Authoritarian regimes consistently impose harsher restrictions on women’s and girls’ rights compared to democracies, but modern authoritarian governments differ from those of the 20th century. Whereas past restrictions on women were often tied to broader ideological struggles, today gender and sexuality are directly targeted as political enemies. Leaders such as Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin frame “gender ideology” as a threat, invoking a past where women had limited rights and domestic violence was private, using this narrative to consolidate power.
Globally, governments have actively cracked down on women’s rights. In Russia, Putin has emphasized traditional family roles for women, restricted abortion rights, imposed administrative sanctions against organizations promoting “childfree ideology,” and curtailed the activities of women’s rights groups. In the United States, Trump’s administration promoted anti-abortion laws, cut funding for international reproductive health programs, rolled back workplace non-discrimination protections, and sought to end gender-affirming care for trans people under the guise of countering “gender ideology.”
In El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele has rejected “gender ideology” as antithetical to family and religion, opposed abortion and same-sex marriage, and enabled indefinite presidential re-election. Afghanistan under the Taliban presents the most extreme case, with girls barred from education beyond sixth grade, severe restrictions on women’s employment, movement, and expression, and the detention of women who protest or speak out. Across these diverse contexts, controlling women emerges as a hallmark of authoritarian power consolidation, reflecting a blueprint for totalitarian control.
Despite these oppressive measures, resistance persists. Women in Minneapolis confront immigration enforcement to protect their communities, and Iranian women continue to fight brutal repression while advocating for systemic political change. Denying women’s autonomy serves as a key indicator of authoritarian ambitions, and defending these rights is essential to safeguarding broader freedoms.
