Launched in July 2020, the Young Feminist Network (YFN) has become one of ESSL’s most vibrant and impactful initiatives. The YFN brings together young feminists aged 16-35 across Sri Lanka to foster a community of young people passionate about gender equality, social justice, and political change in a safe and accessible space.
YFN’s Narrative Reading Lists: A vital component of the Young Feminist Network is our Reading List, which is curated to provide readers with relevant and thought-provoking feminist content. We select a feminist theme or issue and compile a variety of readings, audiovisual materials, and interviews that explore that topic from multiple perspectives.
Reading List on ‘Masculinities’
At the invitation of Everystory Sri Lanka, I put together this reading list on the broad theme of masculinity. As with any attempt to condense a vast and evolving field that spans decades and vast geographies, it is imperfect and partial. However, I believe it offers a glimpse into a diverse range of works—ranging from historical, theoretical and empirical investigations to policy-oriented and journalistic accounts. There are some Sri Lanka-specific works and others from around the world. The readings are grouped thematically, allowing you, the reader, to choose which ones resonate with you and engage with them at your own pace.
Reading List on “Feminism, Design, and Creativity”
In its simplest explanation: graphic design is about using visuals like fonts, pictures, colours, and arrangements to share ideas and feelings. Designers make things like logos, websites, posters, books, and ads (to name a very few) look good and organised using colour theory, image-making, illustrations and typography. They also solve problems to make information easier to understand, online and offline (print and digital). Graphic design is important for how we see and use information and how that information is visually presented to us.
Narrative reading list on “Girlhood”
Stepping out of the frame of childhood and into girlhood is a fascinating and momentous time for adolescent girls as they begin to develop their own independent ideas and a sense of the world; it is also when they first begin to experience how injustice and patriarchy have a direct impact on their lives…
The program supports young feminists through several key activities, including:
Learning Circles and Capacity-Building Workshops: These sessions offer opportunities for young women to engage with feminist experts, activists, and scholars on critical topics such as labour rights, care work, climate change, and the role of women in politics.
Community Events and Teach-Outs: YFN hosts monthly events where young women can meet like-minded individuals, learn from established feminists, and experience solidarity and empowerment.
Mentorship and Peer Learning: The network offers mentorship opportunities where more experienced feminists can provide guidance, support, and resources to the younger generation.
