Speaker:
Maria Martin de Almagro

Description of the event : 
The session explored the question: How do rising authoritarianism and gender backlash intersect in fragile contexts?

At a time when 71% of the world’s population lives under autocracy, this ReFrACT Café examined how this global trend, combined with systemic inequalities, further restricted civic space and created profound risks for women and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Drawing on extensive literature and policy analysis, the session analysed the interplay between authoritarian politics, fragility, and gender backlash — showing how gender rights were not only undermined but often strategically instrumentalised by regimes to reinforce power and legitimacy.

The presentation unpacked three interrelated trends:

• Discursive opposition to gender equality and the rise of so-called “anti-gender ideology.”

• Genderwashing and co-optation of women’s movements and civil society organisations.

• Targeting of women leaders and activists, including repression, harassment, and symbolic inclusion.

Insights were shared on how these dynamics complicate women’s meaningful political participation, and how international actors can avoid inadvertently reinforcing authoritarian strategies.

The session concluded with practical recommendations for donors and policymakers on supporting independent women’s and LGBTQIA+ movements, countering disinformation, and adopting intersectional approaches to advance equality in politically constrained environments.