When a Tomato Sparks a Revolution

In 1968, during a conference of the German student movement SDS, a pregnant and exasperated Sigrid Rüger threw a tomato at a male leader who had just ignored a passionate feminist speech. This bold gesture, later dubbed the “tomato incident,” became a foundational symbol of feminism in Germany.

This "tomato throw" was more than a simple act of protest; it symbolized a deeper truth: in many contexts, women’s rights are often the first to be neglected or attacked even by those claiming to defend freedom and equality. Today, this dynamic is even more striking in authoritarian regimes, where controlling women becomes a central strategy to consolidate power.

In these regimes, restricting women's rights is not a side effect but a deliberate tactic. By limiting their freedom, excluding them from public life, or criminalizing their choices, authoritarian leaders send a clear message: controlling women means controlling society as a whole.

Let’s dive into this alarming reality by exploring how authoritarianism undermines women’s rights and why these attacks are often the first signs of broader democratic decline.

Patriarchal Power in Action

Authoritarian regimes have one obsession: control. And what better way to assert control than by restricting women's rights? Whether by limiting access to education, imposing strict dress codes, or criminalizing abortion, women are often the first to bear the brunt of rising authoritarianism.

Rights in Retreat

United States: A Global Domino Effect?

Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in 2025 was accompanied by a series of restrictive policies affecting women’s rights. Amnesty International reported that his first 100 days accelerated a global “freefall” of human rights, with targeted attacks on women, migrants, and LGBTQ+ communities.

Saudi Arabia: Influencer Imprisoned for Her Posts

Manahel al-Otaibi, a fitness instructor and women's rights activist, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for posting photos of herself without an abaya and criticizing the male guardianship system on social media. Her case reflects the ongoing repression of women’s voices in the kingdom.

Russia: Domestic Violence Minimized

In Russia, efforts to legislate against domestic violence have been blocked by conservative groups and the Orthodox Church, which see such initiatives as threats to "traditional family values." This institutional resistance perpetuates an environment where women’s rights are systematically sidelined.

Georgia: A Controversial "Family Values" Law

In October 2024, Georgia adopted a law on “family values and the protection of minors,” widely criticized for its discriminatory implications toward women and minorities. Supported by the ruling party, the legislation raised fears of an increasingly authoritarian and conservative shift in the country.

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Other Notable Examples

Russia: In 2017, Russia decriminalized certain forms of domestic violence, thereby reducing protections for women and drawing criticism for this major setback in gender rights.

China: In 2015, five feminist activists were arrested for planning actions against sexual harassment. Their detention highlighted China’s repression of feminist movements.

Turkey: In 2021, Turkey withdrew from the Istanbul Convention, a majorinternational treaty aimed at preventing violence against women, raising serious concerns about the country’s commitment to women’s rights.

Nicaragua: Since Daniel Ortega’s return to power in 2007, Nicaragua has seen a significant rollback in women’s rights, including a total abortion ban and the repression of feminist organizations.

Poland: The Polish government has imposed harsh restrictions on abortion, further limiting reproductive rights and sparking mass protests across the country.
 

Why Women?

Women often represent a force for change and progress. Their active participation in society threatens the patriarchal structures on which many authoritarian regimes rely. By restricting their rights, these regimes seek to preserve the status quo and prevent any challenge to their authority.

Feminist Resistance

Despite the repression, women continue to rise and fight for their rights. Movements like “Woman, Life, Freedom” in Iran show that even in the face of brutal oppression, women’s voices remain powerful and resolute.

When women’s rights are under attack, it is often the first warning sign of a broader authoritarian drift. Protecting women’s rights, therefore, is also a way of protecting democracy.