In recent years, this anti-gender backlash has taken on a more coordinated, long-term and targeted form. It manifests through various channels, from governmental policies to community and online shaming tactics, targeting activists and organisations advocating for gender equality as part of their peace work, leading to grave risks and consequences. The recent intensification of anti-gender movements underscores the urgency of developing comprehensive strategies to mitigate its impact and uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of gender identity.
In this learning brief, we delve into the complexities of countering anti-gender backlash, drawing upon insights from interviews with Strengthening Civil Courage partners and colleagues in Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria, as part of an ongoing effort to document gender within peacebuilding and human rights work. Due to security concerns names of partners cannot be made public, showing the severity of gender-specific pressure on civic space.
