The COVID-19 crisis is at different stages across the globe. Europe is beginning to ease its lockdowns, while infections in Asia and Latin America are expected to peak soon. Africa has not yet been hit as hard. But across all regions, we’ve witnessed an increase in authoritarianism, militarisation, xenophobia and racism.
It’s true that this pandemic has spawned new forms of activism internationally, from protests in cars and shopping queues, to digital rallies. However, we’re also seeing a worrying number of states increase control over their populations under the guise of enforcing social distancing and other coronavirus emergency measures.
These developments, on top of the unforgiving reality of the public health crisis itself, represent an existential threat to feminist and other popular movements that are vital vehicles for social change. Before the pandemic they were thriving, despite challenges from authoritarian, conservative and other repressive forces.
