Back to: How to tackle the rise of the anti-gender movement

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. — Article 1, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Equality and non-discrimination represent core principles of human rights.

While notable advances in gender justice have been achieved, recent times have seen the rise of the anti-feminist movement fuel growing resistance, particularly targeting reproductive freedoms and LGBTI+ rights.

Anti-gender campaigners, men’s rights groups, and various conservative and religious right factions are challenging the vision of gender justice by promoting a romanticised version of the past.

Their overarching goal seeks to reinstate patriarchal control, where men dominate women’s autonomy and bodily choices, whilst erasing LGBTI+ individuals and anyone who doesn’t conform to their narrow definition of a ‘traditional’ family unit.

We face a crucial moment to acknowledge and confront the human rights threat posed by the rise of the anti-gender movement.

The following section examines which specific rights face challenges from anti-gender activism.

Discussion

Is anti-gender regularly discussed in the media in southern Africa? Does the coverage you see frame it as a human rights issue?