Activists’ Spotlight
Kinjell and Julia
The Abortion Rights Activist Bootcamp is a virtual training programme for abortion rights activists of all ages (18+), genders, and backgrounds who are just starting their activist journey.
Guided by our program, Activists plan and execute their own activism projects strategically designed to expand support for abortion rights within their local communities.
These blog posts showcase projects two of our activists designed, developed, and implemented!
Beyond the Binary
Kinjell has launched a podcast, Beyond the Binary, to open an intersectional, educated discussion on abortion rights. By amplifying the voices of six guests, the podcast aims to challenge stigma and advocate for bodily autonomy through diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
Kinjell explains that the objectives of the podcast is to:
“…challenge stigma, advocate for reproductive autonomy, and contribute to a more inclusive society by amplifying diverse voices, shaping public discourse, and promoting equitable access to abortion care. We hope to foster diverse perspectives through conversation by featuring a wide range of speakers.
Navigating challenges is part of any project launch; Kinjell reflects on a few barriers they encountered throughout the development of their project:
Finding the project was difficult because I wanted to collaborate with the university, and there were a lot of blockages. The podcast was a much more independent project. I had difficulty getting the news out and, thus, ideal speakers and guests.
Looking to the future, Kinjell speaks on what they are most excited about with respect to the launch of their podcast:
To learn more about the topic myself by having eye-opening conversations. To have engaging and interesting discussions that people want to listen to and engage with.
Keen to be a guest speaker? Register your interest via Twitter or LinkedIn!
My Body, My Book Club
Julia has launched an online book club, My Body, My Book Club, to connect feminists and activists to discuss different aspects of bodily autonomy. Each session features a discussion with an expert.
In their own words, Julia explains the objectives of the book club:
The aim is to connect people and communities, especially feminists/activists who might be interested in intersectionality but have never explored different aspects of discussions about bodily autonomy. Through literature, partnering with charities, and featuring expert guests, the book club discussions will be thematic, tackling a different topic each month and showcasing how we can support each other.
Navigating challenges is part of any project launch; Julia reflects on the aspect of promotion and engagement and how they actively addressed recruitment:
So far, the main challenge has been promoting the book club, although the mailing list and Twitter account are growing – and we already have enough bookings for the first session. I have been relentlessly emailing everyone I know to try to include the book club in their newsletters and social media.
Looking to the future, Julia speaks on what they are most excited about with respect to the launch of the book club:
I am excited about meeting new people and connecting with activists, building a network of feminists who care deeply about bodily autonomy and can support each other. I am also looking forward to reading great books highlighting the complexities of human experiences and adding nuance to important debates!
Hopefully, this project will run for a long time, as the possibilities are virtually endless, as we will explore different aspects of bodily autonomy, from abortion rights to domestic violence. If that happens, we will be actively contributing to charities and their vital work, as well as fostering a supportive network of feminists.
Interested in joining? Sign-up for Julia’s book club here!
Interested in participating in the next cohort of the Bootcamp? Sign-up here to be notified when applications open! Or visit our page to learn more about our mission and how to get involved in volunteer opportunities.
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