Solutions

Feminist activists and movements are already leaders in building collective care networks, infrastructure, and practices to prevent, mitigate, and heal from disruptive, dangerous backlash. Activists know best what they need and can share insights and tools with one another to assess risk and formulate action plans for safety.  

Funders need to provide access to flexible funding that allows activists to mobilize quickly and effectively in response to unexpected risks and build networks, practices, and infrastructure for collective care that can sustain activists and movements over time. With access to timely infusions and long-term commitments of support, feminist activists can take advantage of critical windows of opportunity to hold the line against repression and rollbacks while simultaneously building collective power for lasting, transformative change. 

Policymakers need to push for the power, perspectives, and holistic protection of frontline feminists to be reflected in global advocacy decision-making arenas, commitments, and demands. Governments must establish, promote, and fully implement clear policies and practices to protect feminist activists from the full range of backlash that they face, and affirm the rights and liberties of those who are improving our world by advancing justice.

Feminist movements are leading movements for justice and liberation worldwide. In the face of increased risks and backlash, activists share their  key strategies to respond to these challenges with collective power and care. These movement-led approaches to protection and well-being understand and document backlash in holistic ways, support collective care, and build sustainable feminist movements.