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By Jivka Marinova An International Youth Camp is being held parallel to the World Social Forum 2004, similar to that set up in Porto Alegre at the last WSF. The camp hosts 3,500 young women and men from all over the country, and a few non-Indian participants as well. One-day passes for people who don't want to camp are also available. Around 80,000 people are expected to visit the camp over the five days of the World Social Forum. What is striking is that there seems to be a relative gender balance among the participants. The issues of gender and patriarchy are central to the programme of conferences and workshops. January 18 saw activities ranging from an introduction to self-defence for women, a large conference on 'Gender and Patriarchy', a workshop on violence against women and a photo-exhibition on women's lifecycles. Speaking to the participants, it was clear that the issue of feminism and gender relations was the one issue that raised the most 'tension'. While everyone agreed that imperialist globalisation should be fought, there is not the same joint enthusiasm to fight patriarchy, it would seem. The reality for young Indian women (and men) is changing, but slowly, in a country where there is still a difference between 'marriage' and 'love marriage'. Taboos surrounding sexuality are being dismantled. Several young women spoke up about the unacceptability of blaming women victims of rape. One woman asked why there was no virginity test for boys as well, if it was so important for girls. She also blamed men for choosing to marry 'traditionalist' women 'who will take care of your every need', although they claim to agree with the need for equality. Although some men reacted in a defensive way, the general atmosphere was one of great respect for the young women standing up to speak. Judging from the loud applause for the comments and perspectives of a middle-aged Indian feminist speaker, it would seem as if the Indian women's movement will have no problem re-generating, and that a new generation of feminists is ready to participate and take the struggle forward. Source: www.ciranda.net , January 19, 2004
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