Intersectional Struggles: From Palestine to Southeast Asia for Global Justice, Food Sovereignty, and Gender Equality

The ongoing struggle for Palestinian self-determination is emblematic of broader global movements against oppression and genocide, highlighting the urgent need for solidarity and action from all corners of the world.

As the atrocities in Palestine continue, fueled by geopolitical interests, the international community is increasingly called upon to support the Palestinian cause. The International Court of Justice has recognized the ongoing genocide, yet the deafening silence from major world powers like the U.S. and Israel perpetuates the cycle of violence.

This struggle underscores the necessity of dismantling existing power structures that prioritize economic and political dominance over human rights, sovereignty, and dignity.

A unified global movement is crucial to challenge these injustices, emphasizing that true solidarity transcends borders and recognizes the interconnectedness of struggles for self-determination, justice, and peace. Similarly, the plight of marginalized communities in Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar, Indonesia, and the Philippines, resonates with the Palestinian experience. As regional mechanisms like ASEAN remain passive in the face of ongoing repression, local movements continue to mobilize for democracy and human rights.

The struggle of the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples and the common Bangsamoro in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the Philippines reveals a complex interplay of power dynamics that often leaves the most vulnerable communities marginalized even in the pursuit of autonomy.

This shared narrative of resistance against occupation and repression reinforces the imperative for collective action across regions. By fostering alliances among movements for justice—whether in Palestine, Myanmar, Indonesia, or the Philippines—we can build a robust framework for solidarity that prioritizes ecological justice, gender equalty, climate resilience, food sovereignty, and the rights of all oppressed peoples.

The struggle for food sovereignty is not just about agricultural autonomy but is deeply intertwined with social justice, challenging the structural inequalities between men and women. In rural areas, small farmers, both women and men, have faced the adverse effects of inconsistent development strategies, yet they continue to rally together for transformation. This struggle is not neutral; it must actively address the gendered dynamics that shape family farming, ensuring that solutions do not perpetuate women’s subordination within families or communities. Sustainable family farming, when grounded in fair social relations and gender equality, is a powerful route to sovereignty, but it requires intentional efforts to redistribute farm labor and decision-making.

Moreover, women’s voices must not be marginalized or overshadowed by other urgent demands. Compartmentalizing struggles or prioritizing certain forms of oppression over others only fragments the fight for true emancipation. It is essential to recognize that the battles for food sovereignty, climate justice, and gender equality are inseparable. Only by addressing these interconnected forms of exploitation and oppression can we build a society that is genuinely just, inclusive, and respectful of everyone’s rights, transcending the narrow, traditional hierarchies of struggle.

October 7, 2024

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1.Kilusang Maralita sa Kanayunan (KILOS KA), Mindanao, Philippines

2. LABAN Kababaihan, Mindanao, Philippines

3. Alyansa ng Mamamayan para sa Karapatang Pantao, BARMM, Philippines

4. Alliance of TriPeople for the Advancement of Human Rights, Mindanao, Philippines

5. Lanao Alliance of Human Rights Advocates – LAHRA – LAHRA, Mindanao, Philippines

6. Timuay Justice and Governance-TJG, BARMM, Philippines

7. Mindanao Peoples’ Peace Movement – CARAGA, Philippines

8. Partido Manggagawa, Philippines

9. Connect the Disconnected, Pakistan

10. Khaliq Youth Front, Pakistan