Managing Resistance

Resistance is a common response to change because someone is always benefiting from the way things are currently.  Given that the group will likely experience resistance, it is important to be prepared. Resistance can be at its greatest when existing structures are threatened. The idea of equality can provoke strong feelings – these are long-held social norms that are being challenged. You often know you’re starting to get results with your gender equality initiatives when you meet resistance 

How to respond to opposition tactics

In community work, there's almost always someone opposed to whatever it is you're doing.  Familiarise yourself with what tactics they might use and how your group might most effectively respond.

(En)Countering Resistance

If you are working to promote gender equality and tackle inequality you can expect to meet resistance. This resource draws together some effective tools and strategies to prepare for and respond to resistance.

Navigate resistance to gender equality

This guide draws on a range of key resources for managing resistance and tips for having supportive and constructive conversations about gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence

Reducing resistance and building support

How can we reduce and prevent resistance and backlash, particularly in engaging men? This guide provides practical strategies and identifies tools and tips to help reduce resistance and build support

Counter culture: seeing resistance as part of the process of social change

This VicHealth gender equality resource draws experiences from Victorian workplaces. This article supports change-makers to counter resistance from passive denial to outright backlash

Dealing with Backlash

Backlash is a normal part of the change process – when things change, many
people’s response is to push back because they feel uncertain, threatened or
disagree with the change being proposed.