Taking Accountability

For many students in the U.S., studying abroad is an exciting chapter of their undergraduate career. While it is expected to revel in a new culture and enjoy the perks that come with that, few anticipate the uncomfortable realisations that also accompany this journey. Notably, the awareness of a flawed worldview. In a place such as Berlin, where professors come from beyond just Germany, such as Istanbul and Cairo, the U.S. or “global north” centric perspective is exposed, along with just how limiting that is. This is especially true for those involved in feminist studies. As feminists, we are consistently evaluating power structures, yet I believe those of us based in the “global north” often overlook how our location enables us to exert privilege and power over those in the “global south.”

Some may question why it is important to even recognise this. In the United States, feminists are dealing with increasing attacks on them, from slashed funding to doxxing and personal attacks. With so much on our plates, is it really important to reflect on our feminism and question how it centers a “global north” perspective? Yes. Feminists in the “global south” are struggling just as much, if not more, from a lack of funding and attacks. Strengthening the global feminist network is needed now more than ever, and this requires recognising our own privilege, allowing us to work together cohesively in our missions. It also makes us better feminists. As mentioned previously, feminists examine power structures and privilege, focusing on uplifting those who are marginalised. Not only does the “global north” (and particularly those who are White) routinely marginalise the “global south,” but we exploit it. While we may not be actively participating in the actions that spur this, we undoubtedly benefit from this, especially financially.

So, how can we reflect on our “global north” or White perspectives in our feminism? I argue by taking accountability. This is often a scary word, and even a confusing one at times. However, through examining various feminist resources, I have identified three key lessons that can help feminists in the “global north” take accountability and reflect on their positionality.

#1: Acknowledge Complicity  

Leila Billing (We are Feminist Leaders) has posted a lot of great pieces on accountability in the past few years. From FAIR SHARE’s own website, she shares the following quote:

“There’s this intoxicating idea that our leaders have to be perfect (and feminists are held to an even higher standard). But there’s no purity in a deeply damaged world. If we acknowledge we’re already complicit, accountability can feel much less painful.”

As a young feminist, there’s this great fear that people will detect that I do not belong in feminist spaces. I am not smart enough, not old enough, not experienced enough. Not enough, period. This can feel like being backed into a corner, where you can never admit to mistakes or wrongdoings. Now that I have gone through three years of college, I recognise that feeling is unfounded. Making mistakes (and learning from them!) is integral to feminism, and fellow feminists will support rather than judge you.

This ties into complicity, where people do not want to acknowledge their failure to be model feminists or activists. But the truth is, there is no “model feminist.” Humans are imperfect, especially in the “deeply damaged world” we live in, as Leila phrases it. Instead of posing as someone we are not, we need to reflect our true selves. For example, as an American, I am complicit in my “global north” view. I floated through my schooling largely unaware of the major problems feminists face in other parts of the world, specifically the “global south.” Now, however, I am holding myself accountable by acknowledging my ignorance and further educating myself. I am also complicit in my benefits from colonisation as a multigenerational American citizen. This does not mean that I should never participate in feminist movements, but it is essential to acknowledge how I have benefited from the system as a White woman to then strive to fight it.

#3: Data, Feedback, Advocacy 

On the topic of learning from “global south” views, the Global Fund for Women facilitated the Feminist Accountability Framework for the Generation Equality Forum, which provides a guide for accountability in feminist leadership. It was created by feminist movements and grassroots organisations from the “global south” and was spurred by the Generation Equality Forum. The framework was made to ensure that funding is properly attributed, as “only 1.9 percent of all funding for gender equality makes it to women and girls.” They recommend three phases to do so: data, feedback, and advocacy. Memory Kachambwa (Femnet), a Co-design group member, explains: 

“Feminist accountability looks at the gray areas. It’s about ensuring that we are not being extractive. It recognizes the interlinkages to human rights and that contribution comes at a cost. It recognizes that data is cognizant of different types of knowledge and that resources need to be invested to move beyond usual forms of data collection.” 

This guide can be used for more than just proper funding. For any feminist issue, collecting data and feedback that then fuels your advocacy is vital, a lesson “global north” feminists must heed. You cannot enter a new situation and automatically know what will be best for a community. Take accountability for your work and learn from the people living in that reality about what is best.