Feminist “Batucada” –Rythms of Freedom

The 26 January 2008, is the day of global action and mobilization of the World Social Forum. It is proposed the realization of a week of action which will culminate in this day. The movements are free to undertake any kind of action, working its themes and the format. We propose that the National Coordinations think about the main issue concerning the local conjuncture, and as for the action we propose the realization of a worldwide feminist “batucada”.

The feminist “batucada” is a group of activist, feminist, anti-capitalist and anti-racist women that, in Brazil, appears in 2003, as one more instrument on the World Mach of Women struggle. It is part of the actions against the commodification of the women’s body and life. The “batucada” is an irreverent space of permanent organization. Besides being an instrument for political discussion, it is an instrument for visibility of the March’s actions.

The “Batucada” is also an instrument of boldness in the construction of new rhythms, music and “slogans” from women’s daily life and struggles, that portrays them, being in the denunciation of the patriarchal society or in the alternatives women find to build an equal world.

The “Batucada” is a space where women can create and re-create. Besides music and activist rhythms, we show our irreverence and organize debates. To discuss global subjects of the society is an instrument to rebuild our daily life.

When we play, we’re saying we want other practices, and that we don’t accept the music culture- patriarchal and prejudiced- that we hear everyday on the radio, shows, and television, that uses woman as market bait.

The instruments we use are made, mostly of recycled materials, or materials that are part of our daily life. Plastic barrels, kerosene cans, soda or beer cans, broomsticks and plastic bottles are some of them.

Besides the debate and the joy provided by the “batucada”, the rhythms help create concentration, unity and strength in the moments of collective actions. Playing music is a direct form of political action, to take feminism into the streets, expressing our struggles and occupying public space.

We learn to organize ourselves and coordinate our own rhythms in an inclusive manner. Drumming is fun, makes us feel well and elevates our spirits face to adversity.