In this moment of global and domestic crisis, we at Inter Pares are thinking carefully about our own contribution, and our own actions, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As an organization rooted in feminism, we are looking at this situation from a feminist and social justice lens. We see the pandemic exposing and exacerbating inequities, vulnerabilities and greed; we also see a groundswell of compassion, kindness, and solidarity around the world. The stark reality that our individual well-being is predicated on the well-being of everyone else on this planet has been laid bare. The global has never before been more local; the personal never more political.
Inter Pares has always supported feminist and social justice activism over the long term. We understand that these struggles will transcend any one moment of crisis or victory. The quest for social justice extended beyond the fall of the Marcos dictatorship in the Philippines, the faltering path to democracy in Burma, the fall of the dictatorship in Sudan, and the signing of peace agreements in Colombia, as it will beyond this pandemic. Inter Pares works with activists and movements around the world who take this long view – while still focusing on and responding to the moment we are in.
Our programmatic work during this pandemic will continue to both focus on the moment, but also on the long-term. We will:
As the winds of misogyny, xenophobia, oppression and economic injustice blow across the globe even in this COVID-19 moment, Inter Pares will support and sustain movements of resistance. This approach takes patience and persistence, and a deeply held belief in the power of solidarity. It also takes the strength of our collaborators and donors, who stand with us. All of this is incredibly powerful, and ultimately hopeful.
Though the present moment is incredibly jarring, we look to the words of activist Arundhati Roy, “Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. . . on a quiet day, if I listen very carefully, I can hear her breathing.”
We wish you and yours love, health and safety.
Inter Pares