Between Coping, Co-optation, and Resistance: Strategies of (En)Countering Anti-gender Challenges in Local Governance in the Context of Democratic Backsliding

Abstract The article explores the strategies employed by gender equality proponents in local governance in Turkey, who confront numerous obstacles to their work in a context of anti-gender politics and democratic backsliding. An analysis of interviews with gender experts, their key allies, and municipal and city council members in fourteen municipalities in seven cities reveals that gender experts flexibly use operational, knowledge, and engagement strategies to advance gender equality. While some strategies may be perceived as co-optation, contextually they also help actors overcome immediate challenges when developing long-term mechanisms to resist the adverse effects of anti-gender politics. The political party stance has considerable influence on gender policies; however, the article also demonstrates diversity in the strategies of gender experts situated in disparate municipalities governed by the same political party. Availability of institutional support, personal expertise, and allies contributes to shifting from co-optation to resistance.