We want to live in a society where women enjoy fair conditions, live in safety, and can make decisions about their lives and their bodies. However, we are now entering a period that will be a severe test for women's rights. Pressure from ultra-conservative groups is growing, and politicians who sideline gender equality or even question it outright will have a voice in the new government.

Thanks to the work of civil society organisations, a lot has changed in recent years. The redefinition of rape has been pushed through, compensation has been awarded to women who were involuntarily sterilised, and assistance to victims of domestic violence is improving. This is the result of years of painstaking work by experts, organisations, and courageous women.

The atmosphere in society is becoming increasingly tense, and the boundaries of what is acceptable are shifting. We are facing the growing influence of well-funded ultra-conservative movements that seek to restrict our rights, while voices that openly despise women are gaining influence in the new political reality. When the leader of a rising party and one of the members of the government thinks that "giving women the right to vote was the biggest mistake of the 20th century," it is not just an insult. It is a warning. Such words may not change the law overnight, but they create a toxic environment where the needs of half the population are no longer listened to.

It is impossible to defend against this pressure individually. We need a professional, expert, and unified force that can effectively stand up for equality.

We are the largest network of organisations supporting women's rights in Czechia. We bring together experts and organisations across a range of topics—from midwives and lawyers to organisations working with migrants or victims of violence. Together, we work to ensure that laws and policies are based on the real needs of women. 

While individual organisations do great work in providing direct assistance, we, as a network, monitor the system and legislation. Through cooperation, we are able to advocate for changes that improve the lives of women and their families. We bring together experience from the field and convey the voices of women from our 32 member organisations directly to those who make the laws. When attempts are made to restrict our rights, we don't wait—we mobilise expert voices and take action.

We want a fair society in which all people have equal rights, opportunities, a share in power, and respect regardless of their gender.

Fundamental systemic steps have been taken in the areas of violence against women and equal opportunities—but we must not allow the coming years to be a step backwards. Since the beginning of the year, we have been facing a reduction in capacity—we only have enough resources to defend ourselves against this overwhelming force on a part-time basis. That is not enough.

We need your help to ensure that women's voices are not drowned out by populism and sexism in the new political constellation