Insights from PurpleCode's Feminist Technology and Activism Camp

The recent “Feminist Technology and Activism Camp”, organised by the PurpleCode Collective, was an energizing and empowering gathering at the intersection of gender, human rights, and technology.

Held in Lembang, West Java, Indonesia from 1-4 March 2024, the camp brought together 52 participants from diverse backgrounds across the archipelago. Participants shared experiences and ideas on the relationship between technology, feminism, and activism, embracing participants of varying locations, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities.

Under the theme "Ctrl+Alt+Fem: Technology Camp and Feminist Activism," the camp used the Open Space Technology format, where participants shape the agenda and discussions. With at least 25 ‘topic clusters’ explored through four rounds of parallel sessions, the camp delved into critical issues such as the body, trans identity, and machines; AI and ethics; holistic security and digital wellbeing; and many more.

At its core, the camp aimed to highlight and help dismantle patriarchal norms, the most insidious and pervasive being that "technology is not for women."

In a session aptly titled "Dismantling Patriarchy," participants engaged in a symbolic act of deconstruction by disassembling used laptops and cellphones.

By examining the components inside and repurposing them into accessories like necklaces and bracelets, participants challenged stereotypes and interrogated the relationship between women and technology.

At the heart of PurpleCode Collective lies a commitment to intersectional feminism in the digital sphere. As the first of its kind in Indonesia, PurpleCode tackles gender, human rights, and technology issues head-on, aiming to disrupt inequalities and injustices perpetuated by dominant power structures.

Through initiatives like the Feminist Technology and Activism Camp, PurpleCode empowers participants to navigate and shape the digital landscape, fostering a more inclusive and equitable future. By amplifying diverse voices and challenging societal norms, PurpleCode paves the way for a world where technology serves as a tool for liberation, learning, and growth.

All photos courtesy of PurpleCode Collective

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