On the Front Lines: Women’s Mobilization for Democracy in an Era of Backsliding

The world is currently undergoing a democratic recession, where democracy on a global scale is not only diminishing but has regressed to levels similar to those seen more than three decades ago[1]. Despite this trend, there has been a widespread resistance against authoritarian practices, with people mobilising against democratic erosion, repression and efforts to weaken democratic institutions. Within this context, women have emerged as key players in these pro-democracy movements as the different case studies in the report highlight.

Released by the Carnegie Endowement for International Peace, On the Frontlines: Women’s Mobilization for Democracy in an Era of Democratic Backsliding looks into the manifestations of women’s civic and political involvement. Through case studies looking into the mobilisation against Trump in the United States, Bolsonaro in Brazil, or the movements against restrictive regimes in Poland and Hungary, Belarus, Myanmar, India, Tunisia, Turkey and Zimbabwe, this report paints a comprehensive landscape of women’s involvement for democracy in different contexts.

Its main focus lies on reasons women mobilise for democracy, ways they do so, and understanding whether their participation influences the goals, tactics, and coalitions of democratic resistance. It also dives into how autocratic regimes respond to women’s mobilisation. Finally, it underscores the diversity among women activists and the need for a nuanced understanding of their political roles during times of democratic erosion. Indeed, this compilation also highlights the divisions within political coalitions and raises questions about the extent of their influence in formal politics. While women’s mobilisation often energises resistance movements and diversify political agendas, achieving substantial gains in political representation remains a challenge. 

This report illustrates how women continue to push for democratic ideals, challenge traditional gender norms, and advocate for substantive equality and inclusion within democracy movements, despite facing backlash and violence. Their resilience and grassroots mobilisation power are evident, even in the face of adversity. 

To conclude, this report emphasises the importance of supporting and amplifying women’s leadership while addressing the structural barriers hindering their political empowerment. It calls for a comprehensive strategy that not only protects women activists from repression but also promotes their meaningful participation in shaping democratic processes.

The report is accessible through the following link: https://carnegie-production-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/files/Brechenmacher_Womens_Mobilization_Democracy_UPDATED-1.pdf
 

[1] International Idea, The Global State of Democracy: the New Checks and Balances, Stockholm