30.06.2026 Antifeminism: Annette Henninger in an interview with "Forschung & Lehre"

Prof. Annette Henninger answered questions from F&L about gender equality and anti-feminist tendencies

In the June issue of the journal "Forschung & Lehre", which focuses on “Gender Equality,” Prof. Dr. Annette Henninger, spokesperson for the LOEWE GenDem research initiative, discusses current developments related to anti-feminism, authoritarian movements, and gender equality.

In the interview, Henninger explains how authoritarian movements are increasingly challenging democratic achievements and progress toward gender equality. “It has been empirically demonstrated that authoritarian regimes often rely on anti-feminist worldviews and policies,” Henninger says. This is evident, for example, under the administrations of Donald Trump in the U.S., Javier Milei in Argentina, and Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil.

Henninger also describes how antifeminism, racism, and authoritarian ideologies interact and exacerbate social polarization. She argues that gender equality is not a completed process: While Germany has made significant progress in recent decades, antifeminist positions and attacks on gender equality have once again become much more visible. Anti-feminist demands can also be found, for example, in the AfD’s political programme. Social media and multiple crises have further fueled this trend.

To ensure a sustainable democracy, Henninger advocates for an intersectional equality policy and greater democratic participation: The goal must be a society in which gender does not determine people’s life chances and opportunities for participation.