[img_assist|nid=2361|title=|desc=|link=popup|align=left|width=113|height=150]This past weekend, AF3IRM, the Association of Filipinas, Feminists Fighting Imperialism, Re-feudalization, and Marginalization (formerly GABRIELA Network/GABNet) presented and participated at the First International Babaylan Conference, a historic gathering of Filipinas at Sonoma State University, California. AF3IRM/GABNet National Organizing Director Ivy Quicho and Dr. Annalisa Enrile, former National Chairperson of AF3IRM/GABNet and member of the Mariposa Center for Change steering committee, presented "Filipina Archetypes from the Babaylan onward and the spirit of women's activism."
Speaking to a group of Filipina youth, professionals, academics, healers, and artists, Dr. Enrile and Ivy Quicho presented the main archetypes of women throughout Philippine history, the attributes that have shaped the Filipina in the collective psyche, and why these fuel activism. "It's important to highlight activism, in addition to recognizing Filipina babaylans' cultural contributions; we felt the need to bring to the forefront the role of babaylans in opposing colonization and how their legacy must live on in our contemporary practice," explained Quicho.
Dr. Enrile and Ivy Quicho presented their respective organizational experience in AF3IRM/GABNet and the Mariposa Center for Change as examples of activism, and moderated a dynamic and interactive workshop. They highligted AF3IRM/GABNet's relationship with the Philippines, and announced a new phase of work for AF3IRM/GABNet.
"There's a need for a genuine Filipina transnational, anti-imperialist feminist practice. We can no longer be bound by archetypical frameworks that do not fit us, our context, or our communities. The organization formerly known as GABRIELA Network was in need of true transformation, thus AF3IRM was born," stated Dr. Enrile.
AF3IRM is a Filipina anti-imperialist, feminist, transnational organization in the United States - the first of its kind. Formerly known as GABRIELA Network USA (GABNet), AF3IRM is born out of the evolution of the over 20 years of national and international work done by GABNet.
