In every corner of the globe, from the wind-swept plains where indigenous land defenders stand against corporate encroachment to the digital corridors where activists fight for reproductive autonomy, women human rights defenders (WHRDs) are the primary architects of a more equitable future. They are the individuals who refuse to stay silent in the face of systemic discrimination, the leaders who expose state-sponsored abuses, and the visionaries who demand accountability from the world’s most powerful institutions. Their influence is not confined to a single issue; rather, it permeates the most critical challenges of the 21st century, including climate justice, the preservation of democratic norms, and the arduous work of peacebuilding in conflict-shattered regions. These women are not merely participants in social movements; they are the vanguard, shaping inclusive societies where dignity and justice are treated as universal rights rather than conditional privileges.
However, the very leadership that makes WHRDs so effective has also made them primary targets for those who seek to maintain the status quo. As these women drive progress forward, they are increasingly forced to navigate a landscape defined by mounting threats, shrinking resources, and a coordinated global pushback against gender equality. The reality on the ground is stark: while women are leading the charge for change, the safety nets intended to protect them are fraying at an alarming rate. The courage required to be a woman human rights defender today is immense, as the risks associated with their work have shifted from peripheral concerns to existential threats.
Recent data paints a sobering picture of the environment in which these activists operate. According to global surveys, a staggering 57 per cent of organizations report rising risks for women human rights defenders and activists. This is not a localized phenomenon but a systemic trend that transcends borders and political systems. In 2024 alone, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) documented the killings of 56 WHRDs, journalists, and trade unionists in countries grappling with conflict. Experts warn that this figure is likely a conservative estimate, representing only the most visible tragedies while leaving the true toll of quiet disappearances and unrecorded violence in the shadows. Each of these deaths represents a profound loss to the global community—a voice silenced that was once a beacon for progress.
The nature of the threats facing WHRDs is multifaceted, blending traditional forms of violence with modern methods of suppression. In many jurisdictions, the civic space that allows for activism is rapidly evaporating. Rising authoritarianism has led to a climate where dissent is equated with criminality. Governments are increasingly using "lawfare"—the weaponization of legal systems—to delegitimize the work of WHRDs, labeling them as foreign agents, terrorists, or threats to national morality. This criminalization serves a dual purpose: it halts the activists’ work through incarceration or legal fees and sends a chilling message to anyone who might consider following in their footsteps.
Furthermore, gender-based threats remain a pervasive and brutal tool of silencing. WHRDs face a unique spectrum of violence that their male counterparts often do not. This includes physical assault, sexual violence, and targeted harassment of their families. In the digital age, these attacks have migrated online, where sophisticated campaigns of character assassination, doxxing, and cyberstalking are used to break the resolve of activists. These online attacks are rarely isolated incidents; they are often coordinated efforts to push women out of public discourse entirely. When nearly one in four countries reports a documented backlash against women’s rights, it becomes clear that the hostility directed at WHRDs is part of a broader, organized effort to roll back decades of hard-won progress.
Despite this harrowing backdrop, the resilience of women human rights defenders remains unbroken. They continue to organize, mobilize, and lead with a tenacity that defies the odds. Their impact is not just anecdotal; it is backed by rigorous evidence. Scholarly research, including notable studies published in the American Political Science Review, underscores that WHRDs and feminist movements are among the most powerful drivers of progressive policy change. From the grassroots level to the halls of international power, these movements have been pivotal in securing legal protections against gender-based violence, advancing economic justice, and ensuring that women have a seat at the table in peace negotiations. Without their persistent advocacy, many of the protections we now take for granted would simply not exist.
The current global climate, however, presents a paradox. At a time when the expertise of WHRDs is most needed to navigate global crises, their funding is being decimated. Deep cuts to international aid and domestic budgets are eroding the very foundations these activists rely on to sustain their work. Many grassroots organizations, which operate on the thinnest of margins, are being forced to scale back or shut down entirely. This lack of financial security is not just a logistical hurdle; it is a strategic vulnerability. When funding is cut, the ability to provide security for activists, legal defense for those unjustly prosecuted, and mental health support for those facing trauma is severely compromised.
In response to these escalating crises, the international community is being called to move beyond rhetoric and toward concrete action. The Human Rights Council resolution and the United Nations Secretary-General’s "Clarion Call" on gender equality serve as urgent reminders that the protection of WHRDs is not a matter of charity, but a collective moral and legal responsibility. UN Women, working in tandem with the broader UN system and civil society partners, has emphasized that accountability must be the cornerstone of any protection strategy. It is no longer enough to condemn attacks after they happen; there must be a proactive effort to dismantle the systems that allow these attacks to occur with impunity.
The roadmap for supporting WHRDs is clear, but it requires political will. First and foremost, Member States must adopt and enforce laws that specifically recognize and protect the unique role of women human rights defenders. This includes creating safe and enabling environments for civic engagement and ensuring that the legal system is used to protect activists rather than persecute them. There must also be a concerted effort to ensure accountability for those who target or harm WHRDs, ensuring that perpetrators—whether they are state actors or private individuals—face the full force of the law.
Furthermore, the issue of funding must be addressed with urgency. The global community must prioritize flexible, direct, and long-term funding for WHRDs and their organizations. Traditional funding models, which often favor large international NGOs over local grassroots movements, must be reimagined to ensure that resources reach those on the frontlines who understand the nuances of their local contexts. Financial support should not come with burdensome bureaucratic requirements that divert time and energy away from the actual work of human rights advocacy.
As we look toward the future, the stakes could not be higher. The progress of humanity is inextricably linked to the success of women human rights defenders. When they are silenced, the movements for climate justice, democracy, and peace lose their most effective champions. When their rights are rolled back, the very fabric of a just society begins to unravel. UN Women’s unwavering stance is a testament to the fact that standing with WHRDs is not just an act of solidarity; it is a necessary investment in the survival of human rights for all.
The courage of these women serves as a mirror to the world, reflecting both the depths of our current injustices and the heights of our potential for change. They do not waver in their commitment, even when the world turns its back. Now, the question is whether the global community will match that courage with the protection, funding, and recognition they have rightfully earned. Without women human rights defenders, the march toward progress does not just slow down—it falters. Protecting them is not just an option; it is the only way forward.
