The rise of the anti-gender movement over recent decades has significantly challenged progress on human rights, particularly in the areas of gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Rooted in opposition to so-called “gender ideology,” this movement has evolved into a global force, uniting far-right populist governments, conservative civil society organizations, and religious institutions. Its influence, amplified by transnational networks and substantial financial resources, has disrupted policies and reinforced regressive norms worldwide.

Weaponizing “Gender Ideology”

“Gender ideology”  is a term employed as a strategy for fear-mongering and creating misinformation. People and organizations tied to anti-gender movements use the fear, anger, and misinformation they create to target comprehensive sex education, reproductive rights, and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. This rhetoric both undermines specific policies and erodes frameworks of equity and inclusion, jeopardizing hard-won progress on human rights. 

By framing “gender ideology” as a foreign imposition or moral threat, these movements tap into nationalist and traditionalist narratives. This discourse fosters cultural divides and fuels backlash against marginalized communities, exacerbating violence, discrimination, and systemic inequality.

Transnational Networks and the Rise of Conservatism

The anti-gender movement’s global reach is supported by an intricate web of transnational networks, with the United States playing a pivotal role. Between 2008 and 2017, U.S.-based organizations funneled over $1 billion to campaigns opposing LGBTQ+ rights and gender equity worldwide, according to the Global Philanthropy Project. These efforts have amplified resistance across regions like Eastern Europe, Latin America, and sub-Saharan Africa, where local vulnerabilities are exploited to advance regressive agendas.

This movement is intertwined with other far-right initiatives, including anti-abortion advocacy, anti-immigration policies, and nationalist populism. As these efforts gain momentum, they threaten to roll back progress on human rights and democratic values globally.

The Stakes of Political Change

The U.S. election in November 2024 underscores the international stakes of this cultural and political battle. Under a Trump administration, we can expect the reinstatement of the global gag rule. This is a U.S. government policy that restricts funding to organizations that provide or discuss abortion services, even in places where it is legal. This policy forces organizations to choose between receiving U.S. funding and providing comprehensive reproductive health services to their populations. 

The anti-gender movement also has significant connections to the global rise of right-wing populism. Opposition to “gender ideology” has become a key element of the rise of right-wing populism, which successfully harnesses the anxiety, shame, and anger caused by neoliberalism and is a threat to liberal democracy. This rhetoric closely resembles and overlaps with the fear-mongering used in the anti-gender movement. 

Right-wing populism varies greatly across Europe and the U.S.; however, it tends to have xenophobic, nationalistic traits and a trend toward authoritarianism with aggressive leadership and an anti-elitist message. These trends are likely to continue in upcoming years. Despite the setbacks for SRHR under the current political environment, it is important to recognize the connection between the anti-gender movement and right-wing populism to create a comprehensive picture that will allow us to develop strategies to address this growing challenge. It is possible to address these challenges; we must focus on diversifying funding sources, strengthening sustainability, and fostering unified resistance.

A Time for Collective Action

Systems of oppression are interconnected ideologically, politically, and financially. To counter them, resistance must also be interconnected, well-organized, and adequately funded. This is particularly critical at this moment, in light of the drastic funding cuts the Dutch government made to the Dutch Development Cooperation, which put our and other organizations at risk. Read our full press release about the funding cuts here. 

At this time, no further sustainable funding has been secured. Now is when we are most needed. Share-Net International and its host organization, the KIT Royal Tropical Institute, are examples of the kind of wide-reaching, collaborative networks needed to fight the opposition and anti-gender movement. By supporting participatory grantmaking, fostering knowledge exchange, and prioritizing underfunded SRHR issues, these organizations have been working to advance equity and inclusion.

Nevertheless,  Share-Net International and its host organization, the KIT Institute, are committed to sustaining their efforts by seeking funding to extend the project. Following the end of the current funding cycle on December 31, 2024, a six-month transition period has been secured with continued financial support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs until June 2025. This period will allow Share-Net to maintain core functions while intensifying efforts to diversify funding sources, strengthen organizational sustainability, and scale down activities that cannot be continued. 

Strengthening Global Resistance

Efforts to resist the anti-gender movement must prioritize:

1. Global Solidarity: Strengthening international coalitions to share resources, strategies, and narratives countering “gender ideology”
2. Public Education: Promoting accurate information about gender equality and SRHR to combat misinformation
3. Policy Advocacy: Supporting legislative and policy frameworks that uphold human rights and counteract regressive movements
4. Sustainable Funding: Diversifying funding sources to ensure the continuity of advocacy, education, and service delivery

The anti-gender movement thrives on division, fear, and disinformation. Countering it requires resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to human rights.

Your Thoughts

The time to act is now. In this socio-political environment, where funding for humanitarian work is under threat, the future of our collective efforts is at stake. By uniting and mobilizing, we can create a safer, more equitable world. We have the privilege to resist; it is our duty to do so. We can not afford to waver in our commitment. 

We invite you to share your thoughts on Share-Net’s funding situation through the form below. Your voice matters. Please spread the word and share this article to raise awareness about the urgent need for action.

Click here for more information on the future of Share-Net and the form to share your thoughts: https://share-netinternational.org/the-future-of-share-net/