As authoritarian regimes rise, women’s rights often suffer. In recent years, the landscape regarding women’s rights has been inconsistent: while Latin America has seen significant advancements like the recognition of abortion as a basic women’s right, the United States has regressed following the removal of the constitutional right to abortion, and Afghanistan has essentially erased women from public life. Even Europe is witnessing setbacks in women’s rights amidst democratic decline.
Research highlights a troubling correlation between misogyny and authoritarianism. Harvard scholars Erica Chenoweth and Zoe Marks suggest that diminishing women’s freedoms often coincides with civil rights erosion. For instance, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has aggressively diminished reproductive rights and curtailed freedom of expression, demonstrating how authoritarianism can suppress both women’s rights and civil liberties in tandem.
Political ideologies seem secondary to autocratic tendencies; authoritarianism transcends the left and right. Leaders like Nicaragua’s Daniel Ortega, originally leftist, align with conservative religious interests, while Vladimir Putin has imposed restrictive measures on women’s rights and glorified traditional motherhood. Countries like Russia and China focus on population control rather than empowering individual women, reducing them to tools within their respective demographic agendas.
The restriction of women’s rights serves as an early warning of rising authoritarianism. While democracies have imperfect records on women’s rights, there remains a crucial distinction: progress versus regression. Countries such as El Salvador, Nicaragua, Hungary, and the United States illustrate cumulative warning signs that demand urgent attention.
Abortion rights evoke sensitivity, yet research shows protecting women’s rights coincides with safeguarding foetal health. The powerful Green Wave movement across Latin America channels these ideas, advocating for reproductive rights and civil liberties through widespread activism. It has reshaped the discussion around abortion, contributing to changing societal attitudes and increasing public discourse, even in places where abortion remains heavily restricted.
The Green Wave’s strength stems from its grassroots nature and strategic planning. Successfully combining large rallies, lobbying efforts, and strategic litigation helped this movement achieve its aims. In December 2024, El Salvador was held accountable for obstetric violence against a woman forced to bear an unviable pregnancy, showcasing progress in the recognition of gender-based violence.
In repressive nations like Iran and Afghanistan, women are at the forefront of change, bravely protesting against severe restrictions. Activists in Iran challenge the regime’s oppression while Afghan women exhibit resistance through public displays of individuality. Despite their struggles, these women persist in advocating for their rights against formidable barriers.
The international community must act decisively. While some nations seek legal consequences for the Taliban’s treatment of women, these efforts need to escalate. Women in Afghanistan cannot attend school beyond sixth grade, illustrating a severe humanitarian crisis that demands urgent global attention.
Women’s activism is thriving globally, often connected by shared struggles. Movements like the viral Chilean anthem “Un violador en tu camino” resonate across borders, uniting voices from Iran to Europe in a chorus against oppression. Technologies facilitate this cooperation, while forums such as the AWID International Forum empower activists to connect and mobilise for progress.
The rise of authoritarianism threatens women’s rights globally, with clear regressions in countries like the US and Afghanistan. Research shows a strong link between misogyny and authoritarianism, indicating that women’s struggles align with broader civil rights issues. Movements like Latin America’s Green Wave illustrate the power of activism, while the need for international attention to pressing human rights violations, especially in repressive regimes, underscores the urgency for solidarity among advocates.
The rise of authoritarianism poses a direct threat to women’s rights worldwide. As seen in various countries, the correlation between diminished freedoms and political regression is evident. Activism, such as the Green Wave in Latin America, exemplifies the power of civil society in advancing women’s rights, while the plight of women in countries like Afghanistan highlights the urgent need for international support. Ultimately, unity among women’s rights advocates is pivotal for combating oppression and fostering progress.
Original Source: www.dandc.eu
