**Makara (magazine)**
**Definition**
Makara was a Canadian feminist magazine published in the early 1970s, known for its radical feminist perspectives and contributions to the women’s liberation movement. It served as a platform for feminist discourse, art, and activism during a pivotal era in Canadian feminist history.
—
# Makara (magazine)
## Introduction
Makara was a pioneering Canadian feminist magazine that emerged in the early 1970s, a period marked by significant social and political upheaval related to gender equality and women’s rights. Founded and produced by a collective of feminist activists and writers, Makara played a crucial role in articulating feminist ideas and fostering a sense of community among women in Canada. The magazine combined political essays, poetry, visual art, and personal narratives to challenge prevailing patriarchal norms and advocate for systemic change.
## Historical Context
The early 1970s were a transformative time for feminist movements worldwide, including in Canada. The second wave of feminism, which focused on issues such as reproductive rights, workplace equality, and sexual liberation, gained momentum. Canadian feminists sought to address both universal and uniquely Canadian concerns, including Indigenous women’s rights and the intersection of feminism with other social justice movements.
Makara was founded in this milieu, reflecting the urgency and diversity of feminist thought. It was part of a broader wave of feminist publications that sought to create alternative media spaces free from male-dominated editorial control. These publications were instrumental in disseminating feminist theory and activism, providing a voice to women who were often marginalized in mainstream media.
## Founding and Editorial Collective
Makara was established in 1975 in Toronto by a group of feminist activists and writers who were committed to creating a magazine that was by women, for women. The editorial collective operated on principles of non-hierarchical decision-making and collective authorship, embodying feminist ideals not only in content but also in organizational structure.
The founding members included prominent feminist figures and emerging writers who contributed to shaping the magazine’s distinctive voice. The collective emphasized inclusivity and diversity, striving to represent a wide range of women’s experiences and perspectives, including those of Indigenous women, lesbians, working-class women, and women of color.
## Content and Themes
Makara’s content was diverse, encompassing political essays, personal narratives, poetry, visual art, and book reviews. The magazine was known for its radical feminist critique of patriarchy, capitalism, and colonialism. It addressed issues such as reproductive rights, sexual violence, domestic labor, lesbian identity, and the intersections of race, class, and gender.
### Political Essays
The political essays in Makara were often analytical and polemical, engaging with contemporary feminist theory and activism. Contributors critiqued legal and social institutions that perpetuated gender inequality and called for systemic reforms. The magazine also featured discussions on international feminist struggles, linking Canadian feminism to global movements.
### Personal Narratives and Poetry
Makara valued the personal as political, publishing numerous first-person accounts that highlighted women’s lived experiences. These narratives provided insight into the everyday realities of sexism, discrimination, and resistance. Poetry and creative writing were integral to the magazine, offering emotional and artistic expressions of feminist consciousness.
### Visual Art and Photography
Visual art was a significant component of Makara, with contributions from feminist artists who used their work to challenge traditional representations of women. The magazine featured illustrations, photography, and graphic design that complemented its editorial content and reinforced its feminist message.
## Impact and Legacy
Although Makara had a relatively short publication run, its impact on Canadian feminist culture was substantial. It helped to nurture a feminist literary and artistic community and provided a crucial platform for voices that were often excluded from mainstream media. The magazine influenced subsequent feminist publications and contributed to the development of feminist theory and activism in Canada.
Makara’s commitment to collective editorial practices and intersectional feminism anticipated later developments in feminist media. Its archives remain a valuable resource for scholars studying the history of feminism and women’s media in Canada.
## Publication History
Makara was published from 1975 to 1978, producing a total of six issues. The magazine was distributed primarily in Toronto and other urban centers with active feminist communities. Despite financial and logistical challenges common to independent feminist publications of the era, Makara maintained a consistent editorial vision and quality.
The magazine’s cessation was due in part to funding difficulties and the demands placed on its volunteer collective. However, its influence persisted through the work of its contributors and the networks it helped to establish.
## Relationship to Other Feminist Publications
Makara was part of a broader ecosystem of feminist magazines and newsletters in Canada and internationally during the 1970s. It shared affinities with publications such as *Broadside*, *The Furies*, and *Off Our Backs*, which similarly sought to challenge patriarchal media narratives and promote feminist discourse.
Unlike some contemporaries that focused primarily on political activism or literary content, Makara integrated multiple forms of expression, reflecting a holistic approach to feminist communication. Its Canadian context also gave it a distinctive voice, addressing issues specific to Canadian society and politics.
## Challenges and Criticisms
Like many feminist publications of its time, Makara faced challenges related to funding, distribution, and internal dynamics. The collective model, while empowering, sometimes led to tensions and difficulties in decision-making. Additionally, some critics have noted that despite its efforts at inclusivity, the magazine struggled to fully represent the diversity of women’s experiences, particularly those of Indigenous and racialized women.
These challenges reflect broader tensions within the feminist movement of the era, as activists grappled with questions of representation, intersectionality, and organizational sustainability.
## Conclusion
Makara magazine stands as a significant artifact of Canadian feminist history, embodying the spirit and struggles of the women’s liberation movement in the 1970s. Through its radical content, collective production, and commitment to feminist principles, Makara contributed to shaping feminist discourse and culture in Canada. Its legacy continues to inform contemporary feminist media and scholarship.
—
**Meta Description**
Makara was a Canadian feminist magazine published in the 1970s, known for its radical feminist perspectives and contributions to the women’s liberation movement. It combined political essays, art, and personal narratives to challenge patriarchal norms and advocate for gender equality.