Dispatch: Feminist Movements Are Tackling the Far Right

Feminist movements around the world have already been ringing the alarm bell for many years – at the heart of the modern far right lies a strong gender ideology and a convincing push for “traditional values” that have especially attacked feminist narratives and LGBTQI+ advances.

They have warned us about the rise of the new right – a global constellation of extreme right-wing parties and online fringe groups who are all staunchly anti-feminist. In fact, antifeminism is considered one of the main drivers of these groups.

Anti-feminism is an easy entry point to the online far right as well as a mobilization rallying point for conservative politicians, and the new right knows how to mobilize and campaign around these issues. Anti-feminism has also notably entered a cultural sphere, with the growing visibility and cultural relevance of tradwives who casually reinforce a narrative that gender equality shouldn’t be a goal or an objective for society. In addition to navigating these dynamics, there are also large numbers of women who join far right movements and prop up the internationalization of a far right agenda. Some could say that the new face of fascism is female.

A feminist response is needed – attacks on abortion rights, trans people, feminists, and immigrants are currently the strongest. 21st century feminist movements are making it clear that their movements are not only about women’s rights. In fact, the neoliberal interpretation of feminism is what allows it to be co-opted by right wing and capitalist actors. Feminism is a political framework to understand power and oppression, and modern day feminist movements are involved in creating proposals that include new economies, climate justice, and so much more. This month’s Dispatch is dedicated to the feminist movements and groups that are currently providing us with some strong narrative & practical alternatives, from debt-based organizing to strengthening mutual aid to narrative strategies that challenge this current moment of right wing authoritarianism.