Welcome everyone to Women’s Magazine! I’m Margo Okazawa-Rey, filling in for Jovelyn Richards, who usually hosts the “Space Between Us” Program. I’m on the air from Berkeley California, on occupied Ohlone territory. Thanking all the Ohlone ancestors and mine for another day.
We in the US have no question that the processes and the results of the 2020 presidential election reflect the history, the current political climate, and the future of this country. More than 150 million voters turned out—breaking records. Though not surprising, one very noteworthy development always to keep in mind is that the organizers and voters of colour—African American, Asian American, Latinx, and Native American-all played critical roles in this year’s election. They saved America. Special kudos and appreciations to the Black, and queer women-led Movement for Black lives, and all allies, that constitute the biggest movement in US History. In other words, the seriousness of this election has not been understated.
As we think and learn about the implications for the US, let’s also consider the global implications. As the saying goes, “when the US sneezes, the rest of the world catches pneumonia.”
I am delighted to have this extra show today, just after the elections, to give us a more global perspective. I interviewed feminists from various parts of the world and asked them two questions:
· What is your reactions to the outcome of the US presidential elections?
· What difference will the Biden-Harris administration make on the lives of the women in your country?
We feature Ruth-Gaby Vermot, former Swiss Parliamentarisn of the Socialist Party, Bern, Switzerland; Randa Siniora is a Palestinian human rights and women’s rights defender; Kunthea Chan Just Associates Southeast Asia (SEA) Regional Program Coordinator, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Kozue Akibayashi is a feminist researcher/activist in Kyoto, Japan; Corazon Valdez Fabros, Philippines feminist activist; and Kamla Bhasin, who lives in New Delhi, is an Indian feminist activist, poet, and author.