WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS
Women human rights defenders have received increased attention in recent years, with the first ever resolution on the subject that was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2013 (mentioned above). The resolution recognises that women human rights defenders in all regions of the world are targeted due to their work as HRDs but also specifically because of their gender. The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders (see section on Relevant UN mechanisms for human rights defenders on page 35) defines women human rights defenders (WHRDs) as both female human rights defenders, and any other human rights defenders who work in defense of women’s rights or on gender issues.10 Women defenders are subject to the same types of risks as any human rights defender, but as women, they are also targeted for or directly exposed to genderspecific threats and gender-specific violence. WHRDs are often striving to achieve the realization of women’s rights and other gender-related rights by pursuing gender equality, which is extremely controversial in many contexts where they are then targeted for this work. They may also face discrimination and targeting from within the human rights movement. Protection and support for HRDs should always be gender-sensitive, especially for WHRDs who face uniquely gendered risks. Without a gender lens in protection and security for W/HRDs, the response will be inadequate and will ultimately have a compromising effect on their safety and security.
Human rights defender from NHRF grantee partner, Women and Youth Development Institute of Indonesia
Human rights defender working with NHRF grantee partner, Confluencia de Mujeres, in Colombia. 10 A/HRC/16/44 https://bit.ly/2xLOW43
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Human rights defender working with NHRF grantee partner, Beti Carino, in Mexico.
