Women human rights defenders

There are many examples of the crucial role that women human rights defenders (WHRDs) play in advancing justice and equality, promoting and protecting human rights in different ways and different contexts. Below are a few of those examples:

• In various parts of the world, people are mobilising for gender equality and non-discrimination as part of the #metoo movement
• in Sudan, women played an instrumental role in the overthrow of Al-Bashir
• in Kenya, Christian queer activists insist on their right to freedom of religion or belief
• in Malaysia, Muslim women’s rights organisations fight against gender discriminatory family laws
• in the US and Europe, women’s marches have gathered hundreds of thousands
• in Latin America, indigenous women are fighting for land and environmental rights.

What is a women human rights defender?

The term women human rights defender is commonly understood to encompass both female human rights defenders, and any other human rights defender who works in the defence of women’s rights, or other issues related to gender equality. 

The term is increasingly understood to also encompass people from sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) minorities who work in the defence of SOGI minority rights or for human rights more broadly.

You can learn more in the video below:

Why focus on women human rights defenders?

Women human rights defenders are persecuted for what they do, but also for who there are.

In the video below, you can see how recognising their work as human rights work is an important aspect towards their protection.

The Marrakesh Declaration from 2018 shows the important role that national human rights institutions (NHRIs) play in protecting women human rights defenders.

You can find the full video covering both of the aspects by clicking here.