Contentious Gender Politics in Italy: Feminist Responses to Anti-Gender Mobilizations

This chapter examines feminist movements’ responses to the rise of anti-gender politics in Italy, which has gained momentum since the 2010s. Initially rooted in grassroots activism, anti-gender actors have increasingly influenced parliamentary politics, forming alliances with right-wing populist parties such as the League and Brothers of Italy. This institutionalization has led to a rollback of reproductive rights, LGBT+ rights, and gender equality, reinforcing cis-heteropatriarchal norms. Simultaneously, Italy has witnessed a resurgence of feminist activism, particularly through Non Una di Meno, which mobilizes against gender-based violence, neoliberalism, and social inequalities. Influenced by transnational feminist waves, the movement adopts an intersectional approach, addressing multiple forms of oppression. This chapter explores feminist strategies to counter anti-gender attacks, identifying two primary tactics: confrontational (protests, sit-ins) and non-confrontational (cultural initiatives, institutional engagement). While anti-gender actors engage with major institutions, feminist movements maintain a radical stance but face resource disparities. The study, based on 20 interviews with feminist activists, sheds light on the gendered interactions between opposing movements and their implications for feminist strategies.