Countering Anti-Gender Politics in Europe: Evidence-Based Policy Recommendations From the RESIST Project

Description

Series information (English)

Part of RESIST Project Deliverable D4.1: Tools for stakeholders including policy recommedations. Work Package 4 – Reinvigorating Feminist Theories

Abstract (English)

The Horizon Europe project “Fostering Queer Feminist Intersectional Resistances against Transnational Anti-Gender Politics” (RESIST) investigated the rise and impact of organised opposition to social progress in intersectional gender equality, reproductive rights, and LGBTIQ+ inclusion.

RESIST examined how reactionary ideas gain traction in parliaments and media systems across the UK, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, and the European Parliament, identifying actors and tactics that spread misinformation, stoke fear, and legitimise hate and violence.

In addition, the project examined the effects of organised ‘anti-gender’ attacks on LGBTIQ+ communities and civil society actors working on gender equality. It is based on over 250 qualitative interviews conducted with people in eight European countries, as well as with exiled individuals who have experienced and actively resisted hostility.

Amongst the interviewees were politicians and civil society actors, including advocates, community leaders, journalists, researchers, educators, and social workers. This dataset was complemented by interviews with 30 civil society experts and collaboration with 40 organisations, generating in-depth insights into the experiences of those affected and the strategies developed in response to ‘anti-gender’ hostility.

This toolkit presents policy recommendations that we built based on RESIST's robust empirical evidence.