How CARA Empowers Feminist Movements to Counter Anti-Rights Actors & Strengthen Social Justice Impact

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The Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa (ISLA) launched the Countering Anti-Rights Actors (CARA) program in 2023, aiming to strengthen feminist and social justice movements by equipping them with tools to identify and challenge entities opposing gender equality and human rights, according to ISLA’s official website. The initiative, supported by funding from the Open Society Foundations, focuses on legal strategies to hold anti-rights actors accountable in regions where such efforts face significant institutional and cultural barriers.

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CARA’s Focus on Legal Strategies and Grassroots Collaboration
CARA operates as a hybrid legal and advocacy project, combining direct litigation support with capacity-building workshops for local activists. According to a 2024 report by ISLA, the program has facilitated over 40 legal interventions across 12 African countries, targeting policies and individuals perceived to undermine reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and access to education. The report highlights partnerships with local NGOs, such as the African Feminist Initiative and the Southern Africa Litigation Centre, to ensure grassroots alignment with the program’s objectives.

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A 2025 statement from ISLA emphasized that CARA’s approach prioritizes “strategic litigation as a catalyst for systemic change,” citing cases where legal challenges led to the reversal of restrictive laws in Kenya and Zambia. The initiative also provides training on digital security and surveillance resistance, addressing risks faced by activists in regions with heightened political repression.

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Funding and Institutional Support
The Open Society Foundations, a global network founded by George Soros, has allocated $12 million to ISLA since 2023, according to a 2025 financial disclosure. This funding covers direct legal aid, research, and advocacy campaigns. ISLA’s 2024 annual report noted that the organization has expanded its team by 30% to meet growing demand for its services, with a focus on hiring lawyers specializing in constitutional and human rights law.

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Critics of CARA, including some conservative advocacy groups, have accused the initiative of “political bias” and “foreign interference in local governance.” A 2025 statement from the African Christian Leadership Council described ISLA’s work as “an attempt to impose Western values on African societies.” ISLA has responded by emphasizing its commitment to “locally driven solutions,” with a 2025 press release stating that 75% of its legal cases are initiated by African-led organizations.

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Impact and Challenges in Implementation
Independent assessments of CARA’s effectiveness remain limited, as the initiative operates in politically sensitive environments. A 2025 analysis by the African Law and Governance Institute noted that while CARA has achieved “notable successes in high-profile cases,” its long-term impact on policy change is difficult to measure due to “systemic resistance and resource constraints.” The report also highlighted concerns about the safety of activists involved in CARA-supported litigation, citing 12 reported cases of harassment or detention in 2024.

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ISLA’s 2025 strategic plan outlines goals to increase regional outreach, particularly in East and West Africa, where anti-rights movements have gained traction. The organization also plans to expand its digital security training programs, citing a 50% rise in cyberattacks against activists since 2023.

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Broader Context of Anti-Rights Movements in Africa
The rise of anti-rights actors in Africa has been linked to shifting political dynamics, including the influence of religious and traditionalist groups. A 2024 study by the African Union’s Human Rights Commission identified 18 countries with “increasingly restrictive policies on gender and sexual rights,” many of which have seen CARA’s interventions. The study also noted a correlation between economic instability and the growth of anti-rights rhetoric, suggesting that CARA’s work is part of a broader struggle to balance development with human rights protections.

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ISLA’s CARA program remains a focal point for debates over the role of international funding in local activism. While supporters argue that such initiatives are critical for advancing social justice, opponents view them as extensions of “neo-colonial agendas.” The initiative’s future will likely depend on its ability to navigate these tensions while maintaining its focus on legal and grassroots empowerment.