UNTIL 18 APR – Ecofeminist Circles

‘Concerned with equality for all life forms, ecofeminism is a form of socialism in its deepest sense.’ — Ariel Salleh

During our Summer School 2023, we engaged with the subjects of ecofeminism and eco-socialism. Given the intense and fruitful discussions, we have decided to dedicate a new special program to continue the encounters. Anyone interested in these topics is welcome to participate.

Keywords: feminism, ecology, ecofeminism, biosphere, symbiosis, sustainability, Anthropocene, embodied

Ecofeminism emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating women’s vital contributions to social reproduction. This recognition is closely linked to the need to acknowledge and value the intricate and interconnected contributions of the biosphere and lifeworld. With the planetary ecosystem at risk of radical destabilization due to global heating, such recognition cannot be solely cultural; it must translate into political change. However, veterans of feminist and ecological struggles, such as Ariel Salleh and Mary Mellor, identify capitalism as the primary force perpetuating not only patriarchy but also racism, homophobia, and an alienated and extractive, short-term profit-oriented attitude towards the planet, which threatens human survival.
For this reason, Salleh and Mellor argue that eco-feminism should be complemented by an eco-socialist practice with the jurisdictional capability to regulate the capitalist sector and prevent further reckless endangerment of the biosphere.

Through these meetings, our goal is to foster an ongoing dialogue and active participation in ecofeminist criticism and discussions. The texts, images, films and other materials that result from these meetings are intended to make meaningful contributions to the urgent need for political interventions.

In each session we will focus on a text which is proposed at the foregoing session, and which will be distributed to registered participants. It is expected that all attending participants have read this text so we can discuss it in detail. At the close of each session participants can also propose their own texts for discussion during the next session. Depending on how long and demanding individual texts are, we may be able to discuss more than one per session.

Circles are not ordinary reading groups; they are a hybrid series of gatherings centered around specific topics. The Ecofeminist Circles occur monthly, for 6 sessions. One session lasts for two hours. We offer online participation for those unable to attend in person. The Ecofeminist Circles will be held in English.

Circles are open to participants from all backgrounds and levels of knowledge. Each session is intentionally designed as an active process where everyone’s, and every kind of input is valued. Participants are encouraged to be patient and forgiving with each other as we strive to deepen our understanding using the experience and skills we bring to the table.

The Circles methodology is hybrid. This means that every session is part a: Workshop: dedicated to creating texts or art related to the subject. Research group: engaged in finding, brainstorming, and discussing texts, media, and artworks relevant to the subject.
Experimental exercise: incorporating meditative and performative practices to open up the sessions to additional dimensions of inspiration.

Entree

5 euro, reservation is obligatory

Location

West Den Haag, Lange Voorhout 102 The Hague & online

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