The Push*Back*Lash research project explores why there is an increasing backlash against gender equality and feminism in Europe. The project is funded through a grant from the European Commission. Its aim is to develop solutions based on academic knowledge together with policymakers and civil-society organisations. One particular tool used to achieve this goal is ‘legislative theatre’. The researchers used this tool to discuss sexual harassment at universities, one of the topics addressed by the project.

A stage for change

During the theatre performance, students from Amsterdam, Salzburg and Budapest acted out scenes depicting sexually transgressive behaviour at universities. The audience could stop a particular scene to help find other ways to deal with the situation. Sometimes they stepped on stage themselves to take on a role, making the performance active and instructive – also for the policymakers. Although universities have rules against transgressive behaviour, in practice students sometimes do not feel safe enough to report such behaviour.

Liza Mügge explains the value of organising this theatre performance: ‘It’s important that we listen carefully to the experiences of people who are structurally less heard, such as women, young people and people from minority groups. Theatre allows these groups to explore new scenarios and help find solutions.’

Policymakers at the table

Push*Back*Lash is an international project in which academia and the professional field really come together. Several policymakers and civil-society organisations attended the theatre performance. These included the head of Urban Strategy of the City of Amsterdam, the UvA’s coordinating confidential adviser and representatives of the Stem op een Vrouw (Vote for a woman) and Emancipator initiatives.

In Europe, Push*Back*Lash turns its research into advice by working together with a feminist think tank in Brussels and a Polish human rights organisation. Through a combination of ‘standard’ recommendations and more artistic forms, such as theatre and cartoons, the researchers are trying to make the biggest impact possible.

From proposals to action

The theatre performance resulted in three new policy proposals. The policymakers who where present promised to discuss the proposals within their organisations and shared the concrete steps they would take. After six weeks, there will be a review to see whether these steps have indeed been taken. This is to ensure that the proposals result in real change, and not just talk. Mügge: ‘This is an inclusive way to make participants realise that everyone can contribute to better policy. This is important, because these policies will eventually affect everyone.’

The research team gathered the results of the performance into a report, which will be shared at pushbacklash.eu so that other universities and policymakers can learn from it. You can read the report of the theatre performance here.