Has feminism gone too far? Has equality already been achieved? Are feminists trying to destroy the family and discriminate against men? Is inequality a myth invented by progressives? Does gender-based violence affect men equally? Should we believe these and other anti-feminist claims?
Historically, feminism has always faced resistance, but recently, we have witnessed a growing narrative that seeks to discredit the movement by portraying it as unnecessary or even harmful to society. In some cases, attempts are made to depict feminism as divisive or extremist, or to claim that its struggles are disconnected from the everyday realities of many women. In others, denialist theories argue that discrimination and sexist violence do not exist, promoting virulent myths that feminism itself has been steadily dismantling.
Beyond the traditional backlash, we have enough evidence to believe that anti-feminism does not arise by chance—it responds to a political calculation. Its objective is to divert attention from economic problems, delegitimize social struggles, and reinstall an order in which power is once again concentrated in the hands of a few, without restrictions or scrutiny.
Anti-feminism serves as the perfect scapegoat, a pressure valve for social unrest. Demonizing the feminist movement as a strategy to redirect public discontent toward an easily identifiable enemy is more convenient for those in power than addressing the structural problems that truly affect the majority. If feminism is weakened, it becomes easier to perpetuate neoliberal and authoritarian policies that exclude women, sexual minorities, and other marginalized groups.
For this reason, to protect women’s rights, the European Policy Centre suggests that it is not enough to combat anti-feminist discourse and denounce misogyny. It also recommends that policymakers find economic solutions for all through housing policies and by offering labor market opportunities.
Taken together, contemporary anti-feminism is not only an ultra-conservative response to feminist progress—it is also a complex and global phenomenon that operates on multiple fronts: symbolic censorship, digital disinformation, institutional dismantling, and the creation of international networks.
Movements such as the Conservative Political Action Conference and the funding of conservative and religious think tanks like CitizenGo, with participation from key figures of the global far-right—such as members of Spain’s Vox party or Donald Trump Jr.—show how anti-feminism is intertwined with neoliberal and authoritarian agendas. The goal of these movements is to halt women’s progress and consolidate exclusionary leadership. This anti-feminist offensive threatens the progress made thus far in achieving gender equality.
Symbolic censorship, polarization, and the rise of anti-feminist discourse on social media
The censorship of terms associated with feminism is not an isolated event: it reflects a deliberate attempt to erase language related to human rights, limiting people’s ability to name, discuss, and advocate for more inclusive and equitable futures.
This symbolic censorship is accompanied by direct attacks on institutions that promote gender equality. The closure of women’s ministries (as Milei did in Argentina in 2024), budget cuts, bans on inclusive language, proposals to eliminate the legal recognition of femicide, and the removal of gender-focused educational programs are all measures aimed at reducing the visibility and impact of progressive policies.
Meanwhile, data on growing polarization in conversations about equality in Ibero-America, along with a notable rise in misogynistic discourse, indicate that public discussion is increasingly shaped by narratives opposed to feminism. In countries like Ecuador, El Salvador, and Mexico, anti-feminist discourse has gained traction, filling a vacuum left by feminism’s diminishing relevance in public debate.
This highlights the power of digital platforms to amplify divisive and misogynistic messages, creating an environment of disinformation and distorted reality that intimidates many activists—who, for self-preservation, withdraw from these spaces. The “manosphere,” a collection of misogynistic digital subcultures, is playing an increasingly significant role in spreading anti-feminist ideas.
A recent report by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Chile makes clear that anti-feminism has become a powerful political tool. According to the report, it is “a hinge between neoliberalism and authoritarianism,” enabling conservative sectors to consolidate their political base, win elections, and legitimize exclusionary social models.
The data is revealing: in El Salvador, 30.7% of the population holds anti-feminist attitudes; in Brazil, 29.4%; in Argentina, 29.3%. In Mexico, the anti-feminist narrative takes on a veneer of respect and tradition, with the active participation of ultra-conservative organizations such as the National Front for the Family and Christian Lawyers. These groups, largely funded from the U.S. and Europe, run campaigns against sex education, LGBTQ+ rights, and access to abortion, using the concept of “freedom” to justify censorship. They hide behind the defense of “the family” to cover up gender violence and child sexual abuse.
This movement is deeply connected to religious groups—mainly Christian—far-right parties, and digital platforms that spread unregulated disinformation. Their messages are simple: fear, hate, and order—but they have a devastating impact on the criminalization of women, political persecution, and not a few institutional setbacks.
It is important to challenge these narratives
Several strategies can be proposed here. It is crucial to clearly identify the actors behind this regression: governments that claim to be “liberal” but suppress our freedom of expression; legislators who view women’s rights as a threat; media outlets that equate feminism with extremism; churches and institutions that cover up rapists and promote sexist societies.
It is also important to defend the notion that feminism, as a movement for equal rights, remains entirely relevant in many parts of the world, including Latin America. While significant advances have been made—such as voting rights and access to education and employment—workplace discrimination, the gender pay gap, and inadequate protection of sexual and reproductive rights still persist. The numbers on femicides, violence, and sexual harassment worldwide are alarming. Recent reports show that women continue to face significant obstacles in accessing power and decision-making positions. The narrative that feminism is no longer necessary ignores these ongoing realities.
Furthermore, feminism is not exclusive to certain cultures or regions. Across all continents, women are fighting for their rights, so the movement also has global strength. Minimizing it as a “Western phenomenon” or “unnecessary” disregards the reality of millions of women around the world who are still struggling against oppression.
Therefore, rather than being swayed by these narratives that seek to distort feminism, it is essential to continue questioning, reflecting, and maintaining the fight for equality. In the face of patriarchal offensives, feminism in Latin America is standing strong. In Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and many other countries, thousands continue to march under a clear slogan: “Not one step back,” convinced they are far from being a minority or fringe movement. According to the aforementioned Friedrich Ebert Foundation study, 50% of respondents identify as pro-feminist—a very encouraging figure worth sharing widely.
Avoiding the pessimism that comes from narratives claiming change is impossible is the task at hand.
*Machine translation proofread by Janaína da Silva.
Autor
Psicóloga. Master en Políticas Públicas con enfoque de género. Especialista en Transformación Cultural y Coaching Ontológico. Directora de FeminismoINC. Autora de "Incomodar para Transformar" y "Atrevidas: Manual de trabajo personal por el activismo feminista".
