Women, trans-gender, and gender non binary individuals are among the most at risk category of defenders in the world. Criminalisation and defamation campaigns are among the biggest threats these individuals face because of their work for the defence and promotion of gender rights. To address this growing trend, since 2020, ProtectDefenders.eu has been working towards the implementation of its gender-sensitive strategy, ensuring that gender concerns are included in all aspects of its implementation strategy. This has been accomplished mainly by supporting individuals and organisations advocating for gender rights or by including family members in its support programmes, resulting in a considerable number of stories of successful implementation.
Supporting Organisations Promoting Women’s Development
An example of this support provided to CSOs working for women and gender rights is the case of a grant provided by Consortium partner Urgent Action Fund to the Georgian Women Fund «Sukhumi» (WFS), in the framework of ProtectDefenders.eu. The fund promotes social, economic and political development of women by building their capacities, raising their social and legal awareness, supporting their development as active citizens and central decision-makers.
The grant allowed WFS to engage in awareness-raising campaigns and mobilise ethnic minorities, internally displaced women, and survivors of violence in Western Georgia, who face the systemic violation of their rights of expression and association due to the recently passed ‘Foreign Agent Law’ in the country. The support provided ultimately resulted in tangible changes in actions at the local government and media levels. In fact, two local governments municipalities requested a closer collaboration with WFS to provide trainings to their municipality members and youth on gender issues, develop a gender and equality strategy, and start a community network to support vulnerable families and children.
Additionally, media outlets expressed their intent to publicize the work of WPS and tour WPS facilities. It also stated its commitment to highlight and write about the impact of WFS in their community.
Emergency Support to LGBT+ HRDs and Indigenous Women at risk
Many individual HRDs working on gender issues also benefited from ProtectDefenders.eu emergency grant support amid increasing threats due to their identities and human rights work.
This was the case of two psychologists and LGBTQ+ activists, who faced constant threats from homophobic individuals, law enforcement and state scrutiny. Thanks to the support received, they were able to evade immediate harm, diminish personal risks, and secure mental and physical respite. Despite challenges such as adjusting travel plans due to unexpected hikes in ticket prices and navigating unfamiliar legal documentation, they also managed to temporally relocate to Portugal. This move enhanced their ability to assess and manage risks in the future, as well as to persist in their support for the LGBT community through online consultations, even amid intensified legal persecution.
Their experience underscores that a holistic approach to security—encompassing relocation, transportation, and family support—is critical for activists’ safety. The assistance received has been pivotal, enabling them to navigate and bolster their security through community resources and specialized training. In summary, the grant has been crucial in ensuring their safety and enabling the continuation of their activism, which remains essential amid repressive conditions, guaranteeing that they can continue offering aid to the commun.
The activists now operate with renewed vigor, less fear, and greater clarity, which in turn benefits the individuals they assist. The ability to continue their advocacy from a position of safety is critical for their ongoing work, making a tangible difference in the lives of those they support.
A case of similar support is the one related to a woman human rights defender and indigenous leader in Colombia. In this case, the protection enabled the defender to continue her work to protect the collective rights and security of her community, as well as to advocate for corporate accountability, while foregrounding the experiences and analysis of Indigenous women leaders and defenders.
Within the framework of ProtectDefenders.eu, ESCR-Net’s System of Solidarity (SOS) coordinated with one of our main Consortium partners Front Line Defenders to provide much-needed support for her temporary internal relocation with family members. By removing the WHRD from the situation of risk, the temporary internal relocation enabled a period of recovery, as the threats and attacks on her community had been adversely impacting her physical and mental health. Simultaneously, the regional relocation allowed the WHRD to return to her wider human rights work rooted in her community. She is determined not to leave her community again, and this move would bring her some protection in combination with other measures.
Our Mechanism also facilitated the WHRD’s participation at the eighth session of the Intergovernmental Working Group mandated to draft a binding treaty on business and human rights (October 2022), where she was able to raise the rights violations occurring in Colombia and join collective advocacy for greater corporate regulation and effective remedy. Building on her leadership last year, she was once again involved in ongoing regional treaty advocacy in 2023.
Our Continued Commitment to Gender Equality
These success stories illustrate the critical importance of gender-sensitive approaches in defending human rights. ProtectDefenders.eu’s tailored strategies, combining emergency support, capacity building, and advocacy, empower defenders to continue their essential work despite significant risks. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of gender-diverse individuals and marginalized groups, the organization enables tangible progress in advancing gender rights and addressing systemic injustices. Through collaboration with local communities, media, and international platforms, ProtectDefenders.eu not only protects individuals but also strengthens the broader human rights ecosystem, ensuring that marginalised voices advocating for equality and justice are amplified and sustained.
