We have seen in recent years, an increasing backlash against women rights around the world. Women rights activists, LBTQI communities and gender non-conforming people are subject to violence. Sexual and reproductive rights are also under attack making it even more dangerous for these communities to fully contribute in crisis and post-crisis contexts.  Oxfam and partner feminists’ organisations saw a need to unify our voices and stand in solidarity with all those women.

IMatter is a global movement of solidarity with all women during war and peace. It is a campaign joined by thousands of women across the globe to say I have a voice, I deserve to be heard and to take part in building peace, to be protected and to take part in the future of their country.

Women often bear the brunt of every crisis context, whether it is a war, famine or flood. Despite this, they are often the leaders in their community; they are the first responders to crisis, feeding people, delivering aid and emergency health care before NGOs and responding where INGO can’t reach. They negotiate local ceasefires, disarm their compatriots and after the crisis they rebuild their society and promote peace. Women’s role is rarely recognised and after the crisis, they are often pushed back into the private sphere and lose their hard-won gains.

We seek to make these women more visible, create space for them in decision-making and ask others to ‘give up their seat’ to support them to build their skills and confidence, so that they can advocate for their own agendas directly to decision makers.

We’ve seen a growing backlash against women’s rights around the world over the past few years. Women rights activists, LBTQI+ and gender non-conforming individuals are subjected to violence. Sexual and reproductive rights are also under threat, making the full participation of these groups during and after a crisis, even more dangerous.  We saw a need to unify our voices and stand in solidarity with all these people.

#IMatter is more than just a hash tag. It is a loose network which allows members to share knowledge and skills through an online platform called UBegin. All grassroots NGOs, NGOs or individuals can join this network if they are intersectional, transparent and promote gender justice.

Members can engage as much or as little as they feel comfortable. We ask that they keep us updated with the amazing work that they are doing in their communities and we will make sure that we use all our communications channels to profile this work.

The public campaign aims to move the policy agenda from niche to mainstream.

We want to build solidarity and connection between communities, partners and societies in the global north and south, recognising the universality of women’s experience.

We will do this by:

1. Touching the heart not the head by showcasing powerful women’s stories:  Women who have struggled to become leaders and succeeded.
2. Mobilizing hundreds of thousands of supporters, old and new, by carefully segmenting our audiences and engaging them with stories and content that speaks to their values.
3. Engaging in both online and offline activities connecting communities with diasporas and women’s groups to build a broader solidarity network e.g. Refugee groups in Canada.
4. Amplifying and supporting existing country level campaigns and seek opportunities to promote them at the regional and global level, where we can help the campaigns.

#IMatter shares power. Our governance structure has a rotating chair and all members have the same voting rights.

Absolutely!

#IMatter is working towards freedom and the dismantling of patriarchy. We want to ensure that women and girls are safe and can take up leadership roles as is their right. We need honest brave men to support and join our movement.

Changing the world will take a broad coalition of women, men, LGBTQI and gender non-conforming people to work together and build a dynamic movement that really brings

Every woman who can relate to the discrimination suffered by women, girls and LGBTI people in conflicts and crises. Every man or person who respects and listens to that voice.  Those who have not lived, or experienced conflict and crisis also must recognise their privilege, and that in many contexts it may be better to say “#SheMatters” or “#TheyMatter” to celebrate the achievement of these incredible women.

One-in-three girls or women will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime, and “the risk multiplies” during a conflict or natural disaster. Tackling sexual and gender-based violence within the wider context of implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda is central to long-term peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and sustainable development.

Gender-based violence (GBV) and Sexual and Gender based Violence (SGBV) is rooted in unequal gendered power relations and often increases in times of crisis. This is due to several factors, including: a breakdown of law and order leading to impunity for the perpetrators of violence; risks associated with displacement; and the use of rape as a weapon of war.

#IMatter acknowledges the realities men and boys face in conflict and crisis, we recognise that gender-based violence and human rights violations are perpetrated on men, including forced recruitment or sex selective massacres.  #IMatter is anchored in the principle that effective incorporation of gender perspectives and women’s rights can have a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of whole communities. A rising tide carries all boats.