D5.2 Initial Policy Brief

This policy brief aims to introduce policy recommendations to defend women and LGBTQ+ rights in the face of what we have identified as a “backlash” against Gender Rights. The initial results of the ongoing action-research FIERCE point to a policy problem in the form of a backlash taking place simultaneously in eight countries across Europe. This contemporary backlash against gender equality is led by antigender and anti-feminist actors whose strategies we examine. Based on our comparative case studies, we identify cross-cutting factors and three key areas - Gender-Based Violence, LGBTQIA+ rights, and Health and reproductive rights - particularly threatened by the backlash. We then highlight four policy recommendations to address the backlash: consolidating the European Feminist Network, combating anti-gender movements, preventing the spread of anti-gender discourses and narratives, and supporting the implementation of legislation supporting women and gender rights.