In Focus: Countering Backlash against Women and Girls’ Rights

Around the world, civil society and women’s rights organizations (CSOs/WROs) working to end violence against women and girls (VAWG) are facing escalating resistance and attacks. This backlash—manifesting in many forms—is not new, but it is becoming increasingly sophisticated, entrenched, and dangerous. Driven by anti-gender and anti-rights movements, backlash seeks to dismantle hard-won feminist gains, shrink civic space, and silence those advocating for women’s and girls’ rights, including their fundamental right to live free from violence. 

Yet in the face of these challenges, CSOs and WROs continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. They are adapting to shifting political landscapes, forging cross-movement alliances, and finding innovative ways to sustain their work—while supporting women and girl survivors and those at risk of violence. 

The UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UN Trust Fund) stands firmly with them. Through flexible, long-term core funding, by listening to their priorities, and amplifying their calls for action, the UN Trust Fund is committed to ensuring these life-saving organizations are equipped and empowered to withstand and counter backlash. 

Together, we can ensure that efforts to end violence against women and girls not only endure—but thrive. 

See how women’s rights organizations shaped the dialogue at CSW69: “Beyond Beijing+30: Sustainable Financing for Gender Equality - A Strategic Dialogue with Women’s rights and Civil Society Organizations in the Global Context of Backlash”.