Understanding How Authoritarians Use Gender Issues to Divide Us

This online event teaches people about how authoritarian leaders use gender issues to divide communities and gain power. Two expert speakers will share a six-strategy framework that shows how these leaders exploit fears about gender to justify extreme measures and limit rights. The presentation includes examples from Europe and North America, with a special focus on Hungary. The event runs from 11 AM to 12:15 PM Eastern Time on October 7th and includes 30 minutes for audience questions. Attendees will learn to recognize these tactics, understand how movements can respond without increasing polarization, and get practical examples they can use in their own organizing work. The speakers are Míriam Juan-Torres González from the Democracy & Belonging Forum and Stefánia Kapronczay, a Hungarian human rights defender with 20 years of experience. This educational session helps people decode the playbook authoritarians use, protect civic spaces, and learn from experiences across different countries. The event is designed for funders, organizers, and anyone interested in defending democratic values and building belonging in their communities.

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