(En)Gendering Authoritarianism

Over Zero and the Othering and Belonging Institute just launched their new report: (En)Gendering Authoritarianism: A Six-Strategy Framework Examining How Political and Cultural Leaders Weaponize Gender in Ways that Advance Authoritarianism.

This report explores how political and cultural leaders weaponize narratives and policies on gender identity, women’s rights, and sexuality to advance authoritarianism. It demonstrates that attacks on women’s rights, feminism, and LGBTQ communities are neither random nor organic—but part of a larger strategy to manufacture social division, distract from policy failures and corruption, and create a permission structure for power consolidation and violence. 

The report introduces a six-strategy framework that shows how authoritarian movements exploit gendered anxieties to divide societies, launder and normalize social hierarchies, and reshape cultural norms—all while eroding democratic freedoms. 

 Visit our dedicated microsite, where you can access:

• The full (En)Gendering Authoritarianism report

• An overview of the six strategies

• Snapshots that illustrate the six strategies 

What’s next:
This launch marks the first phase of our ongoing project to deepen understanding of how gender is weaponized to facilitate authoritarianism and even political violence—and what to do about it. In the months ahead, we will continue building out the hub, adding a growing library of resources, expert interviews, and case studies, as well as tools to support those working to defend democracy and human rights.

Explore how gender is weaponized—and, together, consider what it will take to counter these strategies and build more inclusive, resilient democracies.