Democracy & Participation

What happens when gender-based violence is seen not as a series of isolated incidents, but as a deliberate tool of power? Across Southeast Asia, deeply entrenched patriarchal structures and political patronage networks do more than just ignore violence, they often protect the status quo that enables it. 

A women-centered safe space is the foundation of any feminist support system. In the heart of Bangkok, International Women’s Day wasn’t just a date on the calendar; it was a living, breathing practice of sisterhood. 

In this second theme of the SEA Through Feminism dossier, we look at how climate change, agriculture, and land seizures are deeply gendered. Across Southeast Asia, women and rural communities often face the hardest impacts of environmental crises while carrying the vital work of care and nurturing. 

"So, this is a long journey – a long and difficult process. But it cannot begin if the majority votes 'No.' in this election. That’s why it’s crucial for us. We know it’s going to be a long fight, but without a majority to support it this time, we can’t even get started."

Peacebuilding – What does peace look like when defined by women at the grassroots rather than by generals at the table? Feminist movements across Southeast Asia are reshaping peacebuilding – moving beyond token inclusion to confront patriarchy, militarization, and inequality at their roots. 

Music and art have long been a refuge for those most marginalised, and in Southeast Asia they now fuel a new wave of women and queer artists shaping their own resistance. 

What happens, when cultural anxieties around sexual and gendered norms meet the ghost of Pontianak, the vengeful spectre of victims of sexual assault? The poet Marylyn Tan has them meet in a haunted ballroom – and gives us a glimpse of this in a fiery spoken word piece.

Rigid gender norms in Cambodia continue to reinforce a version of masculinity that tends to stifle progress toward gender equality. These outdated norms harm both women and men, fueling gender-based violence, and stigmatizing nonconformity.

From bold parades to quiet acts of resistance, Pride in Southeast Asia reflects diverse local realities and carries layered meanings – from political activism and visibility to celebration and community. 

To understand how Bangkok’s underground queer scene became what it is today, we transport ourselves back in time to explore where it all started in the early 1920s beginning with a beloved genre, Blues.

Since 2005, the ACSC/APF remains a valuable platform for civil society organizations in Southeast Asia fostering regional advocacy and solidarity. Over the years, it has attracted diverse organisations such as the members of the LGBTQI+. As the 2024 forum was recently held in Timor-Leste in September, this article looks back, reflects on the particular issues and concerns observed through the years and how these could be addressed to provide safe spaces for CSOs, particularly to countries with restrictive regimes.

Indonesia celebrated its 79th Independence Day with a historic ceremony in Nusantara, the new capital. Outgoing President Jokowi and incoming President Prabowo both took part in the event, symbolizing the shift to a new era. Despite the celebration, the move to Nusantara has sparked mixed reactions and debates.

Now in its 20th year, the ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN People’s Forum (ACSC/APF, the largest gathering of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Southeast Asia, has held a vital role as a platform for CSOs in voicing various concerns.

In the early morning of July 19th, 2024, an immense IT failure caused damage around the world, with repercussions that will be felt for months, resulting in, according to some specialists, the greatest cybernetic interruption in history.

The ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue offers opportunities for Member States to be more transparent and frank in their discussions of human rights – as the key avenue for making stronger progress through normalizing talk of human rights and addressing issues.  

With the changing geopolitical landscape, the Indo-Pacific Region is already beset with ongoing territorial disputes, security concerns, and democratic challenges. Southeast Asia, or ASEAN, is positioned at the heart of the Indo-Pacific.This article focuses on the role of state leadership and the non-state actors in forging a balanced and inclusive regional order as well as a more equitable and resilient Indo-Pacific region.

Indonesia, the third largest democracy in the world, has experienced a vibrant and stable democratic consolidation since the fall of the authoritarian regime in 1998. However, it is now facing an accelerated downfall – its democratic veins have been drained. Ironically, from the hands of its most lauded progeny. 

A small yet wealthy nation, Brunei Darussalam may seem a utopia to outsiders. Yet, beyond the richness of its façade, 1 in 8 people may be living with a mental health problem, considering that the population is under a half-million. Hence, in response, the country implemented laws, such as Mental Health Order 2014, to reduce the stigma and continue the conversations surrounding mental health. 

The Global Feminist Pitch is back to support aspiring, feminist documentary filmmakers from Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and (South) Eastern Europe. Apply now!