This open access book, supported by FEPS and Fondation Jean-Jaurès, centres on the work of contemporary progressive feminist thinkers and the idea that there is no democracy without gender equality. The authors develop the concept of a feminism that works for everyone – regardless of their gender, social or cultural identity – in the context of EU policy. The book features gender experts with multidisciplinary backgrounds from across Europe, providing a comprehensive exploration of efforts to move away from “gender backlash” rhetoric and towards a new gender contract for a fairer, more equal European Union.

Andrea Pető is Professor in the Department of Gender Studies at Central European University, Vienna, Austria; Doctor of Science at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences; and Doctor Honoris Causa at Södertörn University, Stockholm, Sweden.

Laeticia Thissen is Senior Policy Analyst for Gender Equality at FEPS, where she works on women’s rights, equality and anti-discrimination issues – with a focus on gender injustice, care work and gender-based violence.

Amandine Clavaud is Director of the Studies and Research Department at Fondation Jean-Jaurès and Director of the Observatory for Gender Equality. She is the author of the essay Droits des femmes: le grand recul (Éditions de l’Aube, 2023).