CSW Parallel Event: Global Trends and Strategic Responses to Anti-Feminist and Anti-Rights Backlash

March 9, 10:30 AM -12:00 PM | Salvation Army Auditorium, New York

Global leaders, policymakers, researchers, and advocates came together for a powerful discussion on the growing anti-gender backlash and threats to democratic governance worldwide.

Hosted by UNRISD and FES, the event explored global trends in anti-feminist and anti-rights movements and highlighted strategies for collective action to defend gender justice and democratic values.

We were honored to hear a keynote from Machris Cabreros (Progressive Voices Collective / Progressive Alliance), followed by insights from an incredible panel of experts:
 

Saskia Brechenmacher (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Kate Nyambura (ATHENA Network)

Magdalena Sepúlveda Carmona (UNRISD)

Katrina Anderson (Global Philanthropy Project)

Laxman Belbase (MenEngage Alliance)

 

The session fostered cross-regional dialogue and alliance-building among feminists and allies working to counter anti-rights movements and strengthen rights-based governance.

Special thanks to Moderator Katia Schnellecke (FES) and Lata Narayanaswamy (University of Leeds) for the concluding reflections that reinforced the urgency of coordinated global responses.

Together, we continue building collective strategies to defend gender justice, democratic norms, and human rights.