(By: Sobia Ali)

This October, Madrid became the global hub of feminist dialogue and strategic action as it hosted the Financing Feminist Futures (F4FF) Conference, organized by Walking the Talk. The event brought together activists, researchers, movement leaders, and organizations from across the world to reimagine the future of funding for gender equality and feminist movements — particularly in the Global South.
Special acknowledgment goes to Beatriz Polo García (Events Coordinator Consultant, Walking the Talk, Hivos) and Virginia Broering (Session Coordinator Consultant, Walking the Talk, Hivos) for their outstanding coordination and support throughout the process. Their professionalism and warmth helped create an inclusive, collaborative environment where voices from around the globe could be heard.

A Platform for Feminist Collaboration

The conference focused on strengthening cross-sector collaboration, protecting existing resources for gender equality, and identifying innovative approaches to sustain feminist movements worldwide. At a time when civic spaces are shrinking and financial barriers continue to challenge social justice work, F4FF served as a critical space to inspire strategy, solidarity, and collective action. Among the represented organizations was The Young Changemakers from Pakistan, a youth-led initiative dedicated to empowering young voices and advancing human rights through creativity, advocacy, and social action. Their participation marked a proud milestone, as the Young Changemakers’ concept and session proposal were officially approved and recognized at the global level.

Pakistan’s Voice Through Creativity
The approved session, titled “Financing Creativity for Change: How Arts-Based Interventions Drive Feminist Financing and Climate Justice,” was scheduled to be moderated by Sobia Ali, featuring community-based activists from Pakistan who have quietly worked for years to uplift marginalized women, girls, and other vulnerable groups. These activists, though not widely recognized or awarded, have been the backbone of grassroots transformation, leading awareness programs, organizing community theatre, and using art to challenge gender inequality and discrimination in their local contexts.
However, despite the timely submission of all documents and valid invitations, the Netherlands Embassy denied visas to the Pakistani participants. This unfortunate incident highlights a recurring challenge faced by activists from developing countries, particularly those advocating for climate justice, women’s rights, and human rights, who often struggle to secure visas for international conferences. Their exclusion not only undermines inclusivity but also silences grassroots voices that deserve to be heard on global platforms.

A Call for Equitable Representation

We respectfully urge the Netherlands Embassy, the Pakistan Embassy, and the Consulate General to reconsider such restrictive procedures that hinder equitable representation. Activists who dedicate their lives to meaningful causes should not be discouraged by bureaucratic obstacles that mute their contributions to global dialogue.

Resilience and Representation
Despite the setback, the Young Changemakers demonstrated remarkable professionalism and resilience. Staying true to their belief that “the face may change, but the voice must continue,” they refused to let barriers silence their message. Instead of withdrawing, the Young Changemakers reorganized the session with participants already based in Europe who held valid Schengen visas, ensuring Pakistan’s representation and the continuity of their cause.
The session was successfully moderated by Dr. Najam, representing the Chanan Development Association (a youth-led organization), alongside Dr. Lena from the Noreena Shams Foundation and Miss Sila, who joined Danish Sohail, Executive Director of The Young Changemakers, in representing Pakistan. Danish, who was already in Europe, took the lead in delivering The Young Changemakers’ message, highlighting the transformative role of creativity in advancing feminist and climate justice agendas.
He spoke passionately about how arts-based interventions can inspire social change, emphasizing that creativity is not merely a form of expression but a powerful tool for awareness, advocacy, and empowerment. “Investing in art is investing in feminist futures,” he said, underscoring that creativity has the power to unite, educate, and mobilize communities at the grassroots level.

Art as Resistance and Transformation

During the session, a short documentary titled “Investing in Arts is Investing in a Feminist Future,” directed by Sobia Ali, was screened. The film showcased how art and activism intersect to challenge societal barriers and spark change in Pakistan. It featured legendary Pakistani artists such as Sheema Kermani and the Rafi Peer Theatre Group’s Sadaan Peerzada, who have long used dance, theatre, and performance as tools for social awareness and resistance. The documentary reflected The Young Changemakers’ philosophy that art is not just culture — it is resistance, education, and transformation. Through creative expression, The Young Changemakers continue to engage grassroots communities on critical issues such as climate justice, early child marriage, and women’s empowerment, proving that art can move hearts where words alone cannot.

Reimagining Global Solidarity
Discussions during the session underscored the importance of North–South collaborations and the vital role young women play in advancing climate justice and gender equality. Sila highlighted how storytelling connects health, dignity, and climate resilience, showing that narratives from the ground can shape global policies and funding priorities. Audience engagement during the Q&A reaffirmed a powerful truth: art is not just about beauty — it is a catalyst for justice. Despite institutional and logistical barriers, the Young Changemakers described that resilience, unity, and creativity can transcend borders and keep movements alive.

A Call to Fund Feminist Creativity
The Financing Feminist Futures Conference 2025 concluded with a clear call to global funders: investing in art-based feminist work is not a luxury; it is essential. Creativity holds unique power to mobilize communities, inspire empathy, and ignite social change where traditional approaches fall short. For Pakistan’s youth, this experience marks not just a challenge but a defining moment of perseverance. It stands as proof that when determination meets purpose, no barrier can silence a just cause. Through art, advocacy, and resilience, The Young Changemakers continue to remind the world that the face may change, but the voice for justice never stops.