In This Post
Building Solidarity Across Borders
From April 23 to 25, 2025, Durban, South Africa, became a vibrant meeting point for over 20 grassroots organizations and global allies. The in-person exchange, co-hosted by HIC and Abahlali baseMjondolo, brought together social and feminist movements to strengthen collective strategies for housing, land rights, and climate justice.
Why We Gathered
The 2025 Durban gathering marks a milestone in advancing shared political goals and amplifying the voices of those most affected by exclusion and inequality. At a time when land is commodified, housing is privatized, and civic space is under attack, movements from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe joined forces to reclaim the social production of habitat and embed feminist and climate justice principles in their work.
Building on momentum from a 2023 meeting in Argentina and a series of online forums, the Durban exchange focused on:
- Political advocacy priorities
- Practices of resistance
- Shared values of solidarity, care, and democracy
Day 1: Power and People’s Housing
On April 23, 2025, the convergence began with a warm welcome from Abahlali baseMjondolo and HIC, emphasizing collaboration. Participants connected through sessions on the history and goals of the movement, focusing on social production of habitat, feminist approaches, and climate justice.
Photo: Matthew Jordaan
Photo: Matthew Jordaan
Photo: Matthew Jordaan
Abahlali shared their ongoing struggle and the significance of “Unfreedom Day.” Speakers from Brazil, Zimbabwe, and South Africa highlighted grassroots housing initiatives and community-led advocacy. Group discussions identified key strategies like legal action, community organizing, and inclusive leadership. The day ended with a field visit to Salt Rock Settlement, grounding the conversations in real-world experience.
Day 2: Feminism and Climate Justice in Action
Photo: Matthew Jordaan
Day 2 focused on integrating feminist approaches and climate justice into housing and land rights struggles. Discussions highlighted women’s rights to land and housing, the importance of care work, and the need to challenge patriarchal norms. Speakers from South Africa, Palestine, and beyond shared experiences of women-led initiatives and advocacy for equitable access to resources.
Photo: Matthew Jordaan
The day also explored alternative community-led housing models, collective ownership strategies, and the power of storytelling in movement-building. Climate justice sessions emphasized grassroots climate action, holding polluters accountable, and linking environmental and social justice.
Participants collaboratively drafted a declaration centered on transparency, solidarity, women’s participation, and collective action to advance social production of habitat, feminist approaches, and climate justice.
Photo: Matthew Jordaan
Day 3: Unfreedom Day Mobilization
The final day aligned with Abahlali’s Unfreedom Day, a march and collective action remembering that many in South Africa still lack true freedom. Participants joined in solidarity and reflected on next steps.
Photo: Matthew Jordaan
Photo: Matthew Jordaan
📌 What’s Next?
- Finalize and circulate the collective declaration
- Engage Argentina exchange participants for feedback
- Coordinate participation in:
- G20 South Africa 2025
- World Social Forum 2026
- New Urban Agenda Review 2026
- Train movements in community-led storytelling
- Host a journalist roundtable on housing and land justice
📄 Full Report
👉 Download the Full Durban Exchange Report
