WOMEN / GIRLS' HUMAN RIGHTS

Women/girls' human rights

Women fighting discrimination are particularly vulnerable to gender-based harassment, stigmatisation and violence (including sexual violence, rape and death), whether from the State or from their own families and communities.

These women may be protecting land from expropriation by mining and agricultural projects, calling out injustices, corruption and social exclusion, demanding clean water, or standing up for the full enjoyment of women’s and girls' rights in the face of religious fundamentalism. Whatever their cause, the work of women human rights defenders challenges discriminatory legal frameworks, social norms and gender stereotypes and puts them at risk. Providing the much-needed medical assistance, psycho-social support, legal counselling, urgent relocation or financial help to their family members are key to survive emergencies.