Why are our governments afraid of gender equality?

by Tatiana Moura, Observatory Masculinidades.pt at the Centre for Social Studies, Coimbra, Portugal

As a feminist, I believe in freedom from oppression, and equal rights and opportunities for all. Yet, in today’s increasingly complex world, the rise of anti-democratic, extreme right-wing governments poses a direct threat to feminism’s core values – human rights, social justice, and equality.

Misogyny and patriarchal versions of masculinity are some of the essential building blocks for this current strain of extremist governance. Feminism, representing an ideological antithesis, is a scary ideology for those in power, and it’s under attack.

Far from political theory, the current government-approved threats to social justice and equality are tangible – impacting our lives in a multitude of insidious ways, jeopardizing our safety, freedom, and ability to advocate for meaningful change. Why does feminism so threaten extreme right-wing governments and proponents for a patriarchal version of masculinity? 

Governments who fear feminism

Feminism is committed to challenging power structures that marginalize women, non-binary people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, as well as harmful versions of masculinities. Feminist work seeks to address long standing issues like gender-based violence, unequal pay, reproductive rights, and the persistent social inequities that have shaped our world for centuries. But for many extreme right-wing governments who depend on systems of inequality to maintain power, feminism isn’t just about women’s rights—it’s a full-blown threat to their very foundation of their power that they’ve worked so hard to uphold. 

In fact, feminism´s inclusivity undermines nationalism itself. While right-wing politics often promotes nationalism, emphasizing the preservation of a nation’s cultural purity and superiority, feminism is inherently global and intersectional. Feminists understand that gender equality is deeply tied to other social justice movements focusing on race, class, sexuality, and nationality.

Feminism’s international and inclusive nature can feel like a direct threat to the exclusionary, “us versus them” mentality of extreme right-wing ideologies. Feminism promotes global solidarity, recognizing the interconnected struggles of people everywhere. Right-wing movements, however, thrive on division—dividing people by race, nationality, and even gender. So, a feminist agenda that embraces inclusivity? It’s a nightmare for those who believe in the sanctity of borders, both literal and cultural.

Men who fear feminism

Men who adhere to outdated versions of patriarchal masculinities – which thrive on narrow and rigid gender roles which promote men’s aggression, dominance, and emotional suppression – fear losing their grip on identity in the face of alternative feminist masculinities.

The feminist movement creates space for everyone, including men, to break out of these centuries-old molds and express a broader, more authentic range of emotions and identities, directly challenging the very idea of patriarchal, dominant masculinity. For those invested in maintaining this outdated ideal, feminism represents an existential panic, calling into question their sense of self, power, and status.

The fear of feminism, for many, is rooted in a deep anxiety: if masculinity can be redefined, what becomes of male dominance? What happens to the rigid roles that have long dictated how men should behave? The answer is a more flexible, open future, where power dynamics aren’t so easily controlled by the outdated ideals.

At the same time, some men hear the call for women’s empowerment and a broader understanding of masculinity as an indictment of men. It’s perceived as a threat to male identity and an accusation that men are being sidelined in favor of women’s progress. This narrative stokes resentment and fuels the belief that feminism seeks to elevate women by pushing men down.

Moving beyond fears of gender equality

In truth, feminism isn’t about one gender winning at the expense of another—it’s about collective liberation. It is a radical call to reshape society by tearing down the unequal systems that create inequalities in order for us all to thrive. 

As gender equality advances around the world, the ability to challenge patriarchal, outdated versions of masculinity only grows. Yes, the resistance to and fear of feminism will remain, and the backlash may follow — but the momentum for change is undeniable. The path to equality is far from complete, but with every step forward, the feminist movement becomes harder to ignore.