A Quintet of Key Moments in the Attack on the Rights of Females in This Past Year.

This time last year, groups dedicated to gender equality were anticipating a Trump presidency sequel. Few were prepared for. The volume and speed of administrative decrees originating in the White House were regarded as a deliberate tactic to induce a state of shock. This strategy had its intended impact – there was disarray, outrage, and weariness as groups rushed to address the shortfall left by a sudden aid suspension. But this was only the precursor.

The Trump administration has been the key driver, aided by intense advocacy work by far-right organisations capitalizing on the climate to solidify transnational relationships with political allies.

Often termed the anti-gender movement signifies a transnational grouping of policymakers, doctrinal establishments, and activist outfits as well as affluent financiers and clans that work to dismantle progress across a wide spectrum of issues. Areas targeted involve access to termination, gay and trans protections, alternative households, and factual sexual instruction.

They pursue this agenda via lobbying governments, supporting court cases, discrediting international efforts to advance equality, spreading disinformation, and funding non-profit organisations.

We review five instances that shaped the security, respect, and well-being of girls and women.

USAID Dismantled

In March, a month and a half following a prominent humanitarian funder is suspended, causing global disruption, a top American diplomat announces that the lion's share of the institution's work will be scrapped. American foreign service officers, former presidents and humanitarian and health experts criticize the move, stating that lives will be lost. Human rights advocates say that the demise of the agency is not just a financial shortfall, it is a savage attack on human rights and family planning and reproductive care. Numerous groups say females will bear the brunt by reduced funding, especially in regions of instability. As the year ends, reports confirm how a significant mortality toll has been exacted from illness, famine, inadequate obstetric services, and violence against women, with millions more to come. Additional key contributing countries initiate similar reductions. A leader of an international advocacy group says a decision to slash billions in overseas assistance is an attempt to placate a powerful partner.

Christian-Right Groups Raise Voices During UN Women Summit

In the same month, several Christian-right organisations meet in an upmarket New York hotel for a strategic summit held in parallel with the international conference on women's rights. It is an opportunity to share tactics on how to defeat the UN’s “radical agenda”. They are in optimistic frame of mind as they welcome shifts in US policy on LGBTQ issues, inclusion, and reproductive rights. Meanwhile, the head of the United Nations opens the global conference with a somber alert that “the venom of male dominance” is back, after a study indicates that anti-rights actors are systematically eroding longstanding consensus on fundamental freedoms for women around the world.

Conferences on Traditional Values in Africa

Over the summer, a cluster of meetings in Africa themed around the traditional family and national sovereignty sparks alarm among human rights defenders. In the start of May, a national leader and spouse open a large assembly to combat what they label external influences undermining local norms. A few days later, another regional summit on family values is held. Both events are graced by leading American and European conservative activists, including heads of influential networks. One speaker calls on African NGOs to resist “worldwide progressive social restructuring” of international organizations. In June, a prominent church hosts a event focused on reinforcing families in West Africa, an event that reproductive rights advocates say has become a forum for opposing queer and trans rights. Advocates remark that the level of external participation has expanded considerably.

Contraceptive Destruction Order

As health facilities across Africa report they are facing shortages of birth control, including post-rape care packages, the US announces in July plans to destroy a significant cache of reproductive health commodities held in a warehouse in Europe. A leading family planning organization states that their incineration will prevent countless females from contraceptive supplies, and lead to a surge in unplanned pregnancies and dangerous terminations. The organization labels the plan an ideological decision “about exporting a regressive policy worldwide” and “a deliberate form of reproductive oppression”. A international emergency medical charity calls it “callous and reckless”. Aid groups propose purchasing the contraceptives so they can be distributed to those in need, but the US declines every proposal. The situation remains in deadlock as local authorities will not allow the destruction of viable medicines.

Broader Restrictions on Aid

Reinstating the Mexico City Policy, which prohibits Washington's support for groups that offer, promote, or give information about abortion services overseas, is standard practice for certain US administrations. It was anticipated when the rule was reinstated in January. The administration also signed onto a conservative consensus document. But in the autumn, the US announces it intends to broaden the scope of the policy to include national governments and international bodies in addition to NGOs, and to cover diversity programmes. Additional information regarding the policy's widened application are likely forthcoming. A director of a major health partnership says extending the reach will have “devastating consequences”. Reproductive justice campaigners fear that upcoming Washington funding agreements being discussed with African nations will become contingent upon adopting the expanded global gag.