In 2021, Cordaid, Peace Brigades International, and WO=MEN published the Recommendations for the Protection of Women Human Rights Defenders, offering practical strategies for diplomatic missions. These recommendations have been recently reviewed, resulting in a concise summary of key findings, challenges, and updated recommendations.
Moderator Kiza Magendane (left) with speakers Tsano (human rights defender from Zimbabwe), Sabina Atzei (Cordaid), and Marrit Maij (MEP) at the panel discussion on Women Human Rights Defenders at Afrikadag 2024.
The recommendations aim to foster an environment where Women Human Rights Defenders can carry out their critical work with adequate support, addressing gender-specific risks and responsibilities.
Key Recommendations:
- Enhance Embassy Support Mechanisms: Strengthen tools used by Dutch embassies to assist Women Human Rights Defenders, such as referrals, access to resources, and the provision of safe spaces.
- Address Emerging Threats: Tackle rising challenges like digital harassment and increasing backlash against gender equality. Robust and effective support for Women Human Rights Defenders is essential in a shrinking global civic space.
- Localise Protection Strategies: Through Just Future, Cordaid and its partners collaborate with Dutch missions to develop locally tailored and context-specific protection measures.
- Sustain Advocacy Efforts: WO=MEN, PBI, and Cordaid continue to raise awareness and advocate for prioritising gender-responsive strategies to safeguard Women Human Rights Defenders.
Download and read the review document
These insights were highlighted at the recent Afrikadag 2024 event, featuring a human rights defender from Zimbabwe and Yeno Suzan Lemi from the South Sudan Country Office. The panel discussion underscored the importance of advancing gender-responsive support.