Resilience Handbook: Countering Anti-Gender Policies
Resilience Handbook: Countering Anti-Gender Policies
Contributor(s): Enida Čamdžić (Editor)
Subject(s): Philosophy, Gender Studies
Published by: Fondacija CURE
Keywords: BiH; gender; politics; policy; resilience; handbook; guide; LGBTIQ+;
Summary/Abstract: Resilience Handbook: Countering Anti-Gender Policies provides a comprehensive overview of anti-gender movements, their strategies, and the impacts of their actions, while also proposing practical strategies for fostering resilience against their influence. Over the past decades, anti-gender mobilisations have emerged as a serious threat to advancements in human rights, gender equality, and social inclusion. Although primarily targeting women and LGBTIQ+ persons, their activities have broader implications for democratic processes, the rule of law, and social stability. By employing narratives centred on the preservation of ‘traditional values’ and ‘family stability’, these movements justify opposition to reforms that promote equality and inclusivity. Their discourse frequently incorporates elements of populism, nationalism, and clericalism, and they operate through political parties, religious institutions, conservative non-governmental organisations, and right-wing media networks.
- E-ISBN-13: 978-9926-413-23-1
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-9926-413-23-1
- Page Count: 56
- Publication Year: 2025
- Language: English
Introduction
Introduction
(Introduction)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Gender Studies, Civil Society, Sociology of Politics
- Page Range:6-8
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:BiH; gender; policy; resilience; handbook; introduction;
- Summary/Abstract:Resilience Handbook: Countering Anti-Gender Policies provides a comprehensive overview of anti-gender movements, their strategies, and the impacts of their actions, while also proposing practical strategies for fostering resilience against their influence. Over the past decades, anti-gender mobilisations have emerged as a serious threat to advancements in human rights, gender equality, and social inclusion. Although primarily targeting women and LGBTIQ+ persons, their activities have broader implications for democratic processes, the rule of law, and social stability. By employing narratives centred on the preservation of ‘traditional values’ and ‘family stability’, these movements justify opposition to reforms that promote equality and inclusivity. Their discourse frequently incorporates elements of populism, nationalism, and clericalism, and they operate through political parties, religious institutions, conservative non-governmental organisations, and right-wing media networks.
Defining the Phenomenon – What Is and What Is Not an Anti-Gender Movement?
Defining the Phenomenon – What Is and What Is Not an Anti-Gender Movement?
(Defining the Phenomenon – What Is and What Is Not an Anti-Gender Movement?)
- Author(s):Selma Alispahić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Gender Studies, Civil Society, Sociology, Sociology of Politics
- Page Range:9-16
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:BiH; gender; anti-gender; movement; definition;
- Summary/Abstract:The authors of the book Anti-Gender Campaigns in Europe: Mobilizing Against Equality define anti-gender movements in the following way: ‘By using the notion of anti-gender movement, we aim to describe the mobilizations and campaigns against gender which have appeared since the late 1990s in several European countries and elsewhere (particularly in Latin America). We want to insist on a specific type of mobilization, and we claim that these mobilizations, which have often been studied separately, can be gathered under a single notion. These countries are facing specific forms of mobilization which should not be understood as mere reiterations of the past but rather as new forms of mobilization against gender and sexual equality... a common pattern of mobilization can be observed across borders, including a shared discourse, a travelling repertoire of action and similar strategies. Despite a diversity of triggers at national levels, all these mobilizations address “gender ideology” or “gender theory” as the root cause of the reforms they want to combat. For this reason, we gather them under the label of anti-gender movements.’ (Kuhar & Paternotte, 2017: 253)
Legal Analysis of the Legislative Framework on Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Legal Analysis of the Legislative Framework on Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination in Bosnia and Herzegovina
(Legal Analysis of the Legislative Framework on Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination in Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Author(s):Emina Zahirović Pintarić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Social differentiation, Social Norms / Social Control, Sociology of Law
- Page Range:17-23
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:BiH; gender; policy; discrimination; legislation; analysis;
- Summary/Abstract:Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has a complex legal framework concerning equality and the prohibition of discrimination; however, significant challenges persist in its implementation, particularly in countering anti-gender policies. This analysis examines the relevant legal provisions, their international sources, and the extent to which BiH potentially breaches its international obligations. It provides practical examples and outlines mechanisms for the protection of citizens’ rights.
How Anti-Gender Narratives and Mobilisations Threaten Women's Rights and Freedoms
How Anti-Gender Narratives and Mobilisations Threaten Women's Rights and Freedoms
(How Anti-Gender Narratives and Mobilisations Threaten Women's Rights and Freedoms)
- Author(s):Delila Hasanbegović Vukas
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Sociology, Sociology of Law
- Page Range:24-30
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:BiH; gender; policy; anti-gender; narrative; women; rights; freedoms;
- Summary/Abstract:In order to understand how to confront the narratives and consequences of the so-called anti-gender movement and the policies that shape it, we must first comprehend what it represents, where it originates from, its underlying intentions, how it has expanded, and what its ultimate objectives are. This movement emerged as a critique or response to concepts developed by the proponents of these policies – gender theory or gender ideology. The very term gender ideology is the fundamental premise of these policies – an empty signifier, an alleged threat to humanity, deliberately crafted to sound academic or scientific, thus making it accessible for the general public to grasp. In reality, it means nothing, as gender ideology does not exist – only gender as a concept does.
The Impact of Anti-Gender Policies on LGBTIQ+ Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Impact of Anti-Gender Policies on LGBTIQ+ Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina
(The Impact of Anti-Gender Policies on LGBTIQ+ Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Author(s):Anisa Pračić-Šehić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Sociology, Sociology of Law
- Page Range:31-35
- No. of Pages:5
- Keywords:BiH; gender; anti-gender; policy; rights; impact;
- Summary/Abstract:Anti-gender policies are considered a contemporary phenomenon in society, originating in the mid-1990s, with a noted increase in their influence on social developments and changes within the system of social and legal values and rules from the mid-2000s to the present. There are various definitions and opinions on the actions of anti-gender movements and policies, but what they all have in common is radicalism, populism, and the extreme political and/or religious right. However, when discussing the terminology used to describe anti-gender movements or policies, Jasmina Čaušević, a Master of Social Sciences in the field of gender studies, states in an interview for the article ‘Anti-Gender “Movements” as the Collapse of Democracy’ that it might not be appropriate to call anti-gender actions ‘movements’ and that the term ‘policies’ should be used instead. The actions of anti-gender policies begin with the political right and, as such, essentially come ‘from above’, from the top of political power, which uses these ideas to strengthen overtly conservative policies.
Anti-Gender Policies and Their Impact on Women from the Roma Community
Anti-Gender Policies and Their Impact on Women from the Roma Community
(Anti-Gender Policies and Their Impact on Women from the Roma Community)
- Author(s):Dalibor Tanić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Social differentiation, Ethnic Minorities Studies, Social Norms / Social Control
- Page Range:36-38
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:BiH; gender; policy; anti-gender; women; Roma; impact;
- Summary/Abstract:Anti-gender policies and practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) are present across various social, economic and political spheres, shaped by cultural norms, religious teachings and tradition. Within this framework, women from marginalised groups, such as Roma women, face double discrimination – based on both gender and ethnicity, as well as due to traditional and religious influences. These women are pushed to the margins of society not only because of racism, but also because of gender roles that restrict them from exercising their everyday rights and participating fully in society.
Guide to Anti-Gender Movement in Republika Srpska
Guide to Anti-Gender Movement in Republika Srpska
(Guide to Anti-Gender Movement in Republika Srpska)
- Author(s):Melani Isović
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Gender Studies, Governance, Social differentiation, Social Norms / Social Control, Sociology of Politics
- Page Range:39-43
- No. of Pages:5
- Keywords:BiH; gender; policy; anti-gender; movement; Republika Srpska;
- Summary/Abstract:The self-organisation of anti-gender groups in Republika Srpska intensified in May 2023, when members of the Organising Committee of the BiH Pride March became the target of attacks by hooligans. Contrary to the claims of certain right-wing citizens’ associations, politicians and media outlets, no march had been planned – instead, the BiH Pride March had organised indoor events, including a film screening, a panel discussion and a party. This event format had already been successfully implemented in Banja Luka during the previous three years.
Typical Anti-Gender Arguments and How to Respond to Them
Typical Anti-Gender Arguments and How to Respond to Them
(Typical Anti-Gender Arguments and How to Respond to Them)
- Author(s):Meliha Sendić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Sociology, Social differentiation, Social Norms / Social Control
- Page Range:44-48
- No. of Pages:5
- Keywords:BiH; gender; policy; arguments; anti-gender;
- Summary/Abstract:Anti-gender rhetoric frequently relies on disinformation, manipulative narratives, and emotive appeals in order to delegitimise gender equality. In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), resistance to anti-gender movements faces particular challenges stemming from the country’s complex political, ethnic, and religious structure. These narratives not only endanger the rights of women and the LGBTIQ+ community but also foster fear and intolerance.
Recommendations
Recommendations
(Recommendations)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Gender Studies, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Studies in violence and power, Social Norms / Social Control, Sociology of Law
- Page Range:49-51
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:BiH; policy; gender; anti-gender; recommendations;
- Summary/Abstract:The recommendations presented in this chapter stem from the analyses and research of the authors of this handbook, who examined various aspects of anti-gender policies and their impact on human rights, gender equality, and social cohesion. These conclusions are based on detailed reviews of legislative frameworks, institutional practices, the influence of disinformation and conservative narratives, as well as the experiences of activists and organisations working in the field of human rights.
Conclusion
Conclusion
(Conclusion)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Gender Studies, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Studies in violence and power, Social Norms / Social Control, Sociology of Law
- Page Range:52-53
- No. of Pages:2
- Keywords:BiH; policy; gender; anti-gender; conclusion;
- Summary/Abstract:The emergence of anti-gender movements presents a serious challenge to achieving a just and equal society. These movements exploit fear, disinformation and conservative ideologies to resist progressive policies and undermine human rights, social inclusion and democratic values. By manipulating public narratives and relying on rhetoric around the ‘protection of traditional values’, anti-gender actors often portray gender equality and inclusion as threats to societal stability. Their influence – particularly in regions such as the Western Balkans – has led to the erosion of legal and social protections, with consequences that extend far beyond the rights of women and LGBTIQ+ individuals, affecting the wider community and undermining the fundamental principles of justice and equality.
About the Authors
About the Authors
(About the Authors)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Scientific Life
- Page Range:54-56
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:about authors;
