This book explores DIY activist culture across Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Using a novel cross-cultural analysis between the three countries, it asks how DIY is used to empower local communities and adapt to the restrictions of a global pandemic.

From peasant advocates in the Philippines to anarcha-feminists in Indonesia, women occupy a significant presence both on the frontlines and behind the scenes. This book discusses their essential role in community resilience and caretaking, while highlighting the disparities around accessibility, inclusivity, and safety in grassroots activist spaces. Activism work is described as a form of care work, which provides opportunities for gender subversion while simultaneously reinforcing patriarchal expectations.

Centering on the voice of women activists, this book pays unique attention to the way culture and colonialism has shaped their experience. It builds on the history of DIY ethos and activist culture, while looking to new innovations and challenges in the world of digital activism. Stories of creative action, loss, and community care are shared throughout the book, highlighting the complexity of activist identity and the risk of dissidence, which are rarely discussed in activist scholarship. Their experiences on the ground help to counter the misrepresentations of activists in media while being cautious to avoid romanticising resistance.