Zwischen sozialem Widerstand und dem Kampf fur basisdemokratische interne Strukturen: Feministinnen im Berliner Sozialforum

In: Peripherie: Politik, Ökonomie, Kultur, Band 25, Heft 99, S. 370-377

Abstract

In 2003, about 15 people from the parliamentary & non-parliamentary left formed the Initiative for a Social Forum in Berlin. The purpose was to make an imaginable world possible & initiate the process of basic democracy. One third were women. Gender relationships had been depoliticized & became a private business matter with no political resolutions for gender problems. Open political rallies were the most common form of social expression. It was necessary to meet regularly, to become better known to workgroups, press & local organizations. During the Initiative's first year, men used it destructively & blocked many issues. Conflicts were not openly discussed & nothing practical came of the meetings. Later the Initiative changed to a more "local" one. Forums were organized for self-understanding & discussions for a broader Berlin audience. With homeless groups, churches & trade organizations the Initiative created activities supported by Berliners. The women fought for gender-political topics. Only men from the left wing were open to women's topics. In the third year the Initiative shrank. Currently too little enthusiasm is at hand to keep the political agenda of women afloat. Not enough women are willing to come up with new ideas. It has become a splintered social-political entity. References. S. Block