In November 2023, DAWN successfully held its sixth Development Training Institute (DTI) in Bali, Indonesia—an important milestone after a three-year delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially scheduled for 2020, the DTI received an overwhelming 347 applications, from which 30 participants were selected. Due to the postponement, 16 feminists from across the Global South were ultimately able to attend the in-person training.
The DTI combined DAWN’s political analysis with experiential learning and collective reflection. Participants explored feminist critiques of global systems, engaged in dynamic debates, and connected global, regional, local, and personal dimensions of struggle. The training also featured new creative content, including the premiere of DAWN’s documentary on public-private partnerships in Mexico—praised for its insights into grassroots resistance and organising. Participants emphasised the value of visual storytelling and called for more such screenings in future trainings.
Though the format was shorter than previous editions, it enabled meaningful engagement, skill-building, and reflection on strategies for movement-building and advocacy. In evaluations, participants highlighted their deepened understanding of feminist activism and the urgency of collective action, especially in the face of accelerating digital and political challenges. Many expressed a strong commitment to staying connected with DAWN and putting their learning into action within their own communities.