BIRMINGHAM, England — The Filia conference has successfully wrapped up, drawing a record attendance of 2,400 participants and featuring 250 speakers. This event is hailed as the largest grassroots feminist gathering in Europe, showcasing a diverse array of discussions that tackled pressing issues facing women today. Despite experiencing violence at the venue aimed at disrupting the gathering, the conference proceeded, highlighting the resilience of those advocating for women’s rights.
Participants and speakers at the conference addressed a range of topics, including rising misogyny, the spycops scandal, and the exploitation of vulnerable women within the surrogacy industry. The challenges faced by migrant women and those living in poverty were also central to discussions. Moreover, the event marked a significant moment for the trade union network, which aimed to build stronger ties with the labor movement.
The reluctance among some groups to engage with Filia due to its sex-realist viewpoints on contentious gender issues poses questions about the future of feminist dialogue in the labor movement. As feminist issues gain traction in wider societal debates, the unions must not isolate themselves from emerging feminist perspectives, especially at a time when their representation in the workforce is limited.
Critics have noted that attacks on Filia’s right to assemble and speak freely undermine fundamental principles of free speech and assembly. The reluctance to engage in open dialogue over differences in opinion can stifle meaningful discussions, driving wedges within the feminist movement. Participants have called for an end to these attacks and for dissent to be addressed through debate rather than boycotts.
This year’s conference also emphasized the need for solidarity among women across various sectors, highlighting how collaboration could be vital in addressing shared challenges. Many attendees expressed a commitment to foster an inclusive feminist movement, one that embraces diverse perspectives rather than alienating them.
As the conference concluded, the conversations sparked by participants continued to resonate, with many eager to carry forward the momentum. The vibrant discussions, as well as the solidarity displayed among attendees, underscored a commitment to advancing women’s rights in the face of adversity. With the labor movement at a critical juncture, it is essential for unions to reconnect with these grassroots efforts to effectively represent all workers.
The Filia conference demonstrates not only the resilience of feminist activism but also the necessity of addressing complex issues that affect women today. As organizers look to the future, the challenge will be to maintain the dialogue initiated at the conference and to ensure that all voices are heard in the ongoing fight for equality.