International Women Human Rights Defenders Day

A day to celebrate and thank women who defend human rights, and all people who defend the rights of women, girls, and LGBTQI people. It is also a day to hold States accountable for protecting the rights of WHRDs to protect and promote human rights. Too often WHRDs face violence, harassment, and even imprisonment, simply for taking a stand for equality and human rights.

According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the numbers of killings and attacks against women human rights defenders are on the rise, with 10 killed in 2018, 16 in 2019, and over 40 in 2020. Women human rights defenders are targeted for gender-based discrimination; in-person and online harassment; reputational slander; so-called “virginity” tests; threats against family members; violence, including sexual assault, in detention; and more as they advocate for justice, human dignity, and accountability.