Anti-Gender Movements in Italy and Europe: Religion or Politics?

Sexual and reproductive health and rights are increasingly under pressure in Italy. The far-right government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (Fratelli d'Italia) has pursued restrictive policies that undermine access to abortion, weaken gender equality, erode democratic institutions, and narrow the space for civil rights and freedoms. These developments are not unique to Italy. They are part of a broader wave of religious nationalism and authoritarian trends, where the global religious right connects local actors to influential international networks and pursues coordinated strategies.

During this event, we will explore key questions such as:

• Which policies are most critical for Italy’s future and how do Italy’s dynamics compare with those in other European countries?
• How do religion and politics intertwine in the anti-gender movement? What role do transnational networks play?
• Which strategies of resistance can civil society, medical professionals, and international allies mobilise to defend rights and democracy at this crucial moment? 

To tackle these issues, this panel will bring together voices at the forefront of research and resistance:

• Giorgia Alazraki, midwife and Vice-President of LAIGA („Libera Associazione Italiana Ginecologi non obiettori per l'Applicazione della 194/78“ – the association of Italian gynaecologists defending the right to abortion)
• Gionathan Lo Mascolo, author and expert on the Christian right, and Deputy Director of Faith in Democracy Inc.
• Dr. Massimo Prearo, Researcher at the University of Verona, and leading expert on Italian anti-gender activism 

The discussion will be moderated by Sarah Ulrich, feminist investigative journalist, and author of an investigative report on the Christian right’s influence on Italian politics. 

This panel discussion will take place in Italian, German and English with simultaneous translation. 

A small snack will be provided after the event to allow for further discussion and informal exchange.

Entry is free. Please register. We look forward to your participation. 

This event is organised by the Heinrich-Böll-Foundation in cooperation with ANPI Berlin-Brandenburg.

Contact
Camille Barlier
Project Officer EU and Nordamerica Division
barlier@boell.de

» On-site attendance
at the Heinrich Böll Foundation Headquarters, Schumannstr. 8, 10117 Berlin

Please register in advance. Unfortunately, the number of seats is limited.

» Livestream
Alternatively, you can follow the event via livestream without registering.
Livestream in German
Livestream in English
Livestream in Italian

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