India, March 8 -- Has there ever been a better time to be a feminist? The question might seem strange at a time when women's rights are arguably under their most serious threat in a generation.

Gains made over nearly a half century have been rolled back. In the US, president Donald Trump began his second term by abolishing federal policies on diversity, equity and inclusion. There are only two genders, he said in what amounted to a reversal of transgender rights. Gender studies are being excised from academic curricula; Texas A&M University has announced the end of its women's and gender studies programme. And in Florida, schools are removing classes around gender identity.

Ongoing wars and conflicts have increased the vulnerability of ...