The world is witnessing growing attacks on democratic values — restrictions on protest, rollbacks on civil rights, and authoritarian tactics that target dissent and disempower communities.
In times of crisis in democratic movements, much like we do in life, we look at our elders. On June 4, 2025, I joined many other members of the Grassroots Justice Network for the virtual event ‘How to Fight Authoritarianism: Looking to the Grassroots’. Here, we heard directly from justice leaders about how they have successfully fought authoritarianism in the past. They shared examples of the strategies they used to respond to authoritative states successfully– how they challenged repressive laws, kept people safe, organized communities, defended rights and sought justice under difficult contexts.
She reminded us that the struggle for justice doesn’t end when a regime falls. Black Sash, once a silent yet powerful protest movement against apartheid, evolved into a legal empowerment organization now celebrating their 70 year anniversary. Their tools — free legal advice, community education, and peaceful resistance — laid the groundwork for South Africa’s transition to democracy. Today, they continue to defend constitutional rights by holding the state accountable, often under difficult political conditions. Their legacy shows us the value of persistence and principled nonviolence in sustaining change.
Hector spoke of long cycles — decades marked by dictatorship, resistance, and renewal. Under both Marcos and Duterte, Filipinos experienced repression, violence, and the silencing of dissent. Yet people organized: from underground movements to church-led vigils, from legal advocacy to international campaigns. Today, with Duterte facing trial at the International Criminal Court and progressive leaders elected to Philippines Congress, Hector reminded us that while justice takes time, it is possible. “You do not fight authoritarianism only when it arrives — you fight for democracy even in times of calm.”
Denise spoke of the chaos intentionally sown by authoritarian governments — a strategy meant to disorient and divide. In Bolsonaro’s Brazil, the far-right weaponized laws and social media to undermine rights. THEMIS responded by building coalitions, filing legal challenges, and taking their legal empowerment work onto WhatsApp — reaching domestic workers and Indigenous groups through short audio lessons and discussion cards. In the face of disinformation and surveillance, their approach shows how digital tools can foster grassroots power when used strategically.
You can listen to the conversation in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
Throughout the event, the speakers and participants echoed that we cannot fight authoritarianism alone. We all have a role to play in defending human rights. From the streets to cyberspace, from courtrooms to group chats, the resistance takes many forms. At the Grassroots Justice Network, we fight authoritarianism with connection — people learning and organizing together. As Denise said: “Have hope, organize, talk to each other, and keep some level of spirit of resistance and solidarity and compassion. That’s the most important lesson we have.”
Grassroots Justice Network hosted this event as a part of our #PowerofLearning series. Follow us on social media @GrassrootsJN for upcoming events!