The first MEP representing a feminist party is likely to be elected to the European parliament next week, as women's rights feature more prominently in election campaigns across 28 countries and rightwingers launch a backlash against gender issues.

Women are expected to continue to make up around a third of European parliament's 751 members after the elections, but the overall figure masks big gaps between countries and a right-left political divide.

Feminist parties in Sweden, France and Germany are contesting seats, with the Swedish Feminist Initiative on course to break through the 4% electoral threshold needed to secure a representation in Brussels.

"The figures are looking very good. They have risen over a short time," said Soraya Post, who would become the party's MEP. "People are taking a stand because they see a risk with racist and fascist parties, and they want to defend equality. Democracy is in danger, that's what people realise. But it's been a long journey. We should have reached beyond this in a modern society."

Feminist Initiative is campaigning on the issues of abortion, equal pay and equality regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability and age. Its demands include commissioners devoted to gender equality, race and discrimination. "The European parliament needs to have its eyeglasses on," said Post.