Project Description
This research project aims to address the growing threats and harassment faced by women’s rights, feminist, and LGBTQI+ activists and organizations in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Syria. Amidst a closing civic space, the project will investigate the social, cultural, economic, and political drivers behind these backlash movements and identify effective strategies for resistance. Through localized research and cross-movement alliance-building, the project seeks to safeguard the rights of marginalized communities and promote greater equality and inclusion in the region.
The research will involve a comprehensive methodology, including literature reviews, document analysis, and primary data collection through qualitative interviews and focus group discussions with activists and relevant stakeholders. By developing case studies and a comparative report, the project will provide in-depth insights into the unique challenges and resistance strategies within each target country. Additionally, policy briefs and thematic reports will offer actionable recommendations for policymakers and advocacy groups, aiming to strengthen the resilience of women’s rights, feminist, and LGBTQI+ movements against escalating backlash and promote positive change across the MENA region.
Duration
2024-2026
Donor
International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
Project Activities
Navigating Anti-Rights Backlash: Strengthening Feminist and LGBTQI2+ Movements in MENA
Roula El-Rifai’s article discusses the urgent need for strategic research and knowledge generation to support feminist and LGBTQI2+ movements amidst growing anti-rights backlash in MENA. She emphasizes the importance of solidarity, ethical research, and strategic…
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Asfari Institute kicks off a new research project on anti-rights movement in the MENA region
The Asfari Institute recently kicked off a research project on anti-rights movement and backlash in the MENA region, entitled “Upholding Rights in the MENA Region Amid Global Backlash: Strategies in MENA.”
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