Authoritarian Crackdown on Women's Rights

Global Suppression

As human rights abuses escalate globally, authoritarian leaders are seizing the opportunity to curb women's freedoms. Across nations, they are silencing our voices, controlling our bodies, and denying us essential rights like shelter, clean water, and healthcare.

"They are flexing their muscles, curtailing our rights—to speak our minds, control our bodies, vote our consciences, and have access to fundamental things."

Taliban's Tyranny in Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, the Taliban has implemented repressive measures against women's education, employment, and social freedoms. They have banned girls from medical training, universities, and aid agencies, contributing to the nation's alarming maternal mortality rate.

Despite these restrictions, women-led organizations like Sahar Education continue to fight for girls' rights, navigating dangerous terrain with ingenuity and determination.

Democratic Space Shrinking in Asia

WomenStrong International partners in India, Cambodia, and Indonesia face challenges due to the shrinking democratic space. Authoritarian governments target press freedoms, free speech, and environmental activism, threatening organizations working on women's rights, labor, and development.

Sub-Saharan Struggles

Kenya's Action Foundation battles discrimination against disabled women and the rampant femicide epidemic. In Uganda, WomenStrong partners face government crackdowns on civil liberties and land rights activism.

Malawi and Zambia have implemented discriminatory laws targeting LGBTQ+ citizens, hindering organizations from meeting the needs of all their participants.

Resilience and Resistance

Despite these challenges, women's rights groups remain steadfast. The Action Foundation's disabled women and their allies joined anti-femicide protests. Guatemala's Women's Justice Initiative successfully prosecutes gender-based crimes.

"These bold, local, women-led organizations know best how to build effective coalitions, handle delicate negotiations, and resist, when necessary."

Need for Support

Major funders and philanthropies are retreating from authoritarian regimes, leaving women-led nonprofits vulnerable. We must ask these organizations what they need to continue their vital work and provide them with the resources and support they require.

"When women's rights and all of our rights are under serious threat, it's the least we can do."