As radical left and (queer) feminists, we are committed to ensure that everyone who is interested in our events can participate. However, we are aware that this is not the reality.
Spaces are shaped not only by their physical but also by social structures. There are numerous barriers that arise from power dynamics and exclusion. By barriers, we mean structural obstacles that prevent participation. These go beyond the absence of wheelchair ramps or the lack of interpretation for deaf people. For example, the restricted freedom of movement for asylum seekers can mean they are denied access to certain places. Since the femCongress is held exclusively in Basel, people who cannot easily cross national borders are unable to attend the events.
Other barriers may include the high cost of travel. Paid or care work, which cannot be easily stopped for a few days, can also make participation difficult. In addition, information about our events is often shared through scene-specific channels and in a particular language – which is not equally accessible to everyone. These are just a few examples.
We strive to take structural barriers into account and to implement measures to reduce them. However, some barriers remain. It is therefore important for us to be transparent about which barriers exist and to provide an overview in the following.
Please feel free to contact us in advance if considering certain needs would make it easier for you to participate the Congress – we’ll do our best to make it happen! Our Email is: together-we-resist@riseup.net
What measures are being taken to make the femCongress more accessible?
- Shuttle service to event locations can be arranged
- Clearly marked accessible restrooms and emergency exits
- Quiet rooms
- Awareness structures
- Protection and safety structures
- Assistance dogs are welcome!
- Refrigerator available for medication
- All events will be translated into English, German, and French; a self-organized translation pool will provide whisper translation for other languages
- We offer childcare during the event
What barriers remain?
- There will be no option to participate online.
- There will be no showers.
- There will be no specific charging station for electric wheelchairs.
- There will be no sign language interpretation or provision of DGS (German Sign Language) videos.
- There will be no signage in Braille.
- There will be no tactile floor guidance system.
Venues
1. Humbug
The venue Humbug is accessible without barriers
- There are no steps higher than 13mm
- The entrance ist accessible with a wheelchair.
- There are accessible restrooms.
- A quiet room is accessible by elevator. This room is very suitable but hard to find – therefore, it will be clearly signposted.
- Additionally, there is another quiet room in the courtyard with cozy corners, curtains, and places to retreat.
2. Quartierzentrum
The Quartierzentrum venue is generally accessible, but with some barriers:
We will provide a quiet outdoor area with shade, but there is no accessible quiet room indoors.
Access is via a ramp, which can be difficult to use alone. We can provide assistance if it is needed.
There are no steps.
There are accessible toilets . They can be reached by elevator and with a key. The elevator door is heavy.
3. Neues Kino
The Neues Kino is only partially accessible there are barriers:
- The regular entrance includes three steps, each higher than 13 mm (at the entrance from the courtyard, from the street, and inside the building). However, there are movable wooden ramps that can be used if needed.
- The workshop space is only accessible via a narrow spiral staircase. We are working on setting up a live audio broadcast in the courtyard.
- The toilet is on level ground but relatively narrow.
- There is no rest room.