Protection International’s Post

Today, as we mark International Human Rights Day, we also conclude the #16DaysOfActivism against Gender-Based Violence. From the start of the campaign, on 25 November, we have shared inspiring calls to action and content from changemakers—including parliamentarians, WFD staff, and equality champions—dedicated to ending gender-based violence. Their messages remind us of the collective responsibility to stand against GBV and advocate for equality. Ending GBV is not just a moral imperative—it is vital for building stronger, more inclusive democracies. When women and girls are free from violence, societies thrive, equality is realised, and democracy flourishes. Together, we can ensure that violence against women and girls becomes a dark chapter of the past. #HumanRightsDay #EndGBV #DemocracyCan #OurRightsOurFuture

Today is International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, and we’re taking a moment to honour the amazing women who dedicate their lives to fighting gender-based violence, justice, equity, and human rights. Here in Waterloo Region and across Canada, women are leading the fight against gender-based violence in all its forms. They’re supporting survivors, advocating for better policies, and breaking down systemic barriers that affect women and equity-deserving folks. Globally, women defenders often risk their safety to challenge systems that uphold violence and inequality. Their efforts create prevention, safer communities, and spark movements that bring lasting change. On this day, and every other day, let’s honour their courage, amplify their voices, and come together in the fight to end gender-based violence. #whrdsday #16daysofactivism

🟣Today, on the International Day for Women Human Rights Defenders #WHRDDay, we honor the courageous women who stand on the frontlines of #justice, #equality, #freedom, and #democracy.   Women human rights defenders face severe threats as they fight tirelessly for #HumanRights and transformative change. How can we protect women human rights defenders?  🟣Strengthening legal protections  🟣Ensuring safe and enabling environments  🟣Providing financial support  🟣Recognizing and amplifying their work  🟣Fostering international solidarity Share your ideas in the comments on how to enhance their protection. 👇

*Standing in Solidarity with Women Human Rights Defenders, today and every day* #Womenhumanrightsdefenders play a vital role in upholding all of our rights. We owe them our gratitude. Today, on International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, UN Women amplifies their calls to: - Enact laws to protect them from the growing risks and abuse they face - Provide comprehensive protection mechanisms - Ensure their meaningful participation in decision-making - Secure sustainable, flexible funding for their critical work. Here is to the courageous women and girls standing up for human rights and people of all genders working to promote women’s rights and rights related to gender equality.

Everyone deserves to be safe, equal and respected. But right now in Australia, that isn’t the reality. More than 1 in 3 women have experienced men’s violence. Not all disrespect leads to violence against women – but all violence against women begins with disrespect. All of us have the power to change that by respecting women wherever we live, learn, work and play. Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and it marks the start of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which will culminate on International Human Rights Day (December 10). We're taking part in the 16 Days of Activism to help build communities where women are safe and equal. It all starts with respect. #16Days #16DaysOfActivism

Day 5| 16 Days of Activism| International Women Human Rights Defenders Day What happens when those who defend human rights become targets of violence, threats, and stigma? On the surface, many believe in equality and justice, but when someone steps in to challenge everyday acts of violence or discrimination, the response often shifts to resistance, hostility, or even further violence. What does this reveal about the systems that enable harm and suppress accountability? Human rights defenders challenge entrenched norms and power structures, often facing backlash from within their own communities. Their efforts force us to confront uncomfortable truths about how denial, stigma, and silence perpetuate cycles of violence. Yet, while we acknowledge their vital role, we must also ask: why do we need defenders at all? On International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, Sakshi reflects on how to move beyond acknowledgment to collective action. What would it take to create a world where equity and justice are inherent, and defenders are no longer necessary? This means addressing systemic violence, dismantling harmful patriarchal norms, holding men and boys accountable for their actions, and fostering a culture where intervention against violence is supported, not punished. Today, let us turn awareness into action and solidarity into systemic change, ensuring that equity and dignity are not ideals we defend but realities we live every day. #SakshiNGO #16DaysOfActivism #InternationalHumanRightsDefendersDay #EndGBV #AccountabilityForAll #ChallengeEverydayViolence #DismantlePatriarchy #ActionForChange #BehaviouralChange

Day 5: International Women Human Rights Defenders Day 🌍🧡 Today, we honour the courageous women who dedicate their lives to defending human rights and fighting against injustice. From advocating for survivors of gender-based violence to challenging systemic inequalities, their work inspires change and empowers communities. We stand alongside these defenders, recognizing their strength and resilience in building a world where every woman can live free from violence and oppression. Let’s amplify their voices, support their efforts, and commit to action🧡 #16daysofactivism #day5 #internationalwomenhumanrightsdefendersday #humanrightsdefenders #supportsurvivors #endgenderbasedviolence #breakthesilence

Ahead of next month's #GeneralElection, we stand with the Fawcett Society and the #SheVotes24 coalition calling on all parties to demonstrate their commitment to improving the lives of women & girls, including addressing #VAWG with a whole society approach to ending #DomesticAbuse. Read the joint letter and show your support using #SheVotes24. And, explore our 2024 manifesto where we outline six priorities that the next Government must focus on to help end domestic abuse, for good. https://ow.ly/rzqu50Sh0p7

➡️ RESOURCE ROUND-UP ⬅️ #Feminist activists defend justice and human rights. They are targeted for who they are and what they do. How can we support and protect them? There are many organizations we are working alongside to defend activists against reprisals. Here are three key resources to bookmark as we build a collective care response to help protect activists. 📍Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development, “Claiming Rights: Claiming Justice: A Guidebook on Women Human Rights Defenders.” https://lnkd.in/gdhXhCKq 📍Urgent Action Sister Funds, “How Can We Ground Ourselves in Care and Dance Our Revolution?” https://lnkd.in/eWzq-NUG 📍Protection International, "Strengthening the Inclusion, Protection, and Wellbeing of Human Rights Defenders with Disabilities" https://lnkd.in/eGt36nhC 🔗 Find more resources at https://lnkd.in/ehRxX-Yf

States must provide a safe and enabling environment for #women and #girls #climate #defenders so that they can operate free from threats, harassment, intimidation and violence, by: 🗞️  publicly recognizing their contributions to society 🖌️ urgently developing, in coordination with defenders, positive narratives on their contributions to the protection of human rights in the context of climate change ❗ ensuring that their work is not criminalized or stigmatized 📚 adopting and implementing laws that protect them in accordance with international human rights standards; 🔑 develop, in consultation with defenders, effective programmes for protection and early warning; 📌 provide appropriate training for security and law enforcement officials 🔎 ensure the prompt, effective and impartial investigation of threats and violations and the prosecution of alleged perpetrators; 💡 provide for effective remedies for violations, including appropriate compensation  👉 adopt all necessary measures to ensure that climate defenders meaningfully participate in all just-transition policy development and implementation at all levels of decision-making; 🛑 refrain from issuing official and unofficial statements stigmatizing climate defenders ✏️ gather and share information on threats of violence or attacks against climate defenders and available protection measures and challenges faced in accessing justice, including for children.