Fighting for sexual rights is, at its core, a fight to uphold and protect democracy. Attacks on sexual rights are a clear indication that democracy is fragile and under threat.
The year 2024 highlighted the entwined relationship between democracy and the fight for human rights. Over those twelve months, an exceptional number of citizens around the world have gone to the polls to elect their leaders. At first glance, one might be tempted to view this as a victory for democracy—a sign that many countries have granted their people the right to vote.
However, according to CNN, over 30% of elections have been held by undemocratic regimes.
Unequal access to this fundamental civic right across nations highlights the deliberate manipulation of votes to silence certain populations. The results of these numerous elections highlight a troubling trend: the steady rise of far-right movements advancing anti-democratic and criminal agendas.
Reclaiming the word "criminal" to refer to the far-right
The opposition criminalises our rights, our bodies, and our lives. They define us as criminals, while the only criminals are those who prevent individuals from having control over their bodies and their lives. Those who promote violence and discrimination to establish a social norm that deliberately excludes groups of people.
Let us weigh up our words carefully, and as we close the year 2024, collectively remind ourselves that the only criminals are the actors of the far-right.
The word "criminal" epitomizes the far-right governments’ systematic attacks on women's rights, particularly through restricting access to safe and legal abortion. They have been condemning women to clandestinity and the risks of hemorrhage and death. Women's lives are of far less value to them than those of men and their authoritarian ideas.
In Poland, where the far-right's move to restrict access to abortion in 2021, serves as a grim example. Every time a woman dies as a result of a clandestine abortion caused by this oppressive legislation, our Member Association in Poland, Women's Strike, and the entire feminist movement are both deeply moved and outraged. Meanwhile, those responsible for these anti-choice laws turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the consequences.
Using the legal system to silence activists is nothing new—yet it is another stark reminder that attacks on women's rights often herald a broader assault on democratic principles: justice, freedom of the press, and the fundamental rights of all.
But their cowardice does not end there. They also seek to suppress the wave of revolt sparked by our movement. In 2024, three prominent leaders of Women's Strike faced court trials for organizing protests in support of abortion rights back in 2020, when the abortion ban was first announced.
The agenda of the rise of the far-right across the world is also criminal in its systematic attack on communities
In 2024, these governments continued to use their legal frameworks to criminalise sex work and arrest and to terrorize sex workers around the world. Georgina Orellano, sex worker and activist, was arrested in Argentina as part of a repressive operation and faced police violence while media stayed silence.
Faced with this situation, feminist movements must be more brave and even more vocal in supporting and defending the rights of sex workers. Decriminalization must be our first step by 2025.
The same goes for associations of women drug users, who are often marginalized and excluded. In our intersectional movement, we must remember that our struggles will not be waged without women drug users. Their voices must be heard. And their criminalization and incarceration are not, and never will be, a solution to building a healthy society.
When the far right relies on exclusion to build its project for society, our duty is to build solidarity and inclusion in our struggles. The battle will not be won alone.
A criminal agenda manifested in the far right's systematic efforts to harm, criminalize, and stigmatize LGBTQI+ people worldwide, particularly targeting trans individuals.
In 2024, the violence persisted, with continued murders of LGBTQI+ people. Uganda passed its anti-homosexuality law while simultaneously restricting associative freedoms— another clear demonstration that attacks on LGBTQI+ rights are closely linked to broader assaults on democracy. Collaboration among feminist, SRHR, and LGBTQI+ organizations is crucial in combating the systemic oppression faced by LGBTQI+ communities.
The far-right, if alone and isolated, would not be able to carry out so many criminal acts
It is acting with the support of wealthy individuals, notably in Russia and the USA, who are funding this project to destroy democracy and the rights of all, in service of the power gain of a few.
The far-right operates with the unconditional backing of religious groups that fundraise, finance, craft hate messages and spreads them using neo-colonial and racist methods.
The far-right is able to act with impunity thanks to the silent complicity of certain governments, media, and influential figures. By de-demonizing the far-right, allowing parts of the press to be bought and run by far-right figures, by prioritizing the voices of certain nations, and by turning a blind eye, they enable the far right to advance its agenda.
The horror that Palestinians have been enduring since October 2023 is the result of the actions of the far-right Israeli government and the complicity of international powers that have remained silently complicit, allowing the genocide of Palestinians to continue for over a year.
2024 also witnessed the spread of the conflict in Lebanon, where our Lebanese Member Association paid a heavy price. Our clinics in Beqaa were burnt and destroyed. The thousands of people we treated found themselves without access to healthcare. Our employees feared for their lives and those of their loved ones. We salute their courage in continuing to work under these conditions to deliver access to sexual and reproductive health services for the inhabitants. The ceasefire we called for is a relief, but it will not erase the ravages of the Israeli bombardment on our clinics and the trauma of our staff and volunteers.
These humanitarian crises are not inevitable. They are human made. And it is up to world leaders to put an end to them.
Our humanitarian work in Sudan continues as we enter the second year of civil war. The international community and mainstream media are not listening to the voices of Sudanese women. Our Sudanese Member Association, with unmatched courage and determination, continues to raise awareness about the ongoing use of rape as a weapon of war by militias. Yet, there remains silence and inaction on the international stage.
In countries under terrorist and authoritarian regimes, women are silenced by violent men in power. Since November 2024, Afghan women have been prohibited from speaking in public. Despite this hostile environment, our Afghan Member Association remains committed to providing care and creating spaces for those denied a voice.
In the face of the far-right, authoritarian regimes and conservative organizations, our feminist movement defending sexual rights for all stands strong through its actions and solidarity.
In 2024, even in hostile contexts, we achieved victories across continents
In Europe, progress has been made on abortion rights: France enshrined it in its constitution on March 8, and Denmark and Norway expanded access. These victories were made possible through the tireless work of our member organizations alongside their allies. Belgium made history by changing labor laws to recognize sex workers' rights and provide them with social protections.
In Africa, Tanzania authorized mifepristone, thus enabling access to medical abortion. Namibia’s High Court declared the apartheid-era sodomy law unconstitutional. Eswatini became the first country in the world to provide access to the dapivirine vaginal ring, the first women-controlled HIV prevention product.
In Asia, Thailand became the first country in South Asia to legalize marriage for all. Japan changed the course of its history by declaring practices under the now-defunct eugenics law unconstitutional and ordering the government to pay damages to survivors of forced sterilizations.
In the Americas and the Caribbean, the Green Wave continues to win. In Mexico, Jalisco became the 13th state to decriminalize abortion. In the United States, seven states voted to protect the right to abortion.
The year 2024 has taught us that in the face of hostility, our movement can and did win battles. Our strength lies in the solidarity we build with neighboring movements of our struggles. It is together, with civil society, allies, and donors, that we have achieved each of these victories. Let’s come together to win.
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Sexual Health, Sex Workers, LGBTI+