Women human rights defenders (WHRDs) are at the forefront of movements for dignity, justice, and equality around the world. They challenge discrimination, expose abuses, and demand accountability-pushing for change across climate justice, democracy, peacebuilding, and beyond. Their leadership is shaping more just and inclusive societies.
But while WHRDs drive progress, they do so under mounting threat.
Fifty-seven per cent of organizations surveyed globally report rising risks for WHRDs and activists. In 2024, OHCHR documented the killings of 56 WHRDs, journalists, and trade unionists in conflict-affected countries-a number that likely underrepresents the real toll. Shrinking civic space, rising authoritarianism, and deep cuts to funding are eroding the foundations WHRDs rely on. In many places, their work is criminalized or delegitimized. Gender-based threats, from physical violence to online attacks, remain rampant. Nearly one in four countries now reports backlash against women's rights.
And yet-WHRDs continue to speak out, organize, and lead. Their courage fuels change.
Evidence shows that WHRDs are among the most powerful drivers of gender equality. From grassroots organizing to global advocacy, their efforts-alongside feminist, youth, indigenous, and human rights movements-have been pivotal in securing protections against violence and advancing women's rights around the world.
At a time when human rights commitments are being selectively upheld or rolled back, WHRDs do not waver. Today, we echo the Human Rights Council resolution and the Secretary-General's Clarion Call: WHRDs must be protected. UN Women is proud to work across the UN system and with civil society partners to strengthen accountability, protection, and support for WHRDs as a collective moral responsibility.
Our collective task is clear. We call on Member States to amplify the voices and expertise of WHRDs, adopt laws and policies that protect them and their civic space, ensure accountability for those who target or harm them, and increase flexible, direct funding for WHRDs and their organizations.
Without women human rights defenders, progress falters. UN Women stands with them.
