The Vanguards of Change: Challenges and Opportunities For Indigenous Youth and Women

Asia Centre’s 9th Annual International Conference will revolve around stories of resistance and pushback in defence of civic space in Asia. This topic is pressing and timely given the widespread contraction of civic spaces in the region which poses a threat to the future of democratic societies. 

There are many stories of resistance and pushback. However, efforts must continue not only to prevent civic spaces from shrinking but to reverse any contractions that have taken place. In order to comprehend and assess the implications of shrinking civic spaces on freedoms and to identify solutions, this policy and advocacy-oriented conference aims to take stock of the challenges faced by civil society actors. It will review their actions to date to resist and push back on shrinking civic space as well as identify innovative approaches to defend and enhance democracy in Asia.

International IDEA will convene a panel titled ‘The Vanguards of Change: Challenges and Opportunities For Indigenous Youth and Women', featuring:

• Renuka Gurung of International IDEA Nepal

• Edchamcy “Edward” Abelardo of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) & International IDEA IP Champions

• Professor Awi Mona of National Dong Hwa University 

• Falguni “Flora” Tripuraof Bangladesh Indigenous Women’s Network (BIWN)

• Charu Bikash Tripura of Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact

Interested in participating? Register here

Learn more about the conference.