We kick-started 2026 by joining global partners in Brighton for The Big Conversation to Counter Backlash (21–23 Jan 2026)! Together with activists, researchers & policymakers from the South & North, we were able to unpack anti‑gender backlash, digital violence, policy capture, AI‑shaped GBV & shrinking civic space. We’re envisioning feminist futures, solidarities & concrete collaborations. 💜✊🏾 #CounteringBacklash #GenderJustice

.@_yasmin_ahmed_3, "Telecom companies are one of the key actors behind backlash. They need to be held accountable for data protection breaches that put Ugandans under the spotlight of mobile phone scammers." #CounteringBacklash

📢 Young feminists are rewriting the script, reclaiming #SRHR advocacy through lived languages, storytelling & community traditions. Bold action, unstoppable voices and #counteringbacklash in #Zimbabwe ✊ Read more: 🔗wosso.org/resources_and_news… #PushForward4Equality.

📢 Young feminists are rewriting the script, reclaiming #SRHR advocacy through lived languages, storytelling & community traditions. Bold action, unstoppable voices and #counteringbacklash in #Zimbabwe Read more: 🔗bit.ly/4njkEZX #PushForward4Equality.

We are glad to have participated in is insightful discussion. #CounteringBacklash

“Due to the fact that we use online platforms for our activism, patriarchal societies have called us all sorts of names on these same digital platforms to silence us,” a member noted. #CounteringBacklash

“Women & girls need to enhance their digital safety & security skills to ensure their safety in online spaces and effectively counter backlash,” our Program Officer @Karlvoo suggests. #CounteringBacklash

“If we are to effectively counter online backlash, we need to work with digital influencers so that they know the consequences of sharing false information & using vulgar language,” @RuthNagudi recommends. #CounteringBacklash

“The system of online backlash is genderless. Therefore, it is important for both men & women to join the fight of #CounteringBacklash,” @JTumwesigye highlights.

🚨LIVE UPDATES 💭Do you know what online gender backlash is? Here are some definitions from our speakers. “Online backlash simply means the resistance that is geared towards frustrating the efforts of women online,” @CarolMukisa1 says. #CounteringBacklash

🚨We shall be going on air in a few!!! Tune it to 90.0fm or stream live via radio.co.ug/one/ 💃See you there! #CounteringBacklash @IDS_UK

💭How can we reclaim gender justice in digital spaces? 📻Tune in to our radio talk show tomorrow as we explore how to make digital spaces safe, inclusive & empowering for women & marginlized communities. 📅 24th April, 2025 ⏰ 7:00PM EAT #CounteringBacklash

Earlier today, we actively engaged in @wougnet ’s multi-stakeholder convening under the Countering Backlash Program. Discussions centered on shrinking civic space & feminist organizing [online]. Such engagements continue to strengthen our Law & Tech arm. #CounteringBacklash

Alongside other stakeholders and actors, we convened to highlight key gender backlash issues in Uganda, highlighting a few cases of online and civic discrimination. Gratitude to @wougnet with support from @IDS_UK, for organising a fantastic engagement. #CounteringBacklash

👏A special thanks to @IDS_UK for making this convening a success and our participants for your insights that will inform future endeavors for #CounteringBacklash in feminist organising and shrinking civic space online.

In their different groups, stakeholders highlighted and presented various gender backlash issues, timelines, contestations, actors, drivers, tactics & counter tactics to create safe online spaces for women and girls in Uganda. #CounteringBacklash

With support from @IDS_UK, WOUGNET convened multistakeholders to highlight key gender backlash issues & cases in Uganda, and also raise awareness about the effects of gender backlash in promoting inclusive online and civic spaces in Uganda. #CounteringBacklash

🌎While the internet continues to serve as a vital tool for feminist organizations to counter backlash, insufficient effort has been made to ensure that communication platforms protect their freedom of expression, expression & online organizing. #CounteringBacklash 🧵

Allies can speak up, challenge unfair treatment, support campaigns, educate others, and use their influence to promote gender equality. Their voices help make the fight against backlash stronger. #CounteringBacklash

People can use social media, online campaigns, and digital storytelling to speak out, spread awareness, and connect with others fighting for gender equality. Technology helps expose injustice and push for change. #CounteringBacklash