Human Rights

What happens when a loosely defined concept like “gender ideology” becomes a rallying point for transnational alliances of political, religious, and economic power? This article explores how the so-called anti-gender movement, which might more accurately be called an anti-rights agenda, is shaping political and legal landscapes across the globe, with a focus on Albania. Drawing from scholarship, case studies, and recent legal developments, this article investigates how fear is strategically framed to undermine democratic values, human rights norms, and hard-won gender equality protections.How is this colonial-era rhetoric being rebranded in the name of tradition and sovereignty? Why are calls for bodily autonomy and inclusive education now framed as existential threats? And who benefits when policies restricting identity, family life, and reproductive rights are passed under the guise of protecting “children” or “national values”?Using Albania as a case study, this article examines the emergence of a domestic anti-gender discourse, its connections to global networks, and the disparities between formal legal protections and lived realities. It also highlights the growing resistance, both local and international, fighting to hold the line against democratic backsliding.Ultimately, the article invites policymakers, activists, and legal professionals to reevaluate what is at stake. The fight against anti-gender ideology is not only about specific rights or communities; it is about the democratic commitment to human dignity, autonomy, and equality. Can we afford to treat this as a fringe concern when the consequences are anything but?

The rise of the far-right movement and recent shifts in global politics have led to significant cuts in foreign development assistance. What are the impacts on feminist and civil society organizations?

Feminist and LGBTIQ+ issues are almost as diverse as the communities themselves, yet both movements are discriminated against, marginalized, often attacked, and violated, simply because of their non-conformity to conventional and hegemonic notions of gender.