This helpdesk report examines the evidence on the lack of progress in advancing gender equality and women's rights in international fora since 2016, and on the withdrawal of existing rights and freedoms. It considers the United Nations General Assembly, the Human Rights Council and the World Health Assembly, including pushback around the Istanbul Convention, and looks at new and emerging groupings of countries.

The report traces the influence of conservative political movements and documents evidence of pushback and backlash in international and regional fora, with particular attention to sexual and reproductive health and rights. It examines the alliances, strategies, language and rhetoric being used, and provides detailed case studies.