EP3: Beneath the Backlash: How U.S. Foreign Policy Undermines Feminist Philanthropy

Feminist By Design: A Blueprint for Philanthropy

Host Khara Jabola-Carolus delves into the complex interplay between U.S. foreign policy and feminist philanthropy in our third episode of the series. We dissect the U.S.-based barriers that make it difficult to fund not just feminist activism but have metastasized into impediments to funding innocuous, non-political services for women that are necessary for gender equality. Specifically, we look at how U.S. anti-communism and anti-terrorism measures obstruct funding and support for feminist organizations globally, particularly in the Asia-Pacific. Guest Beverly Longid, a prominent activist, shares chilling insights on how being labeled as communist leads to severe consequences, including harassment, violence, suppression, and even death. Meanwhile, Anisha Chugh, Executive Director of Women’s Fund Asia, highlights the dire lack of funding for feminist movements and the significant challenges posed by global anti-rights backlash. The episode urges philanthropists to rethink and challenge the systemic barriers imposed by U.S. foreign policy to truly support feminist movements worldwide, and challenges the women-focused philanthropy ecosystem to prioritize policy change as a critical priority.

Beverly Longid is the International Solidarity Officer at KATRIBU Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas and serves as the Coordinator for the Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL) in the Philippines. An Igorot of the Bontok-Kankanaey communities from Sagada and Alba, Bontoc, Mountain Province, Beverly has a legal background and a deep commitment to youth and Indigenous peoples' rights, both locally and internationally. She has been an integral member of the Cordillera Peoples’ Alliance (CPA) since 1992, holding various roles including Education Commission staff, Deputy Secretary-General, Chairperson, and currently a member of the Regional Advisory Council. She has been subjected to several threats, harassment, and intimidation over the course of her work and lifelong activism. Beverly is a grandmother and holds degrees in Psychology, English Literature, and Law.

Anisha Chugh is the Executive Director of Women's Fund Asia, which is a regional feminist fund supporting and women, girls, trans and intersex activists and groups in 18 countries of the Asia (South Asia, South East Asia and Mongolia). She previously worked at different levels within WFA in her 10+ years at the organization—as Deputy Executive Director, Director of Programmes and Programme Officer. Prior to joining WFA, Anisha worked with a human rights funder in India called the Dalit Foundation. Anisha has been part of several grant-making advisories. She currently serves on the Advisory Committee of the Fenomenal Funds (The Women's Funds Collaborative Initiative and has recently joined the Steering Committee of Human Rights Funders Network (HRFN). She has also served on the board of FRIDA - The young Feminist Fund as the Treasurer (2015-2020). Anisha has a Master’s in History from the University of Delhi (St. Stephen’s College) as well as a Master’s in Governance in Development from Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex.

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Calls to action/who to support:

• The International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL)
• Women’s Fund Asia

Further reading:

• ARTICLE - Why American Billionaire Andrew Carnegie Offered To Buy The Philippines’ Freedom For $20 Million
• REPORT - Meet the Moment: A Call for Progressive Philanthropic Response to the Anti-Gender Movement