In an era marked by different global crises, holding the "Common Differences 2: Transnational Feminist Resistance(s) Against Contemporary Violence(s)" conference at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is not just timely but imperative. This conference, emerging 41 years after the pioneering conference that Dr. Chandra T Mohanty and Dr. Ann Russo organized as graduate students at UIUC in 1983, represents a crucial juncture in the evolution of feminist discourse and action. At a time when societies worldwide are being tested by unprecedented challenges—ranging from systemic inequalities and environmental crises to political unrest and global pandemics—the need for a platform that brings together diverse feminist voices to engage in dialogue, strategize, and mobilize has never been more acute.

The original conference laid the groundwork for a transnational feminist approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of struggles and the importance of solidarity across different borders. It was a landmark event that inspired generations of feminists to examine the nuances of gender, race, class, and sexuality within the global context. The decision by a new generation of UIUC graduate students to organize the second conference, inspired by learning about the 1983 conference, supported by the Women and Gender in Global Perspectives Program (WGGP) and the Department of Gender and Women's Studies (WGS) is a testament to the enduring legacy of its founders and the evolving nature of transnational feminist activism. The conference brings together organizers and presenters from the 1983 and 2024 conferences to build an intergenerational dialogue, reflecting on the past and future of antiracist transnational feminisms.

The significance of this conference lies in its commitment to addressing contemporary forms of violence through a transnational feminist lens. It recognizes that the challenges faced by women and marginalized communities are not isolated incidents but rather part of a larger systemic problem that requires collective action.

The thematic cornerstone of the "Common Differences 2: Transnational Feminist Resistance(s) Against Contemporary Violence(s)" conference, "Common Differences," is ingeniously designed to foreground the conference's dedication to examining the multifaceted nature of feminist struggles and solidarities across the globe. This theme is a profound acknowledgment of the shared struggles against dominant discourses that marginalize and oppress, yet it also celebrates the rich history of experiences that constitute the feminist movement. The conference endeavors to unpack the complex dynamics where commonality does not imply uniformity but rather points to a shared confrontation with systems of oppression that manifest differently across contexts.

This emphasis on "Common Differences" signifies an important shift in feminist discourse—it moves beyond merely cataloging differences to understanding how these differences are formed, experienced, and resisted within the overarching structure of global patriarchal dominance. It acknowledges that many are suffering under similar oppressive discourses, yet the nature of their struggles and the forms of resistance they employ are shaped by their unique socio-political, cultural, and economic contexts. This nuanced approach allows for a deeper appreciation of how global systems of oppression operate while also recognizing the localized, specific strategies that different communities employ to resist and thrive.

Furthermore, the theme "Common Differences" invites a critical examination of how dominant discourses in feminism itself can sometimes replicate exclusionary practices. It challenges the feminist movements to reflect on their own assumptions and biases, urging a more inclusive and intersectional approach that values and learns from the diversity of feminist activism and scholarship. In this light, "Common Differences" acts as a rallying cry for transnational feminist resistance, advocating for a collective approach to combating contemporary violences that recognizes and respects the diversity of feminist experiences and perspectives. It underscores the importance of solidarity that does not erase differences but rather sees them as a source of collective power and resilience. The conference, by centering this theme, not only facilitates a critical dialogue among feminists from various backgrounds but also crafts a space for the emergence of a more unified yet diverse feminist front capable of confronting the multifaceted challenges of our time. The "Common Differences 2" conference, therefore, is not just a platform for academic exchange; it is a beacon for feminist activists, scholars, and allies worldwide, offering a blueprint for building a more equitable and inclusive feminist future. Through its focus on "Common Differences," the conference embodies the spirit of transnational feminism, championing a movement that is both diverse in its membership and united in its purpose.

In addition to honoring the legacies of lifetime feminist activists such as bell hooks, Nawal El Saadawi, and other departed transnational feminists attending the original conference, the second conference addresses the critical need for spaces where feminist activists can reflect on the current political climate and how to promote changes from within, share experiences on Artivism or Alternative Research, or discuss the importance of Memory and Reparations recognizing different political atmospheres then and now.

The "Common Differences 2" conference is more than a scholarly event; it is a call to action—a rallying point for feminists worldwide to come together, learn from each other, and build a more inclusive and equitable future. In this light, the conference stands as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration, demonstrating the power of collective action and the unyielding spirit of diverse feminist movements.