2025 was a tough year for gender equality. Year-end reviews noted the growing strength of anti-gender and anti-rights groups, attacks on reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights, increasing strains on the multilateral system, growing conflicts, and cuts in official development assistance, or ODA. Of particular concern were reports of sharp drops in support for women’s rights organizations.
As we move into another year with continuing bleak prospects for resourcing gender equality, there are concrete steps policymakers, philanthropists, investors, and activists can take to support stronger, more strategic investments.
One strategy to generate momentum is celebrating some of last year’s victories.