Anti-gender movements are gaining ground globally, threatening both sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and the broader democratic framework. These movements deliberately target perceived societal insecurities economic uncertainty, changing social hierarchies, and demographic shifts and channel them into fear that gender equality or the rights of women and LGBTQ+ people are to blame. By framing “gender ideology” as a foreign or external influence, these actors present themselves as defenders of national tradition and sovereignty, masking deeply political objectives behind cultural narratives.
"The consequences extend far beyond public discourse. Anti-gender movements have allied themselves with anti-democratic forces, targeting legislation, judicial appointments, and public policy to gradually roll back rights."
Carine Weiss
In the podcast with Neil Datta, he explores how these groups mobilise and the dangers they pose. They explain that anti-gender movements are strategic and highly organised: they exploit genuine societal tensions, blaming women, minorities, and gender equality for complex social and economic transformations. This allows them to gain support from segments of the population who feel their social power is diminishing often described metaphorically as “middle-aged white men” responding to perceived loss of status.
The consequences extend far beyond public discourse. Anti-gender movements have allied themselves with anti-democratic forces, targeting legislation, judicial appointments, and public policy to gradually roll back rights. Lessons from the United States particularly the overturning of Roe v. Wade demonstrate that long-term strategic focus on courts can dramatically restrict reproductive rights. Europe is already witnessing similar patterns in countries like Poland and Hungary, which serve as strongholds from which these actors seek to expand influence across the continent.
Exposing the Strategies Behind Abortion Restrictions and Attacks on Rights
Their tactics are multi-layered: first, creating obstacles to abortion and reproductive services through misinformation and crisis pregnancy centers; second, introducing restrictive measures that limit access or delay care; and third, pursuing outright prohibition. While abortion is a high-profile target, the broader agenda also undermines LGBTQ+ rights, comprehensive sexuality education, and liberal democratic norms.
One major concern highlighted in the podcast is that progressive and pro-democracy actors have yet to fully recognise the sophistication of these strategies. Anti-gender groups operate most effectively when their opponents are unaware of their networks, funding, and political influence. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for mounting effective, evidence-based advocacy to defend SRHR and democratic institutions.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the podcast underscores a vital point: defending sexual and reproductive rights today is inseparable from defending democracy itself. As anti-gender movements continue to grow in organisation and ambition, knowledge, vigilance, and coordinated action are essential tools to safeguard both human rights and gender equality.
You can listen to the full discussion with Neil Datta here.
For further insight into this shifting landscape, Susanne Rohner’s article ‘Sexual Rights Under Attack: The New Alliance Against Self-Determination’ offers an in-depth examination.
References
Neil Datta (2025). The Next Wave: How Religious Extremism. https://www.epfweb.org/node/1152 accessed 11.12.2025
Neil Datta (2025). New Report Exposes Funding to Anti-rights Initiatives in Europe Rise to US$1.18 billion. https://www.epfweb.org/node/1152 accessed 11.12.2025
EPF (2025). The Next Wave: How Religious Extremism Is Regaining Power. https://www.epfweb.org/node/1147 accessed 11.12.2025
Chiara Sammito & Neil Datta (2023). The Combined SRHR Ranking Atlas: EPF's Contribution to the 30 Review of the ICPD Programme of Action in Europe. https://www.epfweb.org/node/1022 accessed 11.12.2025
