Femmes not numbers (FR)
Mujeres no números (ES)
Last week, all rooms, buildings and terraces of our new headquarters have been named after women and feminist organisations that have made history. This action, on which we would like to communicate today, is neither institutional nor official; it is the result of a spontaneous get-together of about thirty members of Médecins du Monde.
Being an organisation of its time, Médecins du Monde is tainted by sexism, as is the entire society of which it is part of. It is also an organisation of its time when it decides that it can and should act for this sexism to cease. We, members of MdM, want an organisation not only respectful of women’s rights but truly committed to the feminist fight, including within the organisation itself.
Being a feminist NGO is recognising that equality between men and women has not been achieved, and that it can still be widely challenged;
is admitting that the dominant relationship of men over women is still a foundation on which our society is built;
is having the knowledge that history has been largely written by men and that it focuses almost exclusively on male figures and their narratives that have defined our range of possibilities;
is understanding that it is therefore crucial to create many more spaces in which women’s journeys and their contributions to the achievement of major rights for themselves, as well as for populations and even entire nations, are known and visible;
and it is much more: there are still many more considerations to be made, difficult questions to be raised and discussions to be launched so that Médecins du Monde can play an active role in this struggle, which is resolutely in line with our fight for equity and social justice. The invisibilisation of women is one of the sources of more serious inequalities, including those we are fighting against;
Our institutional bodies must carry some of the necessary work, but change will not be real nor sustainable without militant momentum, without the commitment of Médecins du Monde’s community to this fight. Our group made up of volunteers and employees, women, and men, wanted a symbolic and strong gesture, optimistic and serious, because we know that this fight will not be won by allowing ourselves to be carried along by a lukewarm and timid current; it will be won at the cost of conquering spaces, until it is no longer necessary for women to demand the right to be visible and recognised.
To know more : laboussole@medecinsdumonde.net
Downlaoad the file
English version soon available
