To commemorate the International Day for Women Human Rights Defenders on November 29, 2023, Generation Equality’s Action Coalition on Feminist Movements and Leadership, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action co-hosted an online event to honor the diverse contributions of women human rights defenders (WHRDs) working in conflict- and crisis-affected settings and identify concrete actions to increase political and financial support, as well as to ensure their holistic protection in all domains.
Amidst growing challenges in crisis and conflict zones, the event, which also took place in the context of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence under the 2023 theme to “Invest to prevent violence against women and girls,” served as a clarion call to recognize and bolster the pivotal roles played by WHRDs and their contributions to peace.
The session centered the voices of WHRDs from across different geographical regions and political contexts, who shared the challenges they face in their work, as well as steps the international community can take to better support their needs.
“We gather today to recognize and support the work of women human rights defenders. We bring light to the indefatigable women who put themselves under unspeakable dangers to guard our human rights, freedoms, and dignity,” one of the speakers said during the event, which was held under Chatham House Rule to protect the identity of at-risk WHRDs.
The event coincided with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People and speakers drew attention to the Israel-Palestine conflict and the devastating impact on women and girls. The reality facing WHRDs in a myriad of other conflicts was also mentioned, including in Myanmar, Ukraine, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan.
A changing reality for WHRDs
10 years ago, the UN General Assembly recognized the rights and challenges of WHRDs, specifically noting the heightened risks they face at the intersection of power structures. Often the only ones monitoring and documenting abuses and calling for accountability, many pay the ultimate price for their efforts instead of being recognized and celebrated for their invaluable work.
The increasingly complex environment in which WHRDs operate – including the surge in backlash against human rights, feminist ideals, and gender equality globally – means they face a multitude of risks ranging from legal restraints, arrest, detention, enforced disappearances, torture, and even death. These threats are further compounded by the shrinking of civic space, increasing restrictions on individual liberties, and the rise of violent extremism, which all contribute to making their work even more dangerous. Yet, most of these crimes go uninvestigated and unpunished. For WHRDs, the risks and consequences are even higher, as they are not only targeted for their work but also for their gender. Many are accused of defying social- or religious norms and of threatening social structures, and as a consequence frequently face attacks by both government and non-state actors.
A diverse range of WHRDs joined the event to share their stories and challenges. Their crucial role in a range of conflict- and crisis contexts was brought to attention, including the role of Afghan women protesters as the most vocal opposition to Taliban rule, the role of pro-democracy women activists in Myanmar, as well as the challenges currently facing Palestinian WHRDs. One speaker in particular drew attention to the crucial need to support Palestinian WHRDs, “not to defund, silence, or criminalize them.”
Here are some of the key takeaways and recommendations from the event.
- Investments beyond funding
In addition to increasing flexible funding directly to women-led organizations, speakers highlighted the need to invest in educational programs that promote gender equality and challenge the harmful stereotypes that ultimately make the work of WHRDs more difficult and dangerous.
There is also an urgent need to step up efforts for effective accountability at national, regional, and international levels and to invest in protection networks, which are key to the security of defenders and their ability to operate. Concrete measures for protecting WHRDs at risk should include the provision of emergency aid and encouraging diplomats to take a more protective approach towards WHRDs while also recognizing their leadership.
- Integrate protection into peace and security
The work and protection of WHRDs should be treated as an essential part of peace and security efforts and should be considered a core security issue. Speakers also called for the need to adapt systems to better support WHRDs and for donors to integrate flexible support funds that can be used to help WHRDs stay safe, as well as for cyber security support. Multilateral systems must provide direct assistance to local civil society, including groups led by WHRDs.
- Putting mental health and intersectionality on the map
A WHRD from South Sudan highlighted the immense mental toll of the work and shared her own experience grappling with mental health issues following sexual- and gender-based violence. She called for the urgent need to finance and provide mental health support for WHRDs. Another defender from Myanmar said that women are at particular risk of the military’s decade-long use of rape as a weapon of war, as well as the harsh realities of Rohingya women refugees and their important work as HRDs.
A speaker from Ukraine highlighted the need for a more intersectional lens and for international instruments to become more adept and effective when it comes to intersectional work. In their experience, LGBTQI individuals and activists often don’t receive the urgent support and help they need in crisis situations, and sexual orientation and gender identity are often risk multipliers. Interventions need to take into account the realities and increased risks facing racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, religious minorities, and indigenous peoples. These intersecting identities must be centered in responses to ensure their needs and protection.
- Address multi-layered oppression
A speaker from Palestine highlighted the multi-layered oppression and discrimination facing feminist HRDs in Palestine, including the online and offline targeting of defenders with a gender equality agenda. The speaker also drew attention to many donors withdrawing financial support for Palestinian women-led organizations at a critical time.
The event brought forward the many overlapping and gendered risks facing WHRDs, especially in conflict settings. Those working on gender equality, sexual health, reproductive rights, LGBTQI rights, as well as gender-based and sexual violence face increased risks. Many defenders working on these issues frequently face threats, sexual assault, physical assault, abduction, and sometimes even murder, as well as gendered smear campaigns. States must do more to support conditions in which women can safely participate and do their work.
- Closing the funding gap and reforming project evaluation
Providing direct, rapid, and flexible funding for women’s rights organizations free of bureaucratic hurdles is essential for women in crisis settings. There’s an urgent need to increase funding to women-led organizations on the ground, as only a fraction of international humanitarian aid goes directly to local NGOs and WHRDs, with the majority of funding going to regional and national governments, or through large international organizations that lack context-specific knowledge.
WHRDs are usually the first ones at the front lines providing support to their communities before any international players arrive, meaning they are best placed to act as early warning systems and early responders. Influential funders should use their leverage to advocate for others to recognize the role of WHRDs, especially in crisis settings and as early warning systems.
Speakers also called for donors to redesign project evaluation to better reflect the contributions WHRDs are making to peace efforts. “We need a mindset shift so that project evaluations also evaluate the security and safety of the people who are putting their lives at risk,” said one speaker, adding that donors should “support the people, not the project.” Discussions also highlighted that existing funding mechanisms aren’t fit for purpose, as most were developed for humanitarian or development projects and don’t recognize the intersectional challenges facing WHRDs.
Lastly, several speakers called on Member States and Security Council members to use their voices and influence to call for an end to intimidation attacks and reprisals against all human rights defenders – including women and LGBTQI activists – and to ensure the accountability of perpetrators.