Mabel Bianco at the Shaping Feminist Foreign Policy conference

Mabel Bianco, president of FEIM, participated as a representative of the Global Network of Partners for Feminist Foreign Policy in the second panel to discuss countering the anti-backlash movement. This took place within the context of the meeting «Countering the Anti-Feminist Movement & Protecting Women, Trans, and Non-Binary Human Rights Defenders: An Opportunity for Feminist Foreign Policy.»

Bianco shared her opinions and perspectives on critical issues related to gender equality and inclusivity. During her participation in the panel discussion, which included the presence of the Minister of Gender Affairs of the Netherlands, she highlighted key aspects of feminist foreign policy. She emphasized that a prioritized aspect of feminist foreign policy is its characteristic of being an area in which civil society participates alongside governments and, by definition, it is inclusive. It does not recognize any intersectional discrimination and is based on the respect for human rights and gender equality.

In her words, Mabel Bianco also addressed the perception of a supposed «backlash» in the fight for human rights. In her opinion, what exists is an organized opposition that differs in its conception of human rights, which implies a lack of recognition of current human rights. She asserted that this stance could be considered undemocratic, as it seeks to eliminate individual and collective freedoms and those of states.

Furthermore, Bianco emphasized the importance of national governments recognizing the relevance of the fight for human rights and understanding that it is not about defending a specific group of rights but rather the defense of fundamental rights for all individuals.