GeQuInDi Annual Conference 2024

Founded in 2016 at the University of Bayreuth, the network “Gender, Queer, Intersectionality, and Diversity Studies” (GeQuInDi) aims to increase the institutional visibility of these critical areas. The network’s annual conference took place at the end of November. The opening remarks were delivered by Veronika Rudolf, M.A., a research associate in the Media Studies group and a member of the GeQuInDi network, alongside Dr. habil. Elena Köstner, staff member of the Gender Equality Office and project leader of GO Research.

GO Research Award 2024: Recognising Outstanding Research

As part of the University of Bayreuth’s structural development initiative Gender – Offensive – Research (GO Research), funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under the directive Gender Aspects in Focus, the first-ever GO Research Award was presented. Valued at €500, the award recognises exceptional student theses addressing gender and intersectionality. In a festive laudation, Elena Köstner honoured the work of Annica Wattler, who received the award for her master’s thesis, "The effect of multi-faceted training programmes on the socio-economic status of young females: New evidence from Ghana". Wattler’s research examined the impact of training programmes on the socio-economic status of young women in Ghana. Her findings revealed significant improvements in fundamental education and income indicators, contributing substantially to gender and development policy discussions.

“This is not a backlash?!”

The highlight of the conference was a keynote lecture by Prof. Dr. Christine M. Klapeer, Professor of Political Science with a focus on Gender Studies at the Justus Liebig University Giessen. Prof. Klapeer has a special connection to the University of Bayreuth, where she formerly worked as a research associate and played a pivotal role in establishing the GeQuInDi network, significantly shaping its development. In her lecture, "This is not a backlash?! Intersectionality, anti-gender politics, and the crisis/crises of democracy", she compellingly demonstrated how contemporary anti-gender mobilisations—particularly by right-wing and conservative groups and parties—not only threaten gender equality but also challenge fundamental democratic principles.

Prof. Klapeer began with a concise historical and analytical introduction to the emergence and evolution of anti-gender politics since the early 2000s. She outlined how the term “gender” has increasingly been weaponised as a political buzzword to construct enemies. Terms such as “gender ideology” ("Gender-Wahn") or “early sexualisation” are used to stoke fears and deepen societal divisions. These strategies, she argued, are not isolated attacks on gender-sensitive language, equality policies, or LGBTQ+ rights but part of a broader plan to promote authoritarian and anti-democratic tendencies.

A central element of her lecture was her portrayal of anti-gender politics as a form of “exclusive intersectionality.” She analysed how these movements strategically reinterpret emancipatory concepts such as “freedom” or “self-determination” to legitimise exclusive and discriminatory narratives. Particularly striking, she noted, is how these movements forge paradoxical alliances between conservative and seemingly progressive actors, united by a shared interest in preserving traditional power structures.

In her concluding remarks, Prof. Klapeer contextualised anti-gender mobilisations within a broader framework, highlighting their aim to depoliticise societal debates on gender relations and cement existing power dynamics. These mobilisations, she asserted, are not merely an attack on equality but pose a fundamental threat to democratic values and processes.

Discussion and Outlook

Following the lecture, participants engaged in a lively discussion with Christine Klapeer, reflecting on the presented theses and their implications for research and practice. The day concluded with a communal dinner, offering a relaxed and informal setting for further interdisciplinary exchange. With many new insights and fresh ideas, participants are already looking forward to next year’s exciting events.

A heartfelt thanks goes to everyone whose contributions and dedication made this day a success, as well as the team at the Iwalewahaus for their invaluable support in the preparations. We eagerly anticipate future gatherings and the continuation of this important dialogue!