On the 8th of May, Partos and WECF organized a walk-in session about Feminist Moderation. This walk-in Session is part of the Partos DEI trajectory, a dedicated space for DEI advocates and professionals in leadership positions, HR positions, or organisational activists willing to take concrete steps toward DEI strategies. Moderation/facilitation and holding space amidst diverse identities and views is a key quality in the facilitating diversity, equity and inclusion within groups, teams and organisations. Curious how this works? Try out the WECF Online Feminist Moderation Course. Read along or watch the recording of the session here.
About the session
This session aimed to support professionals to learn more about the course and explore the core principles of feminist moderation, such as:
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Creating safe, inclusive and accessible spaces where different lived experiences can be expressed without fear of dismissal or erasure
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Challenging traditional power hierarchies and navigating privilege and marginalisation in real-time dialogue
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Addressing microaggressions, affinity bias and master suppression techniques
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Ensuring equality of access and equality of participation across gender, race, background and power position
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Recognising and transforming emotionality as a source of insight and connection, rather than something to suppress
Feminist moderation techniques
A key element of the session was practicing BRIDGE – a reflective tool that supports moderators and participants in calling in (instead of calling out), embracing discomfort and building dialogue even in moments of disagreement or emotional tension. The session also offered de-escalation strategies for handling polarisation, echo chambers and high-conflict individuals.
Something I really appreciated from the Partos trajectory is learning to embody what I feel; somatic awareness. It really informs how I respond in conversations. Emotionality matters.
Participant testimonial
Rather than viewing moderators as “neutral,” this approach redefines their role as active guides who help shape more just, open and participatory processes. Feminist moderation recognises that how we talk to each other is political and that facilitation is a form of activism.
This session was part of the Real Deal project, which aims to elevate citizen participation in EU-level climate and social decision-making. By integrating feminist tools into facilitation practices, we strengthen not only participation but also solidarity and transformation.