The protection, respect, and promotion of gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) have long been central to Swedish international development cooperation. The Government’s reform agenda for development assistance reaffirms Sweden’s commitment to SRHR and gender equality. In many contexts, the increased politicisation around and backlash against these rights have led to growing personal insecurity for human rights advocates and to the revocation of previously gained rights and liberties.
In this working paper, Sofia Kahma shows how what is referred to as the ‘anti-rights’ or ‘anti-gender’ movement affects the rights-based work of three international civil society organisations that are partners to Sida. The informants report having their funding blocked by conservative governments; being targeted by anti-rights intimidations attempts; and having anti-rights actors infiltrate and disrupt their activities and events. Based on the findings, she explores possible responses to the current opposition and backlash against sexual and gender-related rights.