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18-21 August 2025 – Bratislava – Comenius University, Slovakia 

The COST 2025 Summer School aims to explore the complexities of political mobilisation in the context of ongoing contestation of (gender) equality norms. The invention of the rhetorical tool "gender ideology", has had an immense impact on public discourse and policy-making around the world. It is hard to believe that in some countries this tool has been actively used by mainstream political actors for over a decade. The results of the growing resources of far-right and neo-conservative actors are indeed noticeable in individual states and globally - from the rollback of policies, to the deprivation of human rights defenders' working conditions, to the decline in support for equality measures among populations, and the rise in hate crimes. The anti-gender political violence can be framed as both: a tool to control and punish the groups that do not conform to narrow definition of (national) community, and a reactionary tactic against the ongoing and growing intersectional mobilisations on behalf of gender equality, social justice, and radical democracy.

Keynote speakers:

• Magdalena Grabowska (Polish Academy of Sciences)
• Maryna Shevtsova (KU Leuven)
• Roberto Kulpa (Edinburgh Napier University)

Who can apply:

The Training School welcomes PhD students and early career researchers (up to three years post-PhD) whose work aligns with the themes outlined in the call. This event is designed to foster an interdisciplinary exchange of ideas, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks for scholars studying the intersections of democratization, political mobilization, and anti-gender movements. 

Participants can apply for reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses through the COST Action CA23149 – “Democratization at stake? Comparing Anti-Gender Politics in CEE and NME countries” (Antigender-Politics). In order to receive reimbursement, participants must become members of the COST Action - .

Over the course of four days, participants will engage in an intensive program that includes presentations, discussions, and feedback sessions. Participants will have the opportunity to present their research, whatever its stage of development - be it in its early conceptual stages, in progress or post-publication. Please remember that the main purpose of the Training School is also to discuss and develop ideas for future studies - therefore each paper will be discussed by the Training School participants. The thematic scope of the training school centres on the dynamics of collective action within the contentious politics of contemporary “culture wars.” This includes, but is not limited to, studies on:

• The mobilization and strategies of anti-gender movements in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Northern and Mediterranean Europe (NME);
• The role of civil society actors, feminist and LGBTQ+ movements, and progressive coalitions in resisting anti-gender politics;
• The transnational circulation of anti-gender discourses, policies, and actors;
• The securitization of gender and sexuality within broader democratic backsliding and illiberal governance;
• The role of religious, nationalist, and populist actors in shaping narratives of “traditional values” and opposition to gender equality;
• The impact of anti-gender movements on policy-making, public discourse, and institutional frameworks;
• The Training School provides a collaborative space where emerging scholars can engage in constructive dialogue, receive expert feedback, and expand their academic networks. 

Through a combination of presentations, structured discussions, and informal exchanges, participants will critically explore the complexities of anti-gender politics and their implications for democracy, rights, and social movements across different political and regional contexts.

The training school will take place at Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. Lectures and seminars will be delivered by senior scholars in person and online. All participants of the Training School are required to be present in person for the entire duration of the event in order to receive a certificate of attendance. 

To apply to attend the event, please send a cover letter with the following information:

• Name and affiliation (current place of work and residence), contact details;
• Short bio containing information on previous work, achievements and date of PhD defence (if applicable) (max. 350 words);
• Brief explanation of why you wish to attend and how the Training School fits into your career progression / future research;
• Abstract of the work you wish to present at the Training School (max. 350 words);
• Information on whether you intend to apply for a travel and subsistence allowance from the COST Action network;
• Any special requirements (e.g. accessibility, dietary restrictions).

Please send your cover letter by 20 April 2025 (including) to veronika.valkovicova@uniba.sk. You will receive confirmation that your application has been received.