JASS believes that women who are most affected by the political, economic, environmental and health crises reverberating across the world are on the frontlines of change.  While they rarely have a seat at the decision-making table, they are organizing their communities, developing solutions and promoting justice—often at great risk for going against the grain. As a global women-led human rights network of activists, popular educators and scholars in 31 countries, we work to ensure women leaders are more confident, better organized, louder and safer as they take on some of the most critical human rights issues of our time.

Mission

JASS is dedicated to strengthening the voice, visibility, and collective organizing power of women to create a just, sustainable world for all. Our feminist movement-building and popular education strategies combine innovative learning, organizing, communications and action that equip and energize activists, expand alliances and mobilize women’s movements for greater political influence and to ensure the safety of activists in an increasingly risky world.  Founded in 2002 as a community of practice by activists, popular educators and scholars from 13 countries, JASS’ generates cutting-edge knowledge about power, movements and change to shape the theory, practice and policies for advancing women’s rights and democratic change.  Working with women and diverse organizations in 27 countries, JASS’ agile regional and international structure and processes are designed to support grassroots organizing as well as local-to-global solidarity and action, placing frontline activists and agendas at the heart of our social justice work.

Vision

We believe that achieving women’s equality is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century and one that will radically improve the lives of all peoples and the survival of our planet.  And feminism – maligned and misrepresented as it may be today – is rich with the kinds of ideas, values, vision and strategies that are vital for an alternative path toward a better, more people-and planet-centered democratic and peaceful world.

Solving gender inequality will improve everyone’s lives and reduce violence, yet defies magic bullets and linear solutions.  It is not simply a matter of courageous heroes, efficient organizations, new gadgets, better technology, clearer legislation, better research or more money – though all of these things can help.  Changing policies, laws, institutions and how they’re implemented are all essential but insufficient.