How We Work
At the heart of IFC lies a commitment to grassroot, participatory approach, underpinned by the principles of intersectional feminism. Our members consist of our core members of women human rights defenders, as well as partners, donors and collaborators. Our core members consist of women across various regions including the Middle East, North Africa, Sudan, and South-East Asia.
We are committed to advancing the rights and well-being of women and marginalized communities, fostering a world that is more equitable and inclusive.
Structure and Working Methodology
IFC is built on the foundation of grassroots activism. We operate without hierarchy, ensuring that every voice is heard and every vote is equally valued.
Our work is manifested through local initiatives facilitated by IFC members and implemented across different countries, leveraging the local languages and cultures of our members to maximize impact.
Biannual meetings serve as meaningful moments for our network, providing opportunities for streghtening connections, strategizing and planning future actions. These gatherings are consisting of workshops and online meetings, aiming to meet up with the network two times a year in different countries.
Areas of Work
Protection, Promoting and Advocacy is our main areas of work, each area is crucial to the collective’s mission. Through these three interconnected areas of work, IFC strives to embody the principles of intersectional feminism, standing in solidarity with those we aim to support, promote and protect.
Protection
Protection stands as a cornerstone of IFC’s efforts, emphasising urgent action and support both before and after targeted incidents. Acknowledging that prevention alone is not enough, IFC strives to build a comprehensive system and safe space for those at risk. Our approach includes referral mechanisms, survival mapping and training in digital and physical security.
Guided by the principles of UNSCR 1325, IFC provides legal and psychological support, case management, and ensures the confidentiality and safety of its members. At the core of our protection efforts is a commitment to transforming systems, policies, and social norms, to prevent individuals from reaching a point where urgent protection becomes necessary, while recognizing our current limitations in capacity, resources, and security.
Promotion
As a network of grassroots activist, IFC serves as a bridge between local initiatives and larger organizations and decision-makers. In our work, promotion and protection go hand in hand; by safeguarding human rights, we also strengthen their visibility and value. Empowerment lies at the core of what we do, enabling our members and the communities we serve to claim the rights and take an active role in driving change. Rooted in our grassroots foundation, IFC amplifies marginalized voices and connects them to platforms where their concerns can be heard, recognize, and addressed.
Advocacy
Advocacy is central to IFC’s mission, raising awareness and ensuring legal safety, which our members see as a vital form of protection. For IFC, creating a safe space means respecting one another’s time, responding promptly and thoughtfully, and fostering an environment free from racism, sexism, discrimination, and ageism. Our code of conduct and ethics reflect these values and guide our collective identity.