at spreading the message of love, not hate. Sons and fathers need to be taught that women are not a source of shame but utilitarian, productive and spirited members of society, wanting to give so much and asking for equality, respect and opportunity in return. That's why we have formed this all girl group”
Salud Mujeres,
Ecuador
Salud Mujeres was born as a feminist commitment of solidarity among women, to share information and knowledge that is strategic in the exercise of the right to decide, as well as to encourage public debate on the need for safe and legal services for women in the practice of abortions. The work of Salud Mujeres is the result of a long process of self-reflective, analytical and political work.
SOS SEXUALITÉ POUR TOUS (sexuality for all), DeMOcratic Republic of Congo
In 2011, a group of young women sex workers decided that they wanted to do something about the cruel and discriminatory treatment of sex workers in their community. SOS Sexualite Pour Tous was born out of this desire, and three years later the group joined the FRIDA community.
“We have influenced important changes in the community through our advocacy actions and awareness raising, though no law has been passed as a legal framework for the protection of sex work. However, a petition was submitted to the South Kivu Provincial Assembly ...The most useful means used by FRIDA to build the capacity of our organization would be the trainings, experience of exchange meetings, granting of capacity development fund, and providing recommendations.”