{"id":4927,"date":"2026-01-23T18:41:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T21:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.djamilaribeiro.com.br\/?p=4927"},"modified":"2026-01-23T19:03:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T22:03:30","slug":"djamila-ribeiro-brings-global-south-feminism-to-italian-magazine-lespresso","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.djamilaribeiro.com.br\/en\/djamila-ribeiro-brings-global-south-feminism-to-italian-magazine-lespresso\/","title":{"rendered":"Djamila Ribeiro brings Global South feminism to Italian magazine L\u2019Espresso"},"content":{"rendered":"

Djamila Ribeiro\u2019s presence in this week\u2019s edition of the Italian magazine L\u2019Espresso<\/em><\/a><\/strong> consolidates her standing as one of the most influential voices in contemporary critical thought. Named by the BBC as one of the 100 most influential women in the world, Djamila was interviewed by journalist Maurizio Di Fazio. The conversation addressed issues such as femicide, structural racism, inclusive language, and the role of peripheral feminisms in social transformation.<\/p>\n

In the interview, the Brazilian philosopher stresses that the goal of Black feminism is not \u201cequality on paper, but the radical transformation of society.\u201d At a time when both Brazil and Italy face alarming rates of femicide, Djamila denounces this extreme form of violence as \u201ca barbarity rooted in systems saturated with patriarchy and misogyny that continue to devalue women\u2019s lives, especially those on the margins.\u201d<\/p>\n

The interview also marks the republication in Italy of the book Lugar de Fala<\/em> (Il luogo della parola<\/em>), with a preface by writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and a new introduction by philosopher Grada Kilomba. \u201cFeminism is rooted in histories of collective solidarity,\u201d Djamila emphasizes to the Italian magazine.<\/p>\n

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She also highlights the need to decolonize the Western gaze and to include, in the construction of narratives and theories, the voices of peoples who have been colonized: \u201cWe bring perspectives based on the lived experiences of those who have been silenced.\u201d Reflecting on her teaching of \u201cFeminisms from the Global South\u201d at New York University, where she served as a visiting professor in 2024, the philosopher states that European and North American feminist paradigms cannot be exported without considering local realities.<\/p>\n

Inclusive language emerges as one of the central tools of this transformative project. Djamila explains that it is not merely a matter of grammar, but a way of shaping how we see the world: \u201cI prefer to use a vocabulary that includes and respects, even if it requires more effort, because I believe it is necessary to build bridges, not walls.\u201d<\/p>\n

The interview also addressed political issues. When asked about the presence of a woman at the head of the Italian government, the philosopher rejected the idea that representation automatically equals emancipation. \u201cEmancipation is not only about being a woman in power, but about how that power is used to promote equity and justice.\u201d She points out that Giorgia Meloni, by aligning herself with conservative discourses similar to those of Jair Bolsonaro, cannot represent any symbol of women\u2019s liberation: \u201cClaiming patriotism, attacking policies for vulnerable populations, and maintaining ties with militias is the opposite of feminism.\u201d<\/p>\n

With more than 1.3 million followers on social media and books published in several languages, Djamila Ribeiro continues to expand the horizons of Black feminism, forging a body of thought that combines theoretical sophistication with political practice.<\/p>\n

Check out the interview below, translated into English using AI<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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Djamila Ribeiro, the Wave from the South \u2013 The Interview<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Brazilian philosopher and activist, she gives voice to the new feminism and the antiracist struggle. \u201cThe goal is not to achieve equality on paper, but the radical transformation of society.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Decolonizing the gaze, theory, and actions to confront the endless processes of whitening and masculinization of society. Brazilian, in her early forties, with a degree in philosophy and a master\u2019s in political philosophy, Djamila Ribeiro is being mentioned more and more. A Black activist, best-selling author, and academic capable of captivating the most diverse audiences. Elegant and pop with her long braids, she is called upon by the United Nations and European universities; she holds a chair in \u201cFeminisms from the South\u201d at New York University; and the BBC included her in its list of the 100 most influential women in the world. And to think that she was the first in her family to complete her studies: her mother and grandmother had worked as maids in the homes of bourgeois\u2014and white\u2014families.<\/p>\n

In Brazil, a country that abolished slavery in 1888, where every 23 minutes a Black person is murdered, and where \u201cfemicide is a barbarity rooted in systems saturated with patriarchy and misogyny that continue to devalue the lives of women, especially those on the margins,\u201d the activist explains to L\u2019Espresso<\/em>. Books (published in Italy by Capovolte), lectures in symposiums and favelas, media appearances, and material support to a complex cause\u2014this is how the new Latin American feminism for export spreads through her strong and clear voice. \u201cThe goal is not equality on paper, but a complete transformation of society where everyone\u2014women and men\u2014can live with dignity and freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Today, Ribeiro has become a symbol. \u201cI see myself as part of a wave, rather than a single flag. Feminism is rooted in histories of collective solidarity.\u201d<\/p>\n

As in the case of Feminismos Plurais<\/em>, a publishing series and physical space that supports women victims of domestic violence through psychological, legal, and social services. \u201cWe explore the various aspects of feminism. We wanted to break the curtains of silence, letting historically excluded voices guide the narrative. We no longer wanted to be relegated to footnotes in anthologies. We have already published 14 titles, written by Black women and men. For us, it\u2019s not an unusual dialogue: if women are not a universal category, neither are men,\u201d she affirms.<\/p>\n

To express this liberating need, the intellectual coined the concept of \u201cspeaking place,\u201d or lugar de fala<\/em>. \u201cIt stems from the idea that everyone has the right to communicate their own experience, to truly be heard. It\u2019s an invitation to reflect, directed at those who have the opportunity to speak, and a reminder to those who use platforms.\u201d<\/p>\n

She is very active on social media herself: on Instagram, for example, she has 1.3 million followers. \u201cThey are a powerful way to connect, but they can also oversimplify complex issues. The work goes far beyond the screen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Antiracism and gender equality, anti-patriarchy and social justice\u2014in Ribeiro\u2019s worldview, these are inseparable elements. \u201cThese struggles are interconnected. If we tackle one problem at a time, we\u2019re just putting on a band-aid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Systemic racism and sexism: how can we break this perverse cycle? \u201cBy learning to name them, and by adopting tangible measures to dismantle these entrenched structures, opposing them at every level of society.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starting with each of us. \u201cIt begins with looking within. Examine your prejudices, question your privileges, be ready to unlearn. It\u2019s a process that requires humility and awareness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Many claim to be antiracist and\/or feminist, but still benefit from existing systems. \u201cThis is a key point because it reveals hypocrisy,\u201d adds Djamila. \u201cIt\u2019s uncomfortable to confront our own complicities. Antiracism and feminism are not lifestyles, something you solve with a post. The point is to live these values in a coherent way, with all the discomfort and uncertainty that change brings. Performative gestures and declarations are not enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Certainly, contemporary feminism focuses on inclusive language. \u201cIt\u2019s essential because it shapes the way we see the world. Language is never neutral. It\u2019s not just about grammar, but about the ways patriarchy infiltrates our basic interactions. Inclusive language is a tool, not the revolution itself\u2014and although I respect its principles, I prefer not to use it in public because I believe it\u2019s essential to communicate with as many people as possible. Neutral language can build more walls than bridges.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the \u201cFeminisms from the South\u201d that Djamila Ribeiro teaches at NYU are helping awaken public opinion from a Western-centric view. \u201cWe bring perspectives based on the lived experiences of those who were colonized, discriminated against, and silenced. My course deconstructs the universalist narratives of European and North American feminism, highlighting that feminist struggles cannot be separated from race, class, colonial history, and geopolitical position. L\u00e9lia Gonzalez\u2019s \u2018Am\u00e9frica,\u2019 with her Americas seen from the perspective of Black and Indigenous women; the Dalit movement, which emerges from the intersection of caste and gender oppression in India; African feminists. Western feminism is not rejected, but enriched\u2014and forced to confront its blind spots.\u201d<\/p>\n

A few years ago, Ribeiro dedicated an entire book\u2014Letters to My Grandmother<\/em>\u2014to her paternal grandmother. \u201cHer name was Antonia, and she was a deep source of wisdom, resilience, and unconditional love. She taught me the sense of community, the power of storytelling, and the importance of remaining firm in the face of adversity. Her strength and perseverance remind me of the sacrifices made by the women who came before me.\u201d<\/p>\n

In Italy, we have a female prime minister, Giorgia Meloni. Is she a symbol of female empowerment? \u201cRepresentation is important, but not enough. Emancipation is not just about being a woman in power: it\u2019s about how that power is used to promote equity, justice, and the rights of all women. True emancipation challenges oppressive systems\u2014it does not reinforce them.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Brazilian activist says she doesn\u2019t know the Italian prime minister personally, \u201cbut Jair Bolsonaro, with whom she seems ideologically aligned, is far from being a leader who defends equality. He claims patriotism, swears by the flag, but is quick to sell off Brazil\u2019s assets and dismantle policies for vulnerable populations. Not to mention his rhetoric on weapons and his ties to paramilitary militias that terrorize poor communities. If Meloni sees Bolsonaro as an ally, she cannot represent any symbol of female emancipation.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Djamila Ribeiro\u2019s presence in this week\u2019s edition of the Italian magazine L\u2019Espresso consolidates her standing as one of the most influential voices in contemporary critical thought. Named by the BBC as one of the 100 most influential women in the world, Djamila was interviewed by journalist Maurizio Di Fazio. The conversation addressed issues such as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4915,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false},"categories":[2],"tags":[129,981,33,1197,1424,1753,1751,1752,1754,1481,768],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nDjamila Ribeiro brings Global South feminism to Italian magazine L\u2019Espresso - Djamila Ribeiro<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Interview in L\u2019Espresso highlights Djamila Ribeiro\u2019s reflections on femicide, decolonization, and the global impact of Black feminism.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.djamilaribeiro.com.br\/en\/djamila-ribeiro-brings-global-south-feminism-to-italian-magazine-lespresso\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Djamila Ribeiro brings Global South feminism to Italian magazine L\u2019Espresso - 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