Gender under Threat: Crisis and Possibility?

“Are we witnessing two contradictory trends? The widespread attack on gender equality and the "gender academy" is a global phenomenon. Illiberal/authoritarian forces are reshaping the politics of gender equality, narrowing the scope for gender-related teaching and scholarship as well as policy and advocacy. Gender studies are dismissed and referred to as an ideology; in some instances, gender curricula have been effectively banned. But these authoritarian trends have catalyzed counter-mobilizations and may be fostering new intellectual and policy agendas. How can these counter efforts be nurtured? Can they succeed, and what would success mean in this context?
 
But, at the same time that authoritarian governments are reducing the scope for gender equality, some countries may be moving in a different direction, perhaps opening new prospects for research and teaching as well as for policy practice and advocacy. Mexico may be a case in point. How will gender equality be incorporated into governmental policies? What scope will there be for critical discussion of gender issues? And how will these efforts be sustained?  
 
This panel and webinar explored the difficult, and conflicting, trends that characterize this moment. Brief presentations were followed by a discussion that span regions – Europe (broadly defined) and Latin America.”
Panelists:
  • Marianna Muravyeva, University of Helsinki
  • Etuna Nogaideli, Kvinna till Kvinna
  • Gabriela Cano, Colegio de México, Columbia University
  • Vladimir Tlali, Columbia University
 

Click here to view a recording of the event.