Defending democracy by defending women’s and LGBTQ+ rights.
Democracies work when they include everyone
Across Europe, democracy is in decline. Key indicators such as the rule of law, the quality of elections, and media freedom are weakening, although the extent varies between countries.
Within this fragile context, the anti-gender movement has gained ground, rolling back progress by spreading misinformation and stigmatising discourses that frame some groups as scapegoats for broader societal problems.
This pushback further erodes democracies, as it is at odds with a society based on pluralism and fundamental rights.
Democracies work when everyone can participate freely, make meaningful choices that affect their lives, and enjoy freedom and safety.
There is no democracy without gender equality
The status of women is strongly associated with the health of democracy. It’s no surprise, then, to see that women’s rights have become a target for those seeking to undermine democracy.
Countering democratic decline requires sustained efforts to advance equality, protect women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, empower more people to become allies, and defend civic space.
Still, this remains among the most underfunded work in Europe, despite its positive returns for democracy and the wellbeing of societies.
Our contribution
Protecting hard-won progress
We provide critical resources to grassroots gender equality organisations protecting hard-won progress against new threats and attacks.
Building resilience
We support grassroots gender equality organisations to withstand, respond to, and recover from external destabilising pressures. This can be through innovation, adaption, or collaboration.
Seizing new opportunities
We enable gender equality organisations to act quickly, decisively, and creatively when opportunities arise to advance gender equality.
Key figures
delivered to partners so far.
organisations supported with Europe-wide impact.
What we fund
Opportunity grants
These grants enable organisations to take advantage of political momentum, unlock new funding for the ecosystem, strengthen their public presence, or explore emerging issues when the right moment arises. Opportunity grants make it possible to move fast, think creatively, and amplify impact.
Emergency grants
These grants support organisations facing an unexpected and urgent threat that endangers the people they serve, jeopardises their ability to operate, or risks major setbacks for gender equality. Emergency grants help organisations act quickly where safety, stability, or hard-won progress are at stake.
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