Anti-abortion activists clash with UN women's rights advocates

Last week, two major events highlighted the growing divide over women's rights. One meeting took place in New York, where anti-abortion campaigners gathered, while the other was the UN's Conference on the Status of Women, focusing on gender equality. Both events showcased the ongoing struggle for women's rights amid increasing political tensions. At the Conference on the State of Women and Family (CSWF), Denise Mountenay shared her views against abortion, calling it "Nazi thinking." She expressed regret for her own abortions and claimed that women are misled about the safety of the procedure. Despite her controversial statements, many of her assertions have been proven false by scientific research. The conference, hosted by several conservative organizations, aimed to push back against what they see as threats to traditional values and women's roles. Meanwhile, at the UN, Secretary-General António Guterres warned about the resurgence of patriarchy and its negative impact on women's rights. A recent UN report indicated that many countries are experiencing a backlash against gender equality. This backlash is often fueled by anti-rights groups who seek to undermine the progress made in women's rights. In a related event at the UN, activists discussed strategies to combat these anti-feminist movements. Polish activist Marta Lempart noted that there is a concerted effort to undermine feminism, suggesting that the anti-abortion movement is seeking to regain ground as feminist movements gain momentum. On the first day of the UN conference, member states adopted a political declaration affirming commitments to women's rights, although the US government did not endorse it. There was a notable absence of language addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights, which many advocacy groups view as a setback in the ongoing fight for gender equality. In Kenya, the atmosphere for healthcare providers is becoming more hostile, with increasing disinformation and stigma surrounding abortion. Activists are warning that ongoing attacks and funding cuts could significantly harm women's access to necessary healthcare services, leading to dire consequences for vulnerable populations. As tensions grow in both New York and at the UN, the fight for women's rights continues. The rising challenges underscore the urgent need for collective action to protect and advance gender equality on a global scale.