As the Third MenEngage Ubuntu Symposium launched last month in Kigali, Rwanda, it continues to host a series of events until mid-2021. On 1 December, Countering Backlash will host its first event as part of the #UbuntuSymposium on ‘Understanding the global tide of patriarchal backlash‘.
Global progress on gender equality is under attack, and new forces are reversing many gains made towards gender justice and human rights. This session, part one of a series on countering patriarchal backlash, seeks to open a broad debate on the complex nature of this current wave of backlash. Through a series of conversations spanning different contexts, continents and time-scales, it will explore the links between anti-gender backlash, ethnonationalism and white/majoritarian supremacy, and the use of tropes and narratives around masculinity and traditional gender ideals by conservative forces.
The session will provide a historical and contextually diverse global overview in order to open up an exploratory conversation on how to connect these diverse histories and current dynamics of backlash in different regions, with local-to-global – or transnational – connections. Three pairs of thinkers will engage in a conversation around the following topics:
- Indo-European ethno-nationalisms and backlash, East and West
- Colonising racialised masculinities and backlash, North and South
- Long View of the Big Picture: The politicization of religious neoconservatism, authoritarian populisms and contestations over gender and sexuality
Importantly, the session will seek to present a ‘big picture’ view of backlash, from the local to the global, through cross-regional conversations.
Simultaneous translation will be available in English, Spanish and French.
Speakers:
Introducing the session – Jerker Edström, Institute of Development Studies, UK
Indo-European ethnonationalism and backlash, East and West
- Sana Contractor, India
- Eva Zilén, Kvinna-till-Vinna, Sweden
Colonising racialised masculinities and backlash, North and South
- David N. Tshimba, Refugee Law Project, Uganda
- Alan Greig, Challenging Male Supremacy Project, USA
Long View of the Big Picture: The politicization of religious neoconservatism, authoritarian populisms and contestations over gender and sexuality
- Deniz Kandiyoti, SOAS University of London, UK
- Sonia Côrrea, Sexuality Policy Watch (SPW), Brazil
The conversations will be asking: Why is this backlash happening now and what factors are influencing it? How do these groups use traditional narratives around masculinity to appeal to their supporters? How can we connect these diverse histories in different regions with local-to-global connections and dynamics?
To participate in our session, there is still opportunity to register for the Men Engage Alliance. We would also welcome your engagement on Twitter: @CounterBacklash. You can also sign up for regular updates from Countering Backlash.