AWSA-BE marks two decades of feminist, anti-racist work in Belgium
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
In Belgium, the non-profit organization AWSA-BE celebrated 20 years of work connecting feminism and anti-racism by hosting an event at Amazone, a center for gender equality.
Noura Amer founded AWSA-BE in 2006 after moving to Belgium from Lebanon in 1998, noticing a need to counter victimizing representations of women from foreign backgrounds. The group drew inspiration from Nawal El Saadawi, an Egyptian feminist who sought to establish a Brussels branch of her AWSA International association, though AWSA-BE ultimately operated independently.
AWSA-BE has consistently focused on cultural activities like Arabic language courses and choirs as ways to empower women and challenge stereotypes. The organization defines itself as feminist, secular, and open to all genders, and works to build bridges between communities while addressing intersecting systems of oppression. Since 2013, AWSA-BE has been officially recognized for its work in adult education, developing resources available both online and at the Walada library.
Beyond educational materials, AWSA-BE works directly with women on issues like reproductive and sexual health, particularly within communities where such topics are often taboo. They also collaborate with family planning centers to train professionals on cultural and religious sensitivities, ensuring young people from diverse backgrounds don’t face conflicting expectations.
The group remains vigilant against the rise of racism and the potential for its work to be co-opted, especially in a polarized political climate, and emphasizes the importance of celebrating the achievements of women from the Arab world.
