Mar 8 • 02:00 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

Argentina experiences dismantling and regression of gender policies under Milei

Argentina is undergoing a dismantling of gender policies under President Javier Milei, with significant cuts to women's rights and reproductive health care.

Under the presidency of Javier Milei, Argentina has seen a reversal of its previously progressive stance on gender policies. Upon taking office in December 2023, Milei enacted drastic measures, most notably the disbandment of the Ministry of Women, which has now been absorbed into the Ministry of Human Capital. This restructuring has led to the loss of vital programs and funding dedicated to women's rights and issues. Previously known for its advancements in gender equality, the government's current approach signals a significant retreat from those achievements.

Moreover, Milei's electoral campaign included controversial promises regarding reproductive rights, specifically aiming to 'protect the child from conception,' which directly challenges the legality established by Congress in 2020 regarding abortion. Although the government has distanced itself from an outright repeal of this law—viewed as politically unpopular—it has taken steps to restrict access to abortion services, creating additional barriers for women seeking those options. These developments have not gone unnoticed by advocates for women's rights, who fear that their hard-won gains are at serious risk of being undermined.

The budget proposed by Milei's administration for 2026 further reflects a worrying trend, as it features significant cuts to funding for sexual and reproductive health programs, as well as initiatives aimed at combating violence against women. The implications of these budgetary decisions are grave, suggesting a systematic neglect of women's health and safety, and a broader societal regression that could impact future generations. As Argentina grapples with these changes, the fight for gender equity is poised to face new and challenging obstacles under the current administration.

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