Every day around the world, people who have devoted themselves to protecting women's human rights face particular threats as a result of their activism. Along with other human rights defenders, they experience the same risks associated with fighting human rights abuses, but additional factors weigh in. They are often at risk of gender-based violence, such as harassment and sexual abuse. In addition, efforts to promote women's rights often undermine dominant ideologies held by communities, religions, the state and more--and as a result, women human rights defenders face violent opposition.
Today, on International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, we recognize the women human rights defenders around the world who have risked their lives and their well-being to promote rights.
In particular, we want to call your attention to a guidebook produced by the Women's Human Rights Defenders International Coalition, of which MADRE is a member. This resource aims to "to help women human rights defenders name the specific risks, violations and constraints they face in their work," and is available in English, Spanish and French.