THIS CONFERENCE IS PRESENTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY HAGIA


Better to build lifeboats than wait for the Patriarchy-Titanic to listen to reason

The Time is Ripe
We go into a Society where Life is Worth Living.

Insights from Matriarchal Studies
Perspectives on a Matriarchal Politics
Grand Opening of the MatriArchive

International Conference in St. Gallen / Switzerland
May 12 – 15, 2011
in the St. Gallen Tonhalle (Concert Hall)

THE TIME IS RIPE! The looming global crisis of patriarchal civilization leads us to seek fundamental shifts in the way we live our lives. The younger generations in particular are trying to find ways to detatch themselves from patriarchy and its global lust for destruction. Everybody wants to know: what should we do?

This question fuels growing interest – the world over – in matriarchal forms of society. They exhibit patterns unlike any form of patriarchy, whether traditional or capitalistic patriarchy. Matriarchies have a non-violent social order. They conform to motherly values. They are based on gender equality. Their political decisions are reached through consensus. Acutely sensible social mores and guidelines guarantee a good life for everyone. Their spirituality prevents the exploitation of our Mother Earth.

Today matriarchies still exist on various continents – but are misunderstood, made invisible, and oppressed by patriarchal civilization. Therefore this conference is dedicated to these societies, as humanity’s – and especially women’s – heritage, and to the political lessons we can learn from them. Modern Matriarchal Studies has shed new light on them.

At the same time, the conference is meant to identify new pathways. The practical opportunities suggested by findings about matriarchal societies are referred to as matriarchal politics. Also, in the feminist and other alternative movements there is a wealth of ideas and new ways of operating which are close to the matriarchal way. Activists and representatives from these movements will come together at the conference. Their reports of their activities encourage action. This is how a concrete vision of a new society emerges, and together we will find our way out of the patriarchy.

The conference is the logical follow-up to the two previous World Congresses on Matriarchal Studies: 2003 in Luxembourg, under the direction of Academy HAGIA, and 2005 in the USA, under the direction of Academy HAGIA and the Center for the Study of the Gift Economy. It will go beyond its predecessors, for THE TIME IS RIPE. No more waiting – we will go ahead now!

We are delighted that three special events will be additionally celebrated at the congress:

• the festive opening of the MatriArchive – the first scholarly matriarchal library in the world,
• the 25th anniversary of the International Academy HAGIA (1986-2011),
• the 70th birthday of Heide Goettner-Abendroth, who will be honored for her life’s work.