Women human rights defenders (WHRDs) face incredible threats and violence as a result of their work to promote human rights, gender equality, environmental justice and democracy. They are often targets for violence and intimidation by state and non-state actors who view their work as a threat to traditional social structures and gender roles. WHRDs often face gender specific threats, including sexist verbal abuse, rape and other forms of sexual violence. Attacks against them may also include attacks on their family members, including their children.
To learn more about the risks WHRDs face and the contexts in which they live, check out our new primer HERE.