Emma Goldman Award: Growing a Feminist Forest to Change the World
On March 13th, 2025, I was privileged to receive the Emma Goldman Award at a ceremony held within the elegant IMW building in Vienna, presented by the Flax Foundation. Officially, the award recognizes “substantial contribution, engagement, and future potential”, supporting “new knowledge concerning feminist and inequality issues in Europe”. Mieke Verloo, Chair of the Flax Foundation board, further described it as an award for “restless souls who cannot help fighting injustice, from academia or otherwise”. I am deeply honored to have my work associated with these words.
Beyond the recognition and grant, the true gift was the profound sense of community. In its 2025 edition, the Emma Goldman Awardees and Emma Goldman Snowball Awardees comprised 15 individuals, and previous award recipients were also present. What an incredible bunch! I had the opportunity to connect with researchers and activists from across Europe, each dedicated to diverse fields and struggles. I was deeply moved by the experiences of the Palestinian researchers and activists, inspired by the resilience of Indigenous women, and found sympathy and solidarity with fellow Black women researchers based in Europe. Over three days, we shared experiences and feelings of pain and indignation, alongside moments of mutual recognition, warmth, and joy.
For me, a central takeaway was the realization that, despite our individual focuses on distinct injustices, they are interconnected, and our pursuit of emancipation must acknowledge and care for those engaged in related struggles.
This sense of interdependency underscores the importance of fostering solidarity. As I shared with Mieke, my favorite aspect of the award is its emphasis on fostering connection, rather than promoting “celebrities”. In addressing ongoing social and political crises, research and activism should prioritize cultivating robust ecosystems, rather than cultivating a few isolated “majestic trees”. We need to strengthen our “forest” of thinkers and activists and foster a diverse network of voices and bodies representing a spectrum of colors, shapes, intents, engagements, and strategies. I’m committed to leveraging this award to contribute to the growth of this feminist forest. Let’s grow together!
by Bruna Cristina Jaquetto Pereira