INTERNATIONAL FEMINIST SUMMIT

“Women of Ideas: Feminist Thinking for a New Era”

17 - 20 July 2007 - Townsville Australia

* * CALL FOR PAPERS * *

 

The Summit organising collective invites women from around the world to consider letting your voice be heard at this important feminist summit. We invite you to submit an abstract in one of the following categories:

1. Point of View: a five-minute presentation intended to be a short sharp opinion piece. This is an opportunity for you to be dynamic, creative, passionate and focused.

2. Short Paper: a ten-minute paper intended to allow for the development of ideas. This is an opportunity to present your arguments on any area of feminist thought and activism related to the themes of the summit.

3. Thinking Aloud: A unique, alternative opportunity to present your ideas comes in the form of a special event scheduled in each half-day session of the summit. Each event will feature keynote speakers and selected participants in an interactive exchange aimed at further exploring significant ideas raised in the earlier part of the session.....

This option provides you with an opportunity to think on your feet (without prior preparation) and present your thoughts and ideas in response to the issues raised.

To be selected to participate in the "thinking aloud" sessions, you will need to nominate one of the six themes and outline your particular interest or expertise in that area.

FORMAT

Rather than concurrent sessions in break-out rooms (as is the usual practice at large conferences), all presentations will be delivered to the whole summit assembly and will focus on issues related to one or more of the following themes:

THEMES

1.  MILITARISM and VIOLENCE
Topics: militarism, domestic and family violence, war, terrorism, torture, rape, sexual abuse of children, sexual slavery, torture of lesbians, racism, refugee issues, fundamentalism, nationalism.

2. SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
Topics: sexual exploitation, pornography, prostitution, trafficking for sex, cosmetic surgery, reproductive issues, media images, fashion, popular culture.

3. GLOBALISATION
Topics: economic globalisation, trade, poverty, resources, oil, food production, drug-dumping, sustainability, population control, reproductive issues, women’s health, feminist economics, migration for labour.

4. ETHICS AND POWER
Topics: ethics, power, international relations, women’s speech, exclusion, politics, decision-making, women’s human rights.

5. IDENTITY AND CITIZENSHIP
Topics: women’s citizenship, Indigenous experience, lesbian knowledge, racism, multiculturalism, colonisation, exile, exclusion, diversity, politics, women in prison, disability.

6. 21st CENTURY ACTIVISM
Topics: feminist activism, feminist history, global feminism, women’s health, women’s studies, environmental issues, alliances, creativity, women’s culture, looking to the future.

 

ABSTRACTS

Abstracts are to be 100-200 words in length and should indicate clearly what the content and purpose of your contribution will be. The following details must be included in your submission:

. Full name of presenter

. Presenter’s preferred title

. Complete mailing address

. Organisation (if any)

. Telephone, fax, mobile, email

. Presentation category(e.g., Point of View, Short Paper or Thinking Aloud)

. Title of presentation (if Point of View or Short Paper)

. Theme (nominate one of the following themes):

- Militarism and Violence
- Identity and Citizenship
- Sexual Exploitation
- Globalisation
- Ethics and Power
- 21st Century Activism

. Abstract (100-200 words).

Please email to: Betty McLellan

or fax to: +61 7 4728 5688

or mail to:

International Feminist Summit
Betty McLellan
PO Box 688
Townsville, Australia 4810

All presenters must be registered for the summit.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ABSTRACTS:
1 April, 2007

If you would like more information, or would just like to let us know your initial ideas about your presentation, please feel free to email:

Betty or Jo

We welcome the opportunity for dialogue.