Experiencing patriarchy in every aspect of our lives we felt the need to unite and respond on our own terms. It is a fact that patriarchy is one of the most ancient faces of oppression and takes various forms within its very own creations, the nation-state and capitalism. Remnants of patriarchal behaviors and beliefs are also found in the liberal and anti-authoritarian space, which theoretically opposes any form of power but often ends up reproducing them. Living in a time period of continuous state repression, combined with the increase of published cases of gender-based violence and the passage of the bill of compulsory joint custody, we deemed it necessary to gather and collectivize. The overall stance of the judicial system towards the reported incidents confirms our distrust and intensifies our opposition to its branches. However, despite our opposing to this, we support and stand by every person who makes the choice of facing their traumas through legal means. This is the juncture for the creation of the open anti-patriarchal assembly “Fousta Kapelo”.
Wishing to set the framework in which we have decided to operate, our main goal is to create a space where each person will feel comfortable to express themselves. We participate as individuals -horizontally and anti-hierarchically-, while decisions are made collectively and there is a transparency of procedures. With these in mind and by resisting the tools given to us by the system, we are supportive of each experience and its management, with confidentiality and trust, we respect the pronouns of each individual, give space for everyone to express themselves and make reflective pauses to secure this space. No room is made for behaviors that strengthen and perpetuate the systems of power that govern the reality around us. Therefore we resist, and try to eliminate any behavior that takes on elements which are authoritarian, macho, sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, fatphobic, discriminative against people with mental and substance use disorders, manipulative or indicative of a “correct” handling of experiences, as well as any kind of victim blaming, mansplaining and concealment of the above behaviors.
In the context of the deconstruction of gender we fight for, we stand against the exclusion of masculinities, at least in our main procedures. We believe that setting up barriers by leaving out a portion of the population from their participation in the anti-patriarchal struggle collides with our efforts and consequently perpetuates gender binarism. Based on this, we hope to build a network of mutual help that includes all individuals who are affected by the dominant narratives of gender and sexuality. Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance to recognize the gender privilege one might have and toss it aside.
Knowing our limits and based on our limited strengths, we want to support individuals in every way possible (materially, politically, psychologically) and be next to each other so that marginalized voices can be heard, and to collectively carry the weight of the system. In the actions of the assembly we seek to produce discourses and events in the public sphere, create safe spaces for women, trans, non-binary individuals and whoever else needs them, and to begin conversations with other assemblies of a similar nature.
The weekly meeting is open to everyone; we discuss what worries us and organize extroverted actions, events, political cafes, self-education, screenings, experiential workshops, and solidarity funds for individuals who have experienced abuse.
Open Anti-patriarchal Assembly “Fousta Kapelo”